Home blood pressure monitors should be made available on prescription to anyone who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure to help save the maximum number of lives from strokes and heart disease as well as reducing the number of routine GP visits – says charity, Blood Pressure UK to mark Know Your Numbers! Week (7th-13th September).
With 10 million deaths per year are attributed to high blood pressure worldwide by getting the nation’s blood pressure under control via home monitoring and medication many thousands of lives could be saved from a stroke or heart disease.
Whilst the NHS already provides glucose monitors on prescription to patients living with diabetes to measure their blood sugar and help reduce the adverse effects of the condition, a similar approach (i.e. offering home blood pressure monitors on prescription) should be taken by the Government for those most at risk of high blood pressure.
Professor Graham MacGregor, Chairman of Blood Pressure UK says: “As an individual, having your blood pressure checked is the most important step that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure.
“This is why we are calling for home monitors to be available to those most in need on prescription, especially at a time when appointments with GPs and nurses are restricted which may prolong getting your blood pressure checked. It could just save your life.”
Katharine Jenner – CEO of Blood Pressure UK adds: “High blood pressure can cause damage to your brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys, and kills thousands of people every year in the UK through heart attacks and strokes, yet is almost entirely preventable and treatable.
“High blood pressure costs the NHS over £2.1 billon every year and right now it is vital we take the pressure off the health service. High blood pressure develops over the course of several years, but you can immediately put yourself in control by taking steps to lower it by eating less salt, taking more exercise or maintaining a healthy weight.”
Facts about blood pressure from Blood Pressure UK:
• High blood pressure has no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way to find out if you have the condition is to have a blood pressure check.
• Untreated high blood pressure is the major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. It is also a major risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.
• A healthy blood pressure is a level of 120/80mmHg or less.
• A blood pressure of 121/81mmHg to 139/89mmHg is on the high side and lifestyle changes such as eating less salt, more fruit and veg and losing weight if necessary should be advised.
• If readings are consistently at or above 140/90mmHg, high blood pressure is diagnosed, and action should be taken to lower it by leading a healthier lifestyle, and, if necessary, by taking medication as directed by your doctor.
Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Top five tips for a healthy blood pressure’:
1. Cut down on salt – Reducing your salt intake it the quickest way to lower your blood pressure. Don’t add it when cooking or at the table, avoid using stock cubes, gravy and soy sauce, check food labels and avoid processed foods high in salt – aim to eat less than 6g a day.
2. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day.
3. Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.
4. Exercise regularly – that doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal. If you are unsure about taking up exercise, ask your GP.
5. Drink alcohol in moderation – up to 14 units a week for both men and women – a glass of wine or a pint of beer is 2-3 units.
