Listen: NHS warn us of high blood pressure

The NHS has launched a new national campaign to find the ‘missing millions’ who have undiagnosed high blood pressure. High blood pressure, often described as a ‘silent killer’, affects an estimated 32 per cent of adults. As the condition rarely has any symptoms, approximately three in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, equating to 4.2 million people in England.

If left untreated, the condition can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia. All adults over 40 are now being urged to come forward for a free blood pressure test at a participating pharmacy, without the need to book in advance.

This comes as new survey data reveals widespread misconceptions about the condition among those at risk. Despite the majority of high blood pressure cases being asymptomatic, only one in 14 respondents (7 per cent) thought the condition has no symptoms. The survey also revealed one in six (17 per cent) of those surveyed have been put off having a blood pressure check because they don’t feel unhealthy or stressed.

Aston spoke to Melissa Dadger, senior clinical pharmacist.