NHS Oxfordshire urges residents to 'know their numbers'
It's in a campaign aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can be minimised by regularly checking blood pressure
The NHS in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) is encouraging residents to check their blood pressure as part of the national Know Your Numbers Week campaign.
Led by Blood Pressure UK, the annual initiative aims to raise awareness of high blood pressure – often described as a “silent killer” – and to highlight how simple checks can prevent serious illness.
Free blood pressure checks are being offered at participating community pharmacies across the BOB area for people aged 40 and over.
Anyone with a raised reading will be advised on next steps, which may include an appointment at their GP surgery.
People under 40 who are concerned can also request a check via their GP or, at the pharmacist’s discretion, in-store.
Dr Heike Veldtman, Cardiovascular Disease Lead for the BOB Integrated Care Board, said: “High blood pressure is a very common condition that can have very serious consequences if left untreated. Most people who have it may not even be aware. The good news is however that it is completely treatable. It starts with being aware and knowing your numbers.”
She explained that uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes, contributing to around a quarter of all deaths in the UK.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK - 80% of these cardiovascular deaths are considered premature and this is dying before the age of 75,” she said.
This year’s campaign is also focusing on reaching an estimated five million people in the UK aged 18 to 64 who may unknowingly have high blood pressure.
“You can actually have hypertension without feeling unwell. So lots of people are walking out there having high blood pressure and not being aware of it,” Dr Veldtman said.
Risk factors include being overweight, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use and family history of cardiovascular disease.
Certain ethnic minority groups, as well as people living in more deprived areas, are also disproportionately affected.
Lifestyle changes such as being more active, reducing salt intake, eating smaller portions, drinking less alcohol and stopping smoking can all help lower blood pressure.
“Whatever you’re doing and you enjoy doing, do it a little more,” Dr Veldtman advised. “Well controlled blood pressure saves lives.”
Accessible checks are key to prevention. Alongside pharmacy checks, blood pressure machines for home use are now widely available and NHS Health Checks include a blood pressure measurement every five years for those aged 40 to 74.
In addition, some libraries and community events across the region offer checks.
Dr Veldtman stressed the wider impact of prevention on the health service.
“The cost that has been associated with cardiovascular events is some £2.1 billion a year that the NHS spends. There’s huge opportunities. And I would love for our communities to help the NHS and that is what help would look like – know your numbers.”