High blood pressure, often called the ‘silent killer,’ frequently has no symptoms, allowing it to go undetected. An estimated 88,000 people across mid and south Essex are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, unknowingly putting themselves at increased risk of life-threatening illnesses including cardiovascular disease.
To combat this hidden health risk, NHS Mid and South Essex is launching the ‘Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger’ campaign to encourage regular blood pressure checks. Health professionals are advising people to “take a sec to check” as even small reductions in blood pressure have been shown to significantly lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
Regular blood pressure checks are simple and quick to get in most local pharmacies across mid and south Essex, ensuring that everyone has access to this potentially life-saving information. If you are aged 40 or over and have not had your blood pressure checked in the last five years, visit your local pharmacy for a free NHS test. Trained pharmacy staff are ready to help and in most pharmacies you don’t need to book an appointment.
High blood pressure is often called the ‘invisible danger‘ because you can feel invincible while it silently affects your health. It’s quick and painless to get checked, just five minutes at your local pharmacy could give you vital information about your heart’s health. In most pharmacies you don’t need an appointment, just pop in, and we’ll help you understand your numbers.
Why wait for a problem when you can prevent one? We’re here in your community, ready to help you take this simple but crucial step toward better health.
– Baba Akomolafe, of Christchurch Pharmacy in Braintree, Essex, emphasised the importance of getting checked.
Motivated by family history, Dean from Rochford discovered he had elevated blood pressure during a routine check. His proactive approach led to early medication and lifestyle management.
Dean advises: “Get checked as blood pressure issues can affect anyone.”
I have worked closely with the pharmacist at my GP practice to control my blood pressure through medication and adopting a more balanced lifestyle, including eating more fruit and less processed foods.
– Michael from Maldon, who was also diagnosed with high blood pressure agrees, and recommends getting advice from a pharmacist.
People may be at higher risk of high blood pressure if they:
- Are aged 40 or over
- Have close relatives with high blood pressure
- Are of Black African, Black Caribbean, or South Asian background
- Have an unhealthy diet, especially one high in salt
- Are overweight
- Smoke
- Drink too much alcohol
- Experience long-term stress
For more information about blood pressure and your health, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
With the third-highest rate of undetected high blood pressure in the East of England, Heart Month provides the perfect opportunity to launch this vital initiative across mid and south Essex. Many people feel perfectly healthy while their blood pressure is elevated, which is why regular checks are so important. Early detection and management can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
– Neil Magee, System Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Health at NHS Mid and South Essex
Find out more about high blood pressure and the Invincible Feeling Invisible Danger campaign:
Managing Your Blood Pressure