Know Your Numbers Week reaches those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control. Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented.
Home blood pressure monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep blood pressure under control and the evidence behind it continues to get stronger. It gives you a way to take control of your health, feel confident and take the pressure off the NHS at the same time, as there’s no need to visit your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist in person. It puts you in the driver’s seat, and it really can save lives. Find out more at bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/know-your-numbers-week
What do the numbers mean?
When you have your blood pressure measured, you will be given two numbers, a top number and a bottom number. Systolic blood pressure. This is the first, or top, number. This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body. Diastolic blood pressure. The second number, or bottom number, is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.