High pressure

Jan 25 2008 by Anne-Marie Bradley, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BLOOD PRESSURE is higher in Yorkshire than anywhere else in the country, research shows.

Almost half the people tested in our region as part of a campaign were found to have high readings.

The West Midlands was also a hot-spot, where 45% were suffering the problem.

London had the lowest number, with only one in three topping the tables.

The results were revealed by the Blood Pressure Association after an awareness week.

More than 250,000 volunteers across the country took part in the Know Your Numbers scheme to get their blood pressure checked.

The association says high blood pressure is the UK’s biggest cause of death and disability through the strokes and heart attacks it causes.

People can help to lower their blood pressure by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoiding salt, taking exercise, drinking alcohol only in moderation and watching their weight.

Dr Mike Mead, a GP and medical adviser to the BPA, said: “High blood pressure is a serious health condition.

“Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the biggest cause of death and disability through the strokes and heart attacks it causes. But this is preventable.

“We urge everyone to make it their new year’s resolution to have a blood pressure check and lead a healthier lifestyle to lower their numbers.

“Looking after your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to improve your current and future health.”

The BPA has issued the following tips to help lower blood pressure:

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, ideally more than five portions a day.

Eat under six grams of salt a day; check food labels and don’t add salt to your cooking.

Be active for at least 30 minutes five times a week.

Drink alcohol in moderation; three to four units a day for men and two to three for women.

Keep to the right weight for your height and lose weight if you need to.

For a free information pack call 020 8772 4994 or visit www.bpassoc.org.uk