NHS urges people across Sussex to check their blood pressure during awareness week

People across Sussex are being encouraged to check their blood pressure as part of a national campaign aimed at reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Know Your Numbers Week runs from 7 to 13 September and is led by Blood Pressure UK to raise awareness of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

NHS Surrey and Sussex is using the campaign to encourage people to understand their blood pressure readings and take steps to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Latest figures show 73.6% of people with hypertension across Surrey and Sussex – 326,940 people – have been treated to their appropriate blood pressure target.

Health officials say identifying and managing high blood pressure is an important part of preventing cardiovascular disease and reducing health inequalities.

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, meaning people can have the condition without being aware of it.

Regular checks can help identify hypertension earlier, allowing people to receive advice, treatment and support before it contributes to more serious health problems.

The NHS is encouraging adults aged 40 and over to make use of free blood pressure checks available at participating community pharmacies.

People aged 40 or over in England who do not already have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, or who have not had their blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional within the past five years, may be eligible.

No GP appointment is required.

People can use the NHS website to find their nearest participating community pharmacy.

NHS Surrey and Sussex has also launched a new series of cardiovascular disease prevention videos featuring Dr Suneeta Kochhar, GP and Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.

The videos provide information and practical advice about reducing cardiovascular risk, including guidance on understanding blood pressure readings.

Dr Kochhar said: “Raised blood pressure is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Up to a third of people in the UK may be unaware that they have raised blood pressure, This is because most people do not have any symptoms. The only way to detect this is by having a blood pressure check.

“Know Your Numbers Week is a great opportunity for everyone to take a moment to check their blood pressure and understand what their numbers mean. If you’re aged 40 or over, you can access a free NHS blood pressure check at participating community pharmacies, without needing a GP appointment.

“We also want to make it easier for people to understand their cardiovascular health and the steps they can take to reduce their risk. Our new CVD prevention videos, including one focused on understanding your blood pressure provides information that can be used alongside practical support from your GP surgery or community pharmacy.

“Knowing your numbers - just like you know your height and weight - can help you take steps to protect your health and live a longer, healthier life.”

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