Residents urged to get high blood pressure checks
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have encouraged residents from across the region to get their blood pressure checked after concerning estimates were published recently, which suggested that up to 57,000 people locally may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Around thirty-two percent of adults have high blood pressure (hypertension) across England with a figure between twenty-nine to forty-three percent remaining undiagnosed, according to national data. This equates to approximately 4.2 million adults who may be unaware they have the condition.
Local data shows over 280,000 people have a diagnosis of high blood pressure in Hampshire and Isle of Wight. However, national data indicates a gap between diagnosed cases and expected prevalence, suggesting that tens of thousands of people in the area may have high blood pressure without knowing.
High blood pressure, often called the ‘silent killer’, rarely shows any noticeable symptoms but can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and dementia if left unmanaged. Regular blood pressure monitoring is one of the simplest and most effective ways to detect problems early and prevent serious health complications.
To make checks more accessible, community pharmacies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight offer quick, convenient blood pressure readings without the need for an appointment. Trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can measure blood pressure and provide guidance on next steps. Around 7,500 people a month currently use this service at pharmacies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to check their blood pressure.
Chief Pharmacist at NHS Hampshire & IoW, Neil Hardy, stated: Many people don’t realise their blood pressure is high until complications arise. By offering easy access to blood pressure checks, pharmacies play an important role in helping people stay informed and take control of their health. In addition to screenings, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can help explain results, offer lifestyle guidance, and recommend follow-up appointments with a GP if needed.”
If blood pressure is found to be high, it may be suggested to have an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is when your blood pressure is automatically measured by a device at regular points as you go through your normal daily life. Measurements are taken regularly for up to 24 hours.
Residents are encouraged to visit their local pharmacy to have their blood pressure checked and make monitoring a regular part of their health routine. They can further borrow a blood pressure monitor from their local library and this service is available at forty branches across the area as seen here. Readers can see more information about high blood pressure here.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Medical professional helps a resident to check their blood pressure and the trust have urged others to get theirs monitored for undiagnosed high blood pressure.
