Know Your Numbers

Every September, Know Your Numbers! Week serves as a vital national campaign to combat what doctors call the "silent killer"— high blood pressure. This year the event runs from the 7th to the 13th of September, organised by Blood Pressure UK. The mission is urgent and stark: millions of adults across the country are living with undiagnosed hypertension. Because hypertension rarely produces obvious symptoms, it quietly damages blood vessels for years before a catastrophic event occurs.

What Do the Numbers Actually Mean?

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), and understanding them is the first step toward taking control of your health.

· Systolic Pressure (the top number): This measures the force exerted on your artery walls when your heart beats and pumps blood out into your circulation. It is the peak pressure in your system.

· Diastolic Pressure (the bottom number): This measures the pressure between beats, when your heart muscle relaxes and refills with blood. It represents the resting phase of your cardiac cycle.

An ideal blood pressure is under 120/80mmHg. Readings between 120/80 and 140/90 are considered pre-hypertensive or elevated, serving as an early warning sign that lifestyle changes may be needed. A reading of 140/90mmHg or higher (when checked by a healthcare professional) or 135/85mmHg or higher (when measured at home) is classified as high blood pressure.

Related Health Conditions

Untreated hypertension is not a standalone issue, it is a primary driver of multiple severe health conditions. The relentless pressure damages the delicate inner lining of arteries, making them stiff and narrow. This significantly increases your risk of:

· Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs): Weakened blood vessels in the brain can rupture or become blocked by clots.

· Heart Attack and Heart Failure: Your heart must work harder to pump blood, causing the muscle to thicken and eventually weaken.

· Kidney Disease: The kidneys rely on healthy blood flow to filter waste; hypertension impairs this function.

· Vascular Dementia: Reduced blood flow to the brain damages cognitive function over time.

· Peripheral Arterial Disease: Narrowed arteries in the legs can cause pain and mobility issues.

Where Can You Get Checked?

Knowing your numbers is simple, free, and widely accessible:

· Free Pharmacy Checks: Most high-street pharmacies, including Boots, Lloyds, and independent chemists, offer free NHS blood pressure checks for adults aged 40 and over. No appointment is typically required, just walk in and ask.

· GP Surgeries: You can also book a check with your practice nurse or doctor as part of an NHS Health Check if you are aged 40–74.

· Home Monitoring: This is the most convenient way to track your health over time. You can purchase a reliable home monitor from pharmacies, supermarkets, or online retailers for around £20 to £40. For accuracy, always choose a model validated by the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) and ensure it uses an upper-arm cuff rather than a wrist or finger device. For the most reliable results, take two readings morning and evening, and always rest for at least five minutes beforehand.

This September, take just ten minutes to check your blood pressure. It is a small act that could add years to your life—and life to your years.

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