Know Your Numbers: Everything you need to know about blood pressure and how to avoid the Silent Killer

Know Your Numbers is a national campaign that raises awareness of the risks associated with high blood pressure. Each year, in a nationwide event during the second week in September (Know Your Numbers Week http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home), drop-in stations are set up to encourage people to get their blood pressure tested.

Here at Choose Occupational Health, we are huge advocates for raising awareness of conditions that can affect your health & well-being. Especially ones that can be easily prevented if you just have a little bit of knowledge. So, with that in mind, we thought we’d explain a little more about those elusive figures and encourage everyone, everywhere to KNOW YOUR NUMBERS!

Let’s start with the basics.

What is blood pressure?

Our hearts pump blood around our bodies in order to give us the oxygen and energy that we need to survive. As it travels through our blood vessels, the blood pushes against the walls, and this is what is known as blood pressure.

Blood pressure can be low, normal or high.

In 2018 NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) revised its guidance and for someone who is not being treated for hypertension a normal blood pressure of less than 120mmHG for the systolic and less than 80mmHG for the diastolic is considered normal.

High blood pressure, sometimes called hypertension, can have serious consequences.

Low blood pressure, sometimes known as hypotension, is usually not serious but can cause dizziness and fainting in some people.

The risks

As your blood pressure increases, so does the strain on your arteries and organs. It can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

It is also a risk factor in other serious conditions such as heart disease, kidney failure and vascular dementia.

Research shows that high blood pressure causes 60% of all strokes and 40% of all heart attacks.

Why is it so dangerous?

Often called the Silent Killer, high blood pressure has no symptoms so many people are unaware they have it.

The only way that you can know is to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

1 in 3 people in the UK have high blood pressure but up to a third remain undiagnosed and untreated.

What is the test like?

A device called a sphygmomanometer is used. It sounds a lot scarier and more complicated than it is. It is usually a stethoscope, an arm cuff, pump and dial but some digital kits are now in use. You will be asked to sit down, with uncrossed legs and exposed arms. The cuff will be wrapped around your upper arm and you should try and stay relaxed. The cuff will be pumped up to restrict the blood flow. This may be a little uncomfortable but is not painful and only lasts a few seconds. Blood pressure is measured with two different numbers, shown one on top of the other. The top figure is known as systolic blood pressure. This is the highest level that your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic blood pressure. This is the lowest level that your blood pressure reaches as it relaxes in between beats. Results are instant.

Where can I get it done?

At your GP, at pharmacies, as part of your NHS health check and in some workplaces. You can also home test with a home blood pressure monitor.

How often should I get it done?

The NHS recommend that anyone over 40 should get checked at least once every 5 years.

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight and long-term sleep deprivation. Risk increases with age and if the condition is prevalent in your family history. Being of African or Caribbean heritage also increases risk.

Is there any good news?

Absolutely. High blood pressure is one of the most treatable and preventable conditions.

Follow our tips to help prevent and lower high blood pressure.

Simple lifestyle changes can help. Try to:

  • Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Read our blog on how to eat healthier while you are at work.
  • Reduce the amount of salt you eat.
  • Limit your alcohol intake.
  • Maintain a healthy weight or lose a few pounds if you need to.
  • Take regular exercise and increase activity. At least 30 minutes a day if possible. Read our blog on how to squeeze exercise into your busy working life.
  • Reduce caffeine intake and drink more water.
  • Quit smoking (or continue not to!) Read our blog for quitting tips.
  • Get at least 6 hours sleep every night.
  • Take medication properly if you are prescribed it by your doctor.

If you are an employer and would like help to raise awareness of the Silent Killer within your workforce, please contact us on 01228 513687 and one of our friendly team can talk to you about how we can help. We offer health promotion days that can be delivered on-site, as well as health surveillance services.