Free blood pressure checks on Wednesday at Tameside Hospital

Tameside residents are being urged to ‘Know Your Numbers’ during this year’s campaign by Blood Pressure UK.

Be Well Tameside are holding free blood pressure tests and advice at Tameside Hospital’s Hartshead Building between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday September 4. 

Around one-third of people in the UK have hypertension – the clinical name for ongoing high blood pressure – but it is controllable with the right medication. 

“Knowing your numbers means residents with high blood pressure can be supported to make healthy changes to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and other illnesses,” said a statement from TMBC. 

“Day to day changes such as eating more vegetables and fruits, being more physically active, losing weight if you’re overweight or obese, taking medicines as prescribed by your health care professional, and keeping appointments with your health care professional can help prevent and lower high blood pressure.” 

A blood pressure measurement of 140/90 points to patients under the age of 80 having hypertension, with 150/90 being the benchmark for over-80s. 

As well as drop-in centres and GP surgeries, many pharmacies offer free blood pressure (BP) checks, while portable machines make it easy to check your BP at home. 

“We’re urging residents to come along to Be Well Tameside’s stall to get their blood pressure checked, as well as have a chat with our advisors regarding your health and wellbeing,” said Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing. 

“It’s better to know as early as possible if there is an issue with your blood pressure so you can take preventative measures and positive steps towards a healthier future.  

“Be Well Tameside have lots of great tips and advice to support you.” 

Symptoms of hypertension are often silent, but according to the NHS, risk factors include: 

• your age – you're more likely to get high blood pressure as you get older 

• having close relatives with high blood pressure 

• your ethnicity – you're at higher risk if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background 

• having an unhealthy diet – especially a diet that's high in salt 

• being overweight 

• smoking 

• drinking too much alcohol 

• feeling stressed over a long period 

“If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as your brain, kidneys and eyes. 

“If it's not treated, it can increase your risk of serious conditions such as: 

• heart disease

• heart attacks

• strokes

• heart failure

• kidney disease

• vascular dementia

“Lowering your blood pressure even a small amount can help reduce your risk of these problems.”