We are supporting a new national campaign by the NHS to find the ‘missing millions’ of people with undiagnosed high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, often referred to as the “silent killer,” affects an estimated 30% of adults. Because the disease has few symptoms, three in 10 people remain undiagnosed, equating to up to 4.2 million people in the UK. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to fatal heart attacks and strokes, as well as other diseases such as kidney disease and vascular dementia.

To ensure these ‘missing people’ are found, the NHS has announced that it will carry out an additional 2.5 million blood pressure tests in local pharmacies over the next two years, with people over 40 eligible for free blood pressure tests at participating pharmacies. I am calling on you to receive it. . Blood pressure testing is quick, non-invasive, and does not require an appointment.

In a bid to encourage more over-40s to get potentially life-saving blood pressure tests, a new ad claims high blood pressure remains a mystery due to a lack of ‘clues’ and ‘insufficient evidence’. The main character is a fictional detective who struggles to solve the problem.

The campaign is supported by TV pundit and former footballer Graham Souness, who suffered a heart attack due to high blood pressure, and TV presenter and broadcaster Gloria Hunniford, whose father and husband both suffered strokes. ing.

The ‘Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ campaign supports the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to prevent 150,000 strokes, heart attacks and dementia over 10 years by raising awareness and diagnosis of high blood pressure.

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Our Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, Professor Brian Williams, British Empire University, said: Although there are usually no symptoms, the risk of life-threatening heart attack, heart failure, and stroke can be significantly increased.

Worryingly, up to 4.2 million people in the UK may have high blood pressure and not know it. However, high blood pressure is usually easily treatable, so it’s important to get yourself checked. Blood pressure testing is very simple and easy. Please go to the pharmacy and get tested. It could save your life. ”

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