A NATIONAL charity has found that people are not concerned by their blood pressure and do not know why they should be.

Blood Pressure UK has found that 39 per cent of adults in Brighton feel their blood pressure is not of concern and a further 47 per cent do not understand why they should know their blood pressure numbers.

The survey also found that 63 per cent of them are aware of the health dangers associated with high blood pressure such as heart disease and stroke.

The charity is urging all adults to check their blood pressure as routine and to reduce their salt intake to enable them to control their high blood pressure, prevent premature deaths.

Phil Pyatt, CEO of Blood Pressure UK said: “We must remind everyone that neither heart disease nor stroke show clear symptoms, hence the ‘silent killer’ reputation.

"That’s why it’s so important to take control of your health by Knowing Your Numbers as well as benefitting from simple improvements in diet and lifestyle such as eating less salt, more fruit and vegetables and doing more exercise."

The findings coincide with this year's Public Health England’s report that found there were over 5,000 more cardiovascular disease and stroke deaths than expected last year, half of these were attributable to disruptions to medical care in the pandemic.

The charity has reported that eating too much salt is a major cause of high blood pressure and that cutting one gram of salt from average daily salt intake would cause a fall in blood pressure, and there would be around 6,000 fewer deaths from strokes and heart attacks each year in the UK.

Blood Pressure UK have narrowed down five tips for healthy blood pressure:

1. Cut down on salt – Reducing your salt intake it the quickest way to lower your blood pressure. Don’t add it when cooking or at the table, avoid using stock cubes, gravy and

soy sauce, check food labels and avoid processed foods high in salt – aim to eat less than six grams a day.

2. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day.

3. Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.

4. Exercise regularly – that doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal. If you are unsure about taking up exercise, ask your GP.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation – up to 14 units a week for both men and women – a glass of wine or a pint of beer is two to three units.

Professor Graham MacGregor, chairman of Blood Pressure UK said: “Half of all strokes and heart disease are due to high blood pressure. It is therefore vital that high blood pressure is detected early and treated.

"Everyone needs to take control of their health by checking their blood pressure either at home, at a pharmacy or with their practice nurse. This could save your life.”

To find out more visit: bloodpressureuk.org

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