While it doesn’t have any symptoms, this common condition can damage your heart, eyes, brain and kidneys
Adults over 40 in England are being encouraged to take advantage of Boots’ newly reintroduced Health MOT service. The high street pharmacy chain is offering a quick, 15-minute health check that screens for various health issues, including the silent but potentially deadly condition of high blood pressure.
The move by Boots comes after concerning statistics showed that over half of UK adults have not had their blood pressure checked in the past year. High blood pressure often goes unnoticed without symptoms and may only become apparent after causing severe health events such as heart attacks.
Aimi Dickinson, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, has issued a warning, stating: “High blood pressure is something that can affect any of us, especially as we get older and even if we feel totally healthy. Most people with high blood pressure will not have any symptoms, so it is important to get your blood pressure checked if you are 40 and over.”
Regular blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle adjustments are recommended to manage the risk. The Boots Health MOT, which is free for those who qualify, also provides a BMI assessment and guidance on healthy living.
To qualify for the complimentary service, individuals must be over 40 years old, reside in England, and not have a prior diagnosis of high blood pressure. Appointments for the Health MOT can be scheduled online through the Boots website.
The chief pharmacist has shared seven lifestyle changes that could help keep hypertension at bay, starting with maintaining a healthy weight. She elaborated: “If you’re overweight your heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body, so maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce the risks of high blood pressure and the associated risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
Alongside this advice is the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. She specifically advised cutting down on salt intake and aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, such as cycling or brisk walking.
Reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking and managing stress can also significantly improve your blood pressure over time. The expert suggested adhering to NHS guidelines of ideally 14 units or less of alcohol per week and completely refraining from smoking.
One unexpected piece of advice she offered is prioritising sleep. She clarified: “Sleeping for less than five hours a night can contribute to high blood pressure along with conditions such as insomnia – it’s so important we get enough rest through sleeping.”