NHS Mid and South Essex is raising awareness about regular blood pressure checks.
High blood pressure has no symptoms and can cause serious heart and circulatory illnesses.
Take five minutes out of your day to get checked.
Peter, 79, from Brentwood, has monitored his blood pressure for over a decade. He shares his story:
“During a routine visit, my GP advised that my blood pressure was high. He said this could raise my chances of having a stroke.
“At the time I was already taking medicine to balance my cholesterol levels. I was quite worried. My GP put me on blood pressure medicine straight away and changed my cholesterol medicine.
“He said I should get my blood pressure checked once a year at the practice. He also suggested I take a few at home blood pressure readings to bring along to my reviews.
“After a few attempts with different home monitoring kits, I found a suitable one. Sometimes my GP asks for a week’s worth of readings but, if not, I track my blood pressure when it works for me. It is quite straightforward. One tip is to check each arm a few minutes apart to help make sure readings are correct.
“Home monitoring has helped reassure me that I’m on track with managing my blood pressure. Taking my own readings really helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found my blood pressure readings were raised during a routine check. I sent some readings to my GP, and they amended my medicines.
“Recently, my blood pressure seems to read a bit low for my age. I’m going to see the practice pharmacist to check my medicines and dosage are correct.
“Following a healthy lifestyle, such as good diet and exercise, is important to me. I want to keep my independence and stay healthy so I can travel locally, volunteer and enjoy my garden.
“If you haven’t thought about checking your blood pressure before, go to your local pharmacy or your GP. If your reading is high, take steps to manage it through exercise and a good diet. A Mediterranean diet is ideal.
“Checking your blood pressure at home also means you can contact your GP if it doesn’t improve. You can then discuss your next steps.”
For more information about blood pressure and your health, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Find out more about high blood pressure at the NHS Mid and South Essex Invincible Feeling Invisible Danger page.
Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger