Pendle people are being urged by their local MP, Andrew Stephenson, to take part in Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Number! Week which starts on Monday – and undertake a free blood pressure check which might save their life.
This year, the charity’s campaign aim is to highlight that there are eight million people in the UK that are living with high blood pressure but not being treated for it – both young and old – putting them at risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Statistics from last year’s Week found that 11% of 16-24 year olds and 17% of 25-34 year olds had high blood pressure and around a quarter of all younger men had a high normal blood pressure.
Katharine Jenner, Chief Executive Officer at Blood Pressure UK, said: “16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, but worryingly only half of them are aware of this and are being treated. These missing millions are a ticking time bomb, putting themselves at high risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.
“However, luckily, if detected high blood pressure can be successfully managed and returned to a healthy level which is why we are urging people of all ages to go along to our ‘pressure stations’ next week and to get to know their numbers.
“Our results from last year showed only 29% of people aged 16-34 knew their blood pressure numbers compared to 38% aged over 55, so we still have a lot of work to do. Every adult should know their most vital statistic - their blood pressure!”
More than 1,000 official stations will be open during the week and more than 50,000 people are expected to get their blood pressure checked.
To find your nearest, check visit http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/kyn/Home/Freebpchecks/Findfreecheck