1 in 8 adults in UK unaware they have high blood pressure

January 24, 2017

More than one in four adults have high blood pressure, known as hypertension
High blood pressure increases risk of heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia
Condition comes without symptoms – leaving one in eight people undiagnosed
British Heart Foundation called for an ‘urgent improvement’ in diagnosis rates

Ben Spencer Medical Correspondent For The Daily Mail

Published:
19:15 EST, 23 January 2017

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Updated:
19:29 EST, 23 January 2017

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One in eight adults in England is living with undiagnosed high blood pressure which puts them at risk of a heart attack or stroke, experts warned last night.

Some 5.5million people are living in ignorance of the fact they have high blood pressure – known as the ‘silent killer’ – according to Public Health England.

Around 5.5 million, or one in eight people, are unaware they have high blood pressure

The British Heart Foundation called for an ‘urgent improvement’ in diagnosis rates, condemning the situation as ‘simply unacceptable’.

More than one in four adults have high blood pressure, which is known by the medical term of ‘hypertension’.

And one in eight have not even received a diagnosis.

Having high blood pressure can increase a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia.

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But because blood pressure comes without symptoms, people rarely know they have the condition until a doctor tests them, or they start to suffer other health problems as a result.

All over 40s are eligible for blood pressure tests as part of their free NHS Health Check, run by GPs.

But just 46 per cent of people have taken up the offer of the health check, known as the mid-life MOT, since it was rolled out in 2013.

Public Health England calculate that conditions caused by high blood pressure cost the NHS more than £2.1 billion every year.

Simply increasing the number diagnosed by 15 per cent would save £120 million a year.

High blood pressure, often named the ‘silent killer’, can lead to an increase risk of heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia

Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and wellbeing at PHE, said: ‘It is a serious problem when a disease that is largely preventable, like high blood pressure, is one of the leading causes of premature death and ill health in the country.

‘We all memorise important numbers in our lives, whether it’s our PIN and telephone numbers or the latest football scores. ‘Knowing your blood pressure number is an easy step to take that has the potential to save your life.’

Catherine Kelly, director of prevention, survival and support at the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘5.5 million people in England are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, which puts them at a much higher risk of suffering a potentially deadly heart attack or stroke.

‘For a condition which is so easily detected and managed, this figure is simply unacceptable and we need an urgent improvement in the number of people diagnosed with this silent killer.’

Dr Matt Kearney, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, added: ‘High blood pressure is currently placing an unnecessary, heavy burden on the NHS.

‘Earlier detection and improved treatment of high blood pressure would have a big impact in preventing heart attacks and strokes, and would save large amounts of money in health and social care.’

High blood pressure, and its effects such as heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia, can be improved or prevented by making simple lifestyle changes.

These include maintaining a healthy weight, having an active lifestyle and reducing salt, saturated fat and alcohol intake.