May Measurement Month
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the measurement of pressure of the blood in your arteries, which are vessels that carry your blood from your heart to the rest of your body. You need a certain amount of pressure to get blood moving around your body. Your blood pressure naturally goes up and down throughout the day and is normal for it to go up when you’re moving about.
However, if it’s always high – especially when resting – then you need to do something about it. The only way to find out your blood pressure levels is by getting it measured.
You can get your blood pressure checked for free in many places, including your General Practice and local community Pharmacy.
More information
British Heart Foundation - High blood pressure (hypertension) is very common. Although it doesn’t often come with symptoms, knowing you have high blood pressure could prevent life-threatening complications like heart attack and stroke.
Blood Pressure UK - Your diet, exercise levels and weight have a real effect on your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you can start lowering blood pressure today by eating more healthily and being more active.
