One Gloucestershire health and care partners are supporting the Blood Pressure UK campaign, Know Your Numbers, all year round in a bid to reduce heart attacks and stroke.
High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attacks and stroke. Around one in three adults have high blood pressure, but many don’t realise it because it often doesn’t have any symptoms until it’s too late.
The Outreach Vaccination and Health team have delivered more than 1,250 BP checks at community drop-in events over the last 10 months, with almost 150 of those people referred to their GP practice, either due to their blood pressure results or other reasons which came up during health checks.
The Know Your Numbers campaign urges everyone, particularly those aged 40 and over, to get a blood pressure (BP) check to find out their numbers and start making healthy lifestyle changes or taking medicines if needed to help bring their blood pressure down.
There are several ways for people to access a BP check, including at a local pharmacy, at a community drop-in event, or at their GP surgery. Some people may also wish to check their BP at home with a home blood pressure monitor.
The team also chat to people about simple changes they can make to their lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, improving their diet or increasing exercise and signposting to further support if needed.
Find out more about the Know Your Numbers campaign in Gloucestershire and how to access a BP check.