Blood pressure
Thousands of people living and working in Southwark have a blood pressure that’s too high. This is at least four out of 10 adults. High blood pressure puts us at risk of suffering a stroke, heart attack or kidney failure. Most people with high blood pressure are older - but more and more younger people are also affected. And the really worrying thing about high blood pressure, or ‘hypertension’, is that often you don’t know you’ve got it until you end up in hospital.
Why do more people in Southwark have higher blood pressure than the national average?
Partly because too many of us are overweight, eat too much salty food, take too little exercise or drink too much alcohol. Partly because living in the inner city is stressful. But also partly because a lot of us are black. Black people, whether of African or Caribbean descent, are more likely to have high blood pressure genes.
We can all do something to guard against high blood pressure
The good news is that we can all do something to guard against high blood pressure. We can watch our weight, eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, be careful with salt and alcohol, and get physically active. And those of us over 35 should have our blood pressure measured at least every few years, and every year over the age of 60. If you’re black, have diabetes, smoke, or have high cholesterol, heart disease or stroke in the family, it’s particularly important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Make an appointment with your doctor or practice nurse. Finally, if your doctor puts you on medication, it is vital to take it.
“I had my blood pressure checked by chance when I was visiting my sister in hospital. The nurse told me to go straight to my GP as my reading was very high. I have to take medication now but I’m managing the condition and doing everything I can to keep healthy. It’s really worth getting checked out regularly as high blood pressure can lead to so many other problems.”
Malcolm Adams, Camberwell