Public Sector partners across the Westmorland and Furness area have joined forces during “Know Your Numbers” week (4-10 September) to make sure as many people as possible check their blood pressure – no matter their age.
The Know Your Numbers campaign aims to reach those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it. It gives them the chance to get the treatment and support they need to lower their blood pressure and lead a long and healthy life.
During the week of action, there’ll be a series of pop-up blood pressure testing centres set up during the week to test as many people as possible , with Westmorland and Furness Council, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), University Hospitals of Morecombe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), local GPs, pharmacies, and other local health partners all involved.
The main drop-in blood pressure events will be held in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith at the following times and locations:
Barrow
- Monday 4 September - Tesco Extra, Hindpool Road, LA14 2NE, 10am-12pm.
- Wednesday 6 September - Salvation Army, Abbey Road, 11.45am - 1.45pm.
- Thursday 7 September – The Forum, Duke Street, LA14 1HH, 11am-1pm.
Kendal
- Wednesday 6th September, Bird Cage, Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4NB on, 1pm-5pm.
Penrith
- Monday 4, Wednesday 6 & Friday 8 September, The Lady Anne Clifford Suite, Penrith Hospital, Bridge Lane, CA11 8HX, 2-4pm.
These won’t be the only events in Westmorland and Furness next week though, with many GP surgeries, pharmacies and other health and care providers hosting their own events. Anyone looking to have their blood pressure tested next week should look out for other events near them or contact their local GP or pharmacy.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Patricia Bell, said: “Knowing your numbers may potentially save your life or prevent many significant health problems in the future.
“It’s especially important to get tested as high blood pressure usually has no symptoms and the first sign of it could be a heart attack or stroke. It can also cause kidney disease, dementia, and other illnesses too, but these tragedies can be prevented with medications and lifestyle changes.
“If you’re in the area or can make your way to one of the pop-ups, please go along and get your blood pressure tested, no matter your age."
Dr Louise Buchanan is a Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said, “Having high blood pressure, or hypertension is a common risk factor in cardiovascular disease. If it is identified early then appropriate treatments can be put in place which can save lives.
“That’s why it is so important that everyone knows their own blood pressure – 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!”
Lynne Wyre, Deputy Chief Nurse from UHMBT, said: “High blood pressure is considered to be anything above 140/90mmHg or more if your reading was taken at a GP surgery or clinic (or an average of 135/85mmHg if it was taken at home). Or 150/90mmHg or more if you’re aged 80 and over (or an average of 145/85mmHg if it was taken at home).
“Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, while the target for people over the age of 80 years old is below 150/90mmHg (or 145/85mmHg if it was taken at home).
“However, what's considered low or high for you may be normal for someone else but it’s important to get tested and speak to a health professional for advice if you’re unsure.”
To find out more about blood pressure, visit NHS.uk/bloodpressure or speak to your GP.