Do you know your numbers?

As part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership, iGPC is getting behind September’s ‘Know Your Numbers!’ – the blood pressure awareness-raising campaign.

High blood pressure is responsible for half of all heart attacks and strokes in the UK, but due to a lack of symptoms, it remains under-detected.

There are around 76,000 people diagnosed with high blood pressure in Liverpool, and an estimated 31,000 “missing” people
that do not know they have high blood pressure.

Blood pressure readings include a diastolic (lower) and systolic (upper) number as the heart
pumps blood around the body; the higher the numbers, the harder your heart is working.

The ideal range is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80 mmHg – high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher; or 150/90mmHg or higher if you are aged over 80. 

How to ‘Know Your Numbers!’

It's recommended that all adults over 40 should have their blood pressure tested at least every five years, so any potential problems can be detected early.

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s important to have your blood pressure tested more regularly – ideally once a year.

• Community pharmacies are able to offer a free blood pressure check for people aged over 40 and residents are being encouraged to contact their local pharmacy to arrange a time to pop in for a check. The appointment will include lifestyle advice
  and referral to GP if the reading is abnormal.
• Some patients may be invited to attend the GP Practice or community pharmacy for a blood pressure check and a medication review. Patients aged 40 -74 are also encouraged to attend for their NHS Health Check
  when they are invited.
• Blood pressure can be checked at home using a home blood pressure monitor.
• Liverpool City Council is also partnering with hospitals, employers and community organisations to offer free blood pressure checks to staff and residents in venues across the city.

They will also be talking to people about the things that you can do to lower your blood pressure, and keep it low such as:
• quitting smoking,
• reducing salt intake,
• maintaining a healthy weight,
• being active and
• cutting back on alcohol and caffeine.

#HappyHearts