A new study has found that 43 per cent of people aged between 40 and 55 in the UK are not aware of a condition that is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’
Over four in ten adults across the UK are oblivious to a silent killer condition that often goes undiagnosed, according to a study by Blood Pressure UK. The charity found that 43 per cent of people are unaware of their blood pressure levels.
The research involved around 2,000 individuals aged between 40 and 55, who were asked to carry out a “simple, quick check”. The findings revealed that one in three people fail to regularly monitor their blood pressure, with only 11 per cent aware that those over 40 should have it checked at least once a year. It’s estimated that a staggering 4.2 million people in England are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, often dubbed the “silent killer,” is a serious health issue that can lead to fatal complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, vision loss, and vascular dementia.
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It puts excessive strain on vital organs including the heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and eyes, causing gradual damage that often goes unnoticed due to its lack of obvious symptoms. Because it rarely shows warning signs, regular monitoring is crucial for early detection.
The most reliable method to check blood pressure involves using an inflatable cuff around the arm, which measures the pressure in the arteries. A healthy reading typically falls between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, and values outside this range may indicate a need for medical intervention or lifestyle adjustments.
Blood Pressure UK has estimated that five million people are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, reports the Express.
Dr Pauline Swift, chair of Blood Pressure UK, expressed her concern: “These findings are deeply concerning. High blood pressure is a silent killer – it often has no symptoms, yet it’s responsible for more deaths than any other preventable condition in the UK.”
She added: “The fact that nearly half of UK adults don’t know their blood pressure reading is a wake-up call. We’re urging everyone, especially those over 40, to take a simple, quick blood pressure check at home, in a pharmacy, or with their GP. It could be the most important step they take for their long-term health.”
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Phil Pyatt, the charity’s CEO, highlighted: “We know there are around five million people in the UK living with undiagnosed high blood pressure – the ‘Missing Millions’ who are unknowingly at risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and early death.”
He stressed: “That’s why Know Your Numbers! Week is so important. A quick check and one small lifestyle change – like cutting back on salt or walking more – could save your life. Don’t wait for symptoms. There usually aren’t any.”
The only way to determine if you have high blood pressure is to get a blood pressure check. Occasionally, individuals with extremely high blood pressure may experience certain symptoms:
- headaches
- blood shot eyes
- feeling sick or generally unwell