Published on: 8 September 2026
It’s estimated that over 4 million adults in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t even know it. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart attacks, strokes and other illnesses. It can also go undetected by those who have it. That’s why it’s important to know your numbers!
Know Your Numbers! Week aims to raise awareness of the risks to having high blood pressure and how you can monitor your own blood pressure. It also hopes to increase the number of people who are monitoring their own blood pressure at home.
More than four in ten UK adults don’t know their current blood pressure reading, and almost a third don’t check it regularly. Nearly half mistakenly believe high blood pressure comes with clear symptoms, when very often there are no symptoms at all until something serious happens.
You can monitor your blood pressure at home, allowing you to know what is normal for you and help spot the early signs of high blood pressure. Home blood pressure monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep your blood pressure under control. It gives you a way to take control of your own health with no need to visit a GP, practice nurse or pharmacist in person.
Blood Pressure UK have produced a detailed guide on measuring blood pressure at home which can be accessed here: Blood Pressure UK
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said:
“Every adult in Herefordshire should know their blood pressure numbers, just like they know their height and weight. When you know your numbers, you can take steps to look after your blood pressure and lead a long and healthy life.
“Home readings are now seen a far more accurate than ones done in your GP surgery because people tend to be more relaxed. When you do your own reading, often the first read will be high. That’s why I’d recommend you take the best of three, and don’t worry about a one-off high reading. Ideally its best to look at averages done over a week or two.”
“If readings remains high or you are concerned about your blood pressure, you should contact your GP practice online or by phone.”
NHS community pharmacies are offering free blood pressure checks to people aged 40 and over, you don’t need an appointment for this. Find out where your local pharmacy offering this service is to you: Pharmacy :: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System (hwics.org.uk)
