It’s the silent killer, say doctors.

High blood pressure due to poor diet or lack of exercise is threatening millions of people’s lives.

A shocking 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure and yet a third of them have no idea, as it has no symptoms.

This week, people of all ages are being urged by charity, Blood Pressure UK, to stop by one its ‘Pressure Stations’ to have a free test.

As Health Reporter I decided to lead from the front and get myself tested.

Like many patients, my initial anxiety over the test leads to a slightly high reading of 140 over 88 – on the borderline of acceptable and in danger of having to go for that awkward conversation with my GP about my lifestyle.

But pharmacist Mac Din at Brackenhall Asda soon calms my nerves with a bit of chit chat and two further readings are both 132 over 76, a more normal rating, but one that admittedly could be improved if I ate less junk food and got out on my bike a bit more.

Mac said he would encourage anyone to ask for the free test, which takes just five minutes in the supermarket pharmacy’s private consultation room.

“It is a silent killer,” he said. “It’s responsible for about 60% of strokes and 40% of heart attacks.

“High blood pressure is also a risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.

“People need to be aware of their blood pressure. We really hope lots of people come and have the test done.

“We do announce it over the tannoy system to try and get more to do it. It only takes a few minutes of your time and it could save your life.”

For results like mine, pharmacists will advise you to improve your diet a bit, such as eating less salt, prevalent in ready meals and pre-packaged food.

I told Mac I would, just as soon as I complete my kitchen revamp and no longer have to rely on microwave cooking.

If the painless test produces higher results than mine, anything above 160/90, then you would be advised to see your family doctor, who would likely put you on medication.

If your results are in the 120 or lower range then congratulations you’re one of the very healthy ones.

Katharine Jenner, Chief Executive Officer at Blood Pressure UK, said it wasn’t just older people that needed to get themselves checked.

She said: “16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, but worryingly only half of them are aware of this and are being treated.

“These ‘missing millions’ are a ticking time bomb; putting themselves at high risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.

“Statistics from our ‘Know Your Numbers!’ week in 2013 found that 11% of 16 to 24-year-olds and 17% of 25 to 34-year-olds had high blood pressure.

“Around a quarter of all younger men had a higher than normal blood pressure reading putting them at risk of developing high blood pressure which in turn could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

“However, luckily, if detected high blood pressure can be successfully managed and returned to a healthy level which is why we are urging everyone of all ages to go along to our ‘Pressure Stations’ this month and get to know their numbers.”

The free checks are being offered in pharmacies across Kirklees and Calderdale.

To find your nearest visit: www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home/Freebpchecks/Findfreecheck

Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Top five tips for a healthy blood pressure’:

1. Cut down on salt – Reducing your salt intake it the quickest way to lower your blood pressure. Don’t add it when cooking or at the table and check food labels – aim to eat less than 6g a day.

2. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five different portions every day.

3. Watch your weight – try to reach the right weight for your height.

4. Exercise regularly – that doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal. If you are unsure about taking up exercise, ask your GP.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation – no more than 3-4 units a day for men and no more than 2-3 units for women (a pint of normal strength beer = 2 units, a medium glass of wine = 2 units).