BHF backs NHS blood pressure testing campaign

We are backing a new national campaign by the NHS to find the ‘missing millions’ who have undiagnosed high blood pressure. 

High blood pressure, often described as a ‘silent killer’, affects an estimated 30 per cent of adults. As the condition rarely has any symptoms, as many as three in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, equating to up to 4.2 million people in England. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to fatal heart attacks and strokes, and other conditions like kidney disease and vascular dementia.

To ensure these ‘missing millions’ are found, the NHS has announced an additional 2.5 million blood pressure checks in community pharmacies over the next two years, with those aged 40 years and over being urged to get a free blood pressure test at a participating pharmacy. Getting your blood pressure checked is quick, non-invasive and you don’t need to book in advance. 

To encourage more over 40s to come forward for potentially life-saving blood pressure checks, new advertising features a fictional detective struggling to solve the mystery of high blood pressure, due to a lack of ‘clues’ and ‘insufficient evidence’.  

The campaign is being backed by Graeme Souness, TV pundit and former footballer, who is affected by high blood pressure and had a heart attack, and Gloria Hunniford, TV presenter and broadcaster, whose dad and husband have suffered strokes. 

The ’Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ drive supports the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to prevent 150,000 strokes, heart attacks and dementia over the course of 10 years by raising awareness and diagnosis of high blood pressure. 

Get checked 

Professor Bryan Williams OBE, our chief scientific and medical officer said: “If left untreated, high blood pressure is a silent killer. There aren’t usually any symptoms, and it can significantly raise your risk of a life-threatening heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.  

Concerningly, up to 4.2 million people in England may have high blood pressure and don’t know it. High blood pressure is however usually easy to treat, and that’s why it is vital to get yourself checked. Blood pressure tests are very simple and easy – drop into a pharmacy and get yourself tested – it could save your life.” 

Find out more about high blood pressure