Almost 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and up to five million are unaware they are living with a “silent killer”. The condition can increase risk of deadly heart problems but often has no symptoms. Dr Pauline Swift, chair of Blood Pressure UK, told the Express that knowing your blood pressure numbers is “one of the simplest and most important things you can do to protect your health”.
She added: “High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, but it is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease, so the only way to know if your blood pressure is raised is to check it.” Blood pressure checks are often offered at GP surgeries, pharmacies and in some workplaces. However, you can also check it quickly at home with the right equipment and method.
Dr Pauline said: “Home blood pressure monitors are widely available and easy to use. You can buy them directly from manufacturers, from local pharmacies, larger pharmacy chains such as Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy, or online retailers including Amazon and John Lewis.
“The most important thing is to choose a clinically validated monitor, ideally one listed by the British and Irish Hypertension Society. Kinetik Wellbeing is one example of a good, clinically validated option, with monitors approved by the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BHIS).”
Standard digital home blood pressure monitors consist of a cuff connected to a machine. The device automatically inflates and deflates the cuff, and displays your readings on a digital screen.
The correct technique is vital to ensure an accurate reading. Small mistakes in the way you sit, how you use the equipment and what you do before a test can artificially increase or decrease your numbers.
Dr Swift said: “To get an accurate reading, sit quietly for five minutes, keep your feet flat on the floor, rest your arm at heart height, and avoid caffeine, smoking, eating or exercise for around 30 minutes beforehand. Place the cuff on your upper arm, keep still and quiet, and take two or three readings one to two minutes apart.”
The British Heart Foundation also recommends checking that the cuff fits snugly around your upper arm, with just enough space to slide two fingers underneath.
Once you have a reading, you can check if your blood pressure is in the normal range. Dr Swift explained: “The top number is your systolic pressure, when your heart pumps blood around the body. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure, when your heart relaxes between beats.
“A home reading of 135/85mmHg or above is generally considered high. One high reading is not usually a cause for panic, but if readings remain high over time, speak to your GP or nurse.
“If your reading is extremely high, or you have symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, weakness or signs of a stroke, seek urgent medical help.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
