Join us for Know Your Numbers Week, the UK's biggest blood pressure testing and awareness campaign for a free blood pressure test! The annual event encourages people to check their blood pressure and understand what their numbers mean, helping to identify the millions of adults living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is often known as a "silent condition" because it usually has no obvious symptoms. Yet it remains one of the leading preventable causes of serious health problems, including heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure until they have it checked, which is why regular monitoring is so important.
How to get involved
If you are aged 16 or over, we will be having free drop-in sessions on Thursday 10th September from 3pm until 5pm where our team will be available to check your blood pressure for you, provide you with your blood pressure numbers and give you some helpful advice on what to do next.
What's a healthy blood pressure reading?
As a general guide, an ideal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or above is usually considered high and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Who should get checked?
Everyone can benefit from knowing their blood pressure, but it is particularly important for adults aged 40 and over, who should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Things to know before you visit
• For the most accurate reading, avoid exercise immediately before your appointment. If you've recently been active, you may be asked to sit and rest for 5 minutes before the measurement.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing or clothing that allows access to the upper arm.
• Avoid talking or using a mobile phone during the measurement.
• Arrive hydrated if possible, dehydration can result in a low reading.
Share your situation with us
Having your blood pressure checked is quick and completely pain free, with no scary needles to worry about. Our friendly team will help you feel nice and comfortable to help get the more accurate reading possible. To help us to do that, please do inform the person taking your reading if any of the options below are appropriate to you as these can lead to incorrect readings:
• Have had a mastectomy
• Have had axillary lymph node removal
• Have lymphoedema
• Are pregnant
• Have a known irregular heartbeat
Important disclaimer
Our Know Your Numbers Week blood pressure checks are an aid only and not a formal diagnosis from our staff. We’re more than happy to offer advice on healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising and healthy diets, which are both great ways to reduce your blood pressure, but a clinical professional should be sought for any concerns raised from your blood pressure check.
Our staff will encourage you to seek professional healthcare if your readings are of concern and may advise you to visit A&E if your reading is classed as a stage 3 reading and if you are displaying symptoms fitting this stage.
Got any questions?
We hope you will take the opportunity this Know Your Numbers Week to check your blood pressure with us, understand your results, and take a positive step towards a healthier future for you.
If you have any questions at all please contact us by tapping the button below.
