Published at 27 August, 2024 14:06.
Coffee Break September: “You have the Power”
“Know your numbers week” from Blood Pressure UK takes place every September to raise awareness about the importance of checking your blood pressure and know the risks of having high blood pressure. This can then prevent heart disease and stroke and other illnesses by getting the treatment you may need. This year from the 2nd -8th September the focus is on you having the power to test your blood pressure and the easiest way to do this is with a home blood pressure monitor. Use this online tool to help you understand your blood pressure numbers Check your blood pressure reading - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you do not have access to a home blood pressure monitor you can get a blood pressure test done at some local pharmacies, with an over 40s health check via your GP practice and some GP practices have blood pressure stations to do your own testing.
A third of people in the UK have high blood pressure but many do not know that they have it unless they check their blood pressure. There may not be one single cause of high blood pressure but a healthy lifestyle and making some changes can help. Smoking can raise the blood pressure and stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your blood pressure and your health overall.
Did you know that every cigarette smoked causes an instant rise in your blood pressure and heart rate! Smoking damages the wall of your blood vessels causing a narrowing of your arteries. Your blood can clot, and your heart is having to work much harder, putting you at risk of a heart attack and stroke. The good news is that after just 20 minutes of stopping smoking your blood pressure and heart rate returns to normal. Keep it that way by not having another cigarette!
It is important to get your Blood Pressure checked regularly every 5 years for non-smokers and annually for smokers and those with a long-term medical condition. Empower yourself and get your blood pressure tested, know your numbers and to stop smoking today! NHS Stop Smoking Service - Yorkshire Smokefree
