Know Your Numbers Week (Blood Pressure UK) 2024
Know Your Numbers! Week reaches those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.
With the everyday pressures of life, understanding why it’s important to know your blood pressure numbers and taking the time to get them measured isn’t always a priority. However, did you know that getting a blood pressure check is the first step to preventing heart attacks and strokes?
Your blood pressure is very important no matter your age. High blood pressure is not simply a part of growing old. You can take steps to know your numbers and lower them if it’s high no matter how old you are.
NHS Sussex blood pressure information
Home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep blood pressure under control and the evidence behind it continues to get stronger. It offers a way for YOU to take control of your health, feel confident, and take the pressure off the NHS at the same time. It gives you a practical way to Know Your Numbers! without visiting your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist in person. It puts you in the driver's seat, and it really can save lives.
6 top tips to reduce your blood pressure (BHF):
- Regular physical activity – Try to do some moderate-intensity activity every day and build up to at least 150 minutes per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more.
- Keep to a healthy weight – For some people, losing weight is all they need to do to get their blood pressure down to a normal level.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet – Use the Eatwell plate to guide the proportions you include from each food group. In particular, include a variety of fruit and vegetables.
- Cut down on salt – Don’t cook with salt or add any to your food at the table, and cut down on processed foods, which contain a lot of salt.
- Don’t drink too much – If you drink alcohol, stick within the recommended limits. No more than 3–4 units a day for men and no more than 2–3 for women.
- Take medications as prescribed – Most people will need to take more than one type of medicine to control their blood pressure. Don’t stop taking your medication without consulting with your GP first.
