Millions urged to get blood pressure checks as NHS launches new campaign to stop ‘silent killer’
MILLIONS of people will be urged to get their blood pressure checked as the NHS launches a new campaign tomorrow.
High blood pressure has been called the “silent killer” and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Up to 4.2million people in England are thought to have the condition without knowing it.
The Get Your Blood Pressure Checked campaign encourages adults over 40 to have the check done at their local pharmacy — free of charge, without an appointment.
The NHS has expanded its offering to include 2.5million more tests within pharmacies.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty said: “High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health consequences.
“The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a simple, non-invasive blood pressure test.
“Even if you are diagnosed, the good news is that it’s usually easily treatable.
“Getting your blood pressure checked at a local pharmacy is free, quick and you don’t even need an appointment, so please go for a check today – it could save your life.”
Public Health minister Andrea Leadsom said: “Knowing if you have a healthy blood pressure is so important and this new drive will help to prevent the potentially fatal consequences of untreated high blood pressure.”
“I urge people to go to their local pharmacy today to get their blood pressure checked. It could be a lifesaving trip.”