February is Heart Month – a yearly campaign highlighting heart disease and ways to reduce your risk. Data shows that over 34% of Lambeth adults have higher than average blood pressure. Left untreated it can be fatal. Residents are therefore invited to have your blood pressure measured at your local community pharmacy.
Why is high blood pressure a concern?
High blood pressure has no symptoms. But if it remains persistently high it can increase your risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions such as kidney disease, heart attacks and stroke.
Who’s at risk?
There are several things that could put you at greater risk of high blood pressure, They include being overweight, eating too much salt, not doing enough exercise, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or drinks with caffeine, being under a lot of stress or having a relative with high blood pressure.
All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
Some people from African, African-Caribbean or South Asian heritage may have high blood pressure at a younger age and are encouraged to get their blood pressure checked at an earlier. age
Which pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks?
Having your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy is quick and easy and often doesn’t require an appointment. Find a local pharmacy that can test your blood pressure for free.
Where else can I get my blood pressure checked?
There are many other quick and easy ways to get your blood pressure checked in Lambeth. Visit your GP, the Lambeth Together Health and Wellbeing Bus (on selected days) or you can even monitor your blood pressure at home. Find out more.
How can I prevent or reduce high blood pressure?
High blood pressure can often be prevented or reduced by eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking. More information on reducing and preventing high blood pressure.
Tackling high blood pressure in Lambeth
Lambeth Together aims to support people to lead healthy lives, to detect health conditions early and empower people to manage their conditions and avoid complications. Raising awareness of the importance of regular blood pressure testing for people aged over 40 is one of Lambeth health and care partners’ priorities.
More about Lambeth Together’s work to tackle high blood pressure.
