14-02-2025
'It could save your life' - Doctor urges people to get their blood pressure checked
NHS trust encourages people to get their blood pressure checked to keep an eye on their heart health.
North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) took Valentine's Day as an opportunity to urge people to look after their heart by highlighting the importance of taking your blood pressure.
More than four million people are believed to be living with undetected or untreated high blood pressure.
Dr Louise Buchanan, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director, said: "Cardiovascular disease is the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives as it is largely preventable.
"High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is underdiagnosed.
"If it is identified early then appropriate treatments can be put in place which do make a difference. That's why it is so important that everyone knows their own blood pressure numbers – if you haven't had your blood pressure taken recently make it a priority to go to one of the pharmacies or drop in events – it could save your life."
Adults over the age of 40 are encouraged to have their blood pressure tested at least every five years.
Many places including pharmacies and local GP surgeries offer blood pressure tests.
