Croydon residents are being encouraged to know their blood pressure numbers to help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure.
The advice comes as part of Know Your Numbers! Week, which is the UK’s biggest free blood pressure testing event taking place from 10-16 September 2018.
Pressure stations will be open in Croydon during the week where people can pop-in with no need to make a prior appointment and have a blood pressure check done with a Croydon Council Live Well advisor.
The pressure station locations are listed on the Blood Pressure UK website and in the table below. Those who attend will receive information and advice on simple steps to keep blood pressure under control like maintaining a healthier weight, reducing salt intake, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, drinking alcohol in moderation and exercising more.
People can also get their blood pressure checked at their local GP surgery, pharmacies and it is offered as part of the NHS Health Check for people between the ages of 40 – 74 years.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is recorded with two numbers. The systolic pressure, the higher number, is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body. The diastolic pressure, the lower number, is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.
The charity Blood Pressure UK is concerned that ignoring health warnings, particularly about poor diet and excess salt intake, is leading more young people to develop hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure.
This is contributing to young people in their 30s, 40s and 50s being diagnosed with hypertension. Around one in three people in the UK are now living with high blood pressure – the single biggest cause of death – with 6.5 million people still remaining undiagnosed.
It is important to check your blood pressure because when it elevates there are rarely noticeable symptoms and it is known as the silent killer. If untreated, high blood pressure is the major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease and dementia.
There are a wealth of top health tips to support residents to better look after their health and wellbeing at www.JustBeCroydon.org
“High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most preventable and treatable conditions but remains one of the leading causes of death. Having your blood pressure checked is the most important step that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure. Please visit one of our pressure stations in Croydon or speak to your GP or pharmacy about getting your blood pressure checked today.”
Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care
Hemini Bharadia, Know Your Numbers! Week Campaign Manager, said: “High blood pressure does not discriminate on age or gender – people are dying unnecessarily because they fail to take simple steps to reduce their blood pressure. Know Your Numbers! Week is the perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure taken for free and put you in control of your health.”
Blood pressure stations in Croydon during Know Your Numbers! Week:
Monday 10 September (10am-1pm)
The Healthy Living Hub, Katharine Street CR9 1BS
Tuesday 11 September (10am-1pm)
The Healthy Living Hub, Katharine Street CR9 1BS
New Addington Leisure Centre, Central Parade CR0 0JB
Surrey Street Market, Croydon CR0 1RJ (10am-3pm)
Wednesday 12 September
Fieldway Family Centre, Fieldway CR0 9AZ (10am-12pm)
Waddon Leisure Centre, Purley Way CR0 4RG (10am-1pm)
The Healthy Living Hub, Katharine Street CR9 1BS (2pm-5pm)
Thursday 13 September (10am-1pm)
The Healthy Living Hub, Katharine Street CR9 1BS
Friday 14 September (10am-12pm)
Thornton Heath Leisure Centre, 100 High St CR7 8LF
