15/1/2009

Wales had the highest incidence of high blood pressure readings in the UK in a survey published today by the Blood Pressure Association. The association called the disease a silent killer.

The results were announced a day after a new advertising campaign was launched in Wales urging people to lead healthier lifestyles to help reduce their risk of stroke.

The Stroke Association’s Weigh Up Your Risk radio campaign is being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government as part of Health Challenge Wales.

The Blood Pressure Association warns people in Wales to beware the silent killer after their survey showed 65 per cent of adults in Wales are unaware of their most vital statistics - their blood pressure numbers.

People with high blood pressure (diagnosed as readings consistently at or above 140/90mmHg) are three times more likely to develop heart disease and stroke than people with a healthy blood pressure and twice as likely to die from these conditions.

Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine and Chairman of the Blood Pressure Association, said: "It's shocking that 65 per cent of the adults we tested in Wales did not know their blood pressure numbers, yet 40 per cent of them had high blood pressure readings.

"These people are the lucky ones - high blood pressure is a symptomless condition but, once detected, can be successfully managed. If we are going to prevent the 350 strokes and heart attacks caused by high blood pressure across the UK every day, we need to help more people get to know their blood pressure numbers and to lower them.�

The new Welsh advertising campaign, funded by the Assembly Government, will be aired on radio. It points people in the direction of the Stroke Association website which provides helpful tips on healthy eating, how to make regular physical activity a part of a lifestyle and further information on stroke, high blood pressure and health checks.

A helpline has also been set up to provide information for anyone concerned about the risks of stroke.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr. Tony Jewell said: “Giving up smoking, eating healthily and undertaking regular physical activity are important ways to reduce their risk of stroke.

“This campaign is a fantastic way of encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles, particularly as we start a New Year.  There are plenty of simple, everyday things people can do to guard against the risk of stroke, which will also help them reduce the risk of other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.�