Nicola’s story: knowing my blood pressure numbers has made a difference to my heart health and overall wellbeing

NHS Mid and South Essex is raising awareness about the importance of regularly checking your blood pressure to help prevent serious health risks.

High blood pressure has no symptoms and can cause serious health conditions like heart attacks, strokes or kidney damage.

During Know Your Numbers Week (8-14 September), take five minutes out of your day to get checked.

Nicola, 51, from Castle Point, wants people to understand why knowing your blood pressure numbers matters.

“I have had borderline high blood pressure for a while. It’s always been on the high side when I’ve had medical treatment or seen my GP. In 2024, my practice’s nurse asked me to check it at home for a week. Some of the readings were high but I didn’t need medicine at the time.

“Later that year, I saw my GP as I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent. I have a long-term health problem called fibromyalgia. I know what feels normal for me, but this felt different. I was dizzy, and my head and eyesight felt strange.

“The first thing my GP did was check my blood pressure. It was very high even after testing it three times. We discussed medicine and spoke about my weight and how this affects my blood pressure. Being told that I needed medicine to manage my blood pressure was a wake-up call.”

Since then, Nicola has been taking regular blood pressure medicine. She has also changed her lifestyle and is more active, which has helped her lose weight, improved her heart health and overall wellbeing. She joined a local leisure centre and swims as much as she can while managing her fibromyalgia, and is walking more.

Nicola adds: “I have my own blood pressure monitor at home, which helps me to check my blood pressure. It is within a healthy range now.

“Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Don’t wait until you feel unwell as ignoring high blood pressure can be dangerous.”

Nicola’s story shows that it’s never too late to make changes.

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.