How getting a blood pressure test could save your life

May is Hypertension Month so for the entire month I Love Manchester will be working with the Natalie Kate Moss Trust to drive more awareness about the importance of checking your blood pressure.

We’ll also share information on how to manage it and how that can help to prevent a brain haemorrhage as well as countless other health complications.

We sat down with director Fiona Moss to discuss how vital it is to keep on top of your blood pressure. 

Hypertension month with the Natalie Kate Moss Trust 

“The Natalie Kate Moss Trust focuses on preventing brain haemorrhages, which can be caused by high blood pressure.

“We’ve been working hard to spread the word about this issue because, surprisingly, a lot of people don’t even know they have high blood pressure.

“High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, doesn’t always show obvious signs, so you might not realise you have it.

“It can happen to anyone, regardless of age or how healthy you seem.

“That’s why the Trust is launching a big campaign to raise awareness, especially among younger people who might not think they need to worry about it.”

High blood pressure is the leading cause of lifestyle-related brain haemorrhage, but on average a third of people have high blood pressure and 50% of those people don’t know they have high blood pressure. 

4.6 million people suffer from a brain haemorrhage globally, with 3 out of 5 people not surviving the first month.

This is why the charity wants to prevent as many brain haemorrhages from happening in the first place as possible by managing blood pressure

Hypertension Month events in Manchester

Throughout May, The Natalie Kate Moss Trust will be spreading the word about the importance of blood pressure management by collaborating with influencers online, running seminars and a ‘Blood Pressure Check’ stand, speaking to people about the importance of regularly checking their blood pressure.

You can join them on two dates: at the University of Manchester on May 7th or on Market Street, Manchester on May 30th.

Get your blood pressure checked, whilst listening to live music.

You can even get involved in an online competition, where you can win a treadmill (keep a close eye on their Instagram on May 2nd for this).

One big reason people don’t get their blood pressure checked is because they think it’s a hassle to see a doctor.

But Fiona has some good news: you don’t always have to go to a doctor’s office.

How to check your blood pressure

“Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks, and some even have machines you can use yourself.

“Plus, you can buy a blood pressure monitor for your home, so you can check it whenever you want.

“The Trust wants to make it as easy as possible for everyone to keep track of their blood pressure. You can set reminders or make it part of your routine, like brushing your teeth.

“We’re particularly targeting younger demographics, as statistics show they have the highest proportion of undiagnosed cases.”

But, if you’re ever worried about your blood pressure, it’s always best to talk to a doctor, just to be safe.

Fiona continued: “As a charity, our mission is simple: to stop more lives ending too soon as a result of brain haemorrhages.

“On average a third of a population has high blood pressure, but 50% of those people are undiagnosed.

“We can change this, but we need to make more people aware of the risk of hypertension and the importance of regularly checking.

“This is what Hypertension Month is all about.”

Find out more about the Natalie Kate Moss Trust by clicking here