As runners over 40, we often focus on mileage, speed, and endurance. But there’s a silent metric we might be overlooking – blood pressure. The NHS is sounding the alarm on the importance of regular blood pressure checks for anyone aged over 40, revealing a startling number of undiagnosed cases.
The NHS is encouraging more individuals aged 40 and above to get a blood pressure check, as there are millions unaware of their dangerously high levels. Here we explain why over 40s need regular blood pressure checks.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. This places strain on your heart and blood vessels, raising the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Often termed the “silent killer,” it typically presents no symptoms. Shockingly, around a third of cases go undiagnosed – equating to 4.2 million individuals in England alone. Referred to as a “silent killer,” high blood pressure can trigger heart attacks and strokes.
Free screenings are offered at numerous local pharmacies and GP practices.
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including age, family history, diet, and lifestyle. As we age, our arteries naturally become stiffer and narrower, making it more difficult for blood to flow through them. This increases the risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, if there is a family history of hypertension, you may also be at a higher risk. Unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can also be contributing factors.
While some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as age and family history, making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure.
The NHS recommends that adults over the age of 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. This is because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, and the only way to know if you have it is by getting your blood pressure measured.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications that can impact your quality of life and even be life-threatening. Regular checks can help detect any changes in your blood pressure and allow for early intervention, reducing the risk of developing these complications.
Ensuring you maintain a healthy blood pressure is crucial. The latest initiative by the NHS aims to prevent the severe risks associated with untreated high blood pressure. We encourage individuals to visit their nearby pharmacy for a blood pressure check today. This simple step could potentially save your life.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, has been aptly named the “silent killer.” With no clear symptoms to warn us, high blood pressure stealthily goes undetected in millions – approximately 4.2 million people in England, to be precise. This elusive condition, if left unchecked, can escalate into heart attacks and strokes, turning a life dedicated to fitness and health upside down.
Running can be a fantastic way to lower your blood pressure, but it’s essential to monitor and maintain healthy levels regularly. For runners over 40, the NHS recommends checking their blood pressure at least every five years.
Local pharmacies provide essential health services, one of which is blood pressure checks. Pharmacists are urging more individuals to take advantage of this free service and get their blood pressure checked regularly. With no need for an appointment, it’s a simple and convenient way to monitor your health.
Many are unaware that pharmacies provide such services without requiring an appointment. If you’re 40 or older and haven’t had a blood pressure check-up in the last six months, don’t delay any longer.
For those of us lacing up regularly, hitting the pavements and trails, it’s time to give our health the same proactive attention. Finding a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks is straightforward. Simply search “pharmacy blood pressure check” online or visit the NHS website to locate one near you.
Remember, our hearts fuel every stride we take. Keeping that engine in peak condition is non-negotiable. Whether you’re sprinting or pacing for a marathon, make sure your blood pressure isn’t your race’s unseen hurdle.
Mark your calendar, midlife runners. Between training sessions and race days, slot in the most critical health checkpoint – your blood pressure check. Your heart, your health, and your running depend on it.
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