Human Resources
Know Your Numbers Blood Pressure Checking Week 10-16 September 2012
Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:52:00 BST
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS WEEK 10TH-16TH SEPTEMBER 2012
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS FOR UNIVERSITY STAFF
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries. If it is too high over a period of time and is not treated you will be more at risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Approximately 30% of people in the UK have high blood pressure which usually has no symptoms, this is why many people do not know they have it. Many people believe that headaches, a red face and nose bleeds are symptoms of high blood pressure, when in fact it rarely causes these symptoms.
Who gets high blood pressure?
You have a greater risk if you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. You also have a higher risk if you are of African Caribbean descent.
What causes high blood pressure?
There may be no single cause, but lifestyle affects your risk of developing it, particularly if;
you don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables
you eat too much salt
you aren’t active enough
you are overweight
you drink too much alcohol
What should I do next?
The only way to find out whether you blood pressure is raised is to have it checked.
The Occupational Health Service is running a blood pressure clinic throughout the week beginning 10th September 2012 for Know Your Numbers Week, in association with the Blood Pressure Association.
If you would like to book a confidential 10 minute appointment slot with one of our nurses please call ext 3187. The nurse will advise you of your blood pressure reading and whether any further action should be taken. While you’re visiting us, why not pick up a lifestyle pack?
If you would like further information on blood pressure, please visit