Know Your Numbers: Blood Pressure Awareness Could Save A Life And Your Bottom Line
Every day in the UK, around 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented - often because high blood pressure went undetected.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the UK’s most serious and most preventable health issues. Yet it's often overlooked because it comes with no symptoms. In fact, an estimated 6 million people in the UK are living with high blood pressure without knowing it.
For workplaces, the impact is real: higher absenteeism, long-term sickness, and lost productivity.
But there’s good news. With regular checks and the right support, high blood pressure can be detected early and managed effectively.
This is the message behind Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers Week - and it’s one every employer should act on.
What Is Blood Pressure And Why Should We Care?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. When it’s consistently too high, it puts extra strain on your heart and other organs.
Over time, this increases the risk of:
- Heart disease.
- Strokes.
- Kidney damage.
- Vascular dementia.
Worryingly, high blood pressure is responsible for over half of all strokes and heart attacks in the UK - yet it’s easy to check and manage.
When And Where To Get Checked
Everyone aged 40 or over should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. But those at higher risk should do it more frequently. That includes people who:
- Are overweight or inactive.
- Smoke or drink heavily.
- Have a family history of hypertension.
- Are from an African, Caribbean, or South Asian background.
- Experience high levels of stress.
Blood pressure can be checked:
- At your local pharmacy (many offer free walk-in checks).
- At your GP surgery or health screening clinic.
- Through in-work wellbeing events or mobile screening services.
Understanding The Numbers
Knowing your numbers means understanding what your blood pressure reading means.
Blood Pressure Reading And What It Means
90/60 or lower: Low blood pressure.
90/60 – 120/80: Ideal blood pressure.
120/80 – 140/90: Pre-high blood pressure.
140/90 or higher: High blood pressure.
If someone’s readings are consistently high, they should speak to a GP for further advice or treatment.
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How To Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
The best part? With small lifestyle changes, high blood pressure can often be prevented, or even reversed.
Here are practical steps your employees can take:
- Cut the salt: Aim for no more than 6g a day.
- Eat a balanced diet: Rich in fruit, veg, and wholegrains.
- Move more: 30 minutes of moderate activity, 5 times a week.
- Drink less: Stick to recommended alcohol limits.
- Quit smoking: Get support through cessation services.
- Manage stress: Use breathing techniques, breaks, or counselling.
How You Can Support Employee Heart Health
Supporting employee health doesn’t need to be complicated or costly, but it does need to be proactive.
You could:
- Offer Health Screenings: Early detection of high blood pressure and other risks can prevent future problems.
- Provide 24/7 GP access: Digital GP services mean your team can get advice and prescriptions quickly, without time off work or waiting weeks for an appointment.
- Run health awareness campaigns: Promote initiatives like Know Your Numbers Week with posters, webinars, or incentives.
- Encourage healthier habits: Provide nutritious snacks, subsidised gym memberships, or cycle-to-work schemes.
- Foster a low-stress environment: Encourage flexible working, mental health days, and workload management.
Know Your Numbers, Know Your Risk
Knowledge is power - and when it comes to blood pressure, it can be life-saving.
Empowering your employees to understand and monitor their numbers isn’t just a health initiative; it’s a commitment to their long-term wellbeing. When prevention becomes part of your culture, everyone benefits.
The earlier high blood pressure is spotted, the easier it is to manage, reducing the risk of serious illness and helping your people stay healthy, focused, and supported.
