7.6 million people in the UK are living with a heart or circulatory condition.
An estimated five million people are also living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Also referred to as hypertension, it's known as the silent killer, because it often has no symptoms but leads to heart attacks, strokes and other serious health conditions if left untreated.
That's why we are encouraging you to 'Know Your Numbers' so that you know where you stand and you can take action if you need to.
You'll find lots of information on heart health and blood pressure by visiting the websites of the British Heart Foundation and Blood Pressure UK.
Measuring your blood pressure at home
We encourage people to check their blood pressure at home for a more accurate reading. It is often more reliable than getting it checked at a hospital clinic or at your GP practice, as people tend to be more relaxed in their own surroundings. If you need help to know how to do this accurately you can watch this video
You may find our poster useful. Click on the image on the right to download it.
You can even take this heart health quiz to check your heart health and see what your risk factor might be.
Where else can I check my blood pressure?
Many GP practices now have blood pressure machines in their reception/waiting areas.
If yours does, you can see how to use it by watching the video on the left.
How can local community pharmacies help?
Some community pharmacies across England offer an NHS blood pressure check service to people over 40, as an easy and convenient way for you to get your blood pressure checked.
If you are found to have a confirmed high blood pressure reading, the pharmacist can follow up with further monitoring, over a 24-hour period, and urgently refer you for further treatment if it should be needed.
Your blood pressure readings are sent to your GP from the community pharmacy, so your records can be updated and appropriate action taken.
There is a national website which helps you find your closest pharmacy offering this service.
What do my readings tell me?
If your blood pressure readings, from any setting, are consistently above 140/90mmHg you may have high blood pressure and should contact your GP practice for a review. High blood pressure can be treated by making a few lifestyle changes and you may be prescribed medication.
You can also enter your blood pressure reading onto a special NHS webpage to get more information and advice.
What can I do to make a change?
There are lots of simple changes you can make to improve your blood pressure, from diet, to exercise and other lifestyle factors.
The British Heart Foundation can tell you more about these and the NHS Better Health website can support you in making those changes.
If you are keen to make a change there is plenty of support out there for you. The Better Heath website gives great tips on healthy diet and ways you can move more. It can also help you if you are looking to drink less.
Our dedicated Quit Smoking pages will tell what services are available to you locally to help you quit.
The Every Mind Matters website has lots of advice, hints and tips on how you can better look after your mental health, de-stress and improve your sleep patterns. Take the Mind Plan quiz to find out more.
