A health campaign is encouraging people to recognise and act on a hidden danger to their health.
More than 440,000 people in the South East of England are estimated to be living with uncontrolled high blood pressure, a potentially life-threatening condition that often goes undetected.
The NHS is urging people to get their blood pressure checked during Know Your Numbers! Week, raising awareness of the dangers of leaving high blood pressure untreated.
Dr Mohit Sharma, consultant in public health and regional lead for cardiovascular disease prevention, said: "High blood pressure does not usually have any symptoms, so the only way to find out if you have it is to get it checked either by your GP surgery, a pharmacy, or using a machine at home.
"Over 50 per cent of heart attacks and strokes are associated with high blood pressure.
"Lowering your blood pressure by just 10 mmHg can cut your risk of stroke by over 25 per cent.
"Changes to lifestyle – eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation, and not smoking – can help with this and help people avoid needing medical care for more serious conditions later down the line."
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Only 12 per cent of adults surveyed knew that people over 40 should check their blood pressure once a year.
Phil Pyatt, CEO of Blood Pressure UK, said: "We know there are around five million people in the UK living with undiagnosed high blood pressure – the ‘Missing Millions’ who are unknowingly at risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and early death.
"That’s why Know Your Numbers! Week is so important.
"A quick check and one small lifestyle change – like cutting back on salt or walking more – could save your life. Don’t wait for symptoms. There usually aren’t any."
Blood pressure checks are available at GP surgeries and pharmacies, with anyone over the age of 40 able to get a free blood pressure check at a local pharmacy.
Home monitoring devices are also available for those who wish to track their blood pressure regularly.
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