People across Kildare urged to avoid ‘silent killer’ of high blood pressure

A new campaign is urging people living in County Kildare to avoid a 'silent killer' by getting their blood pressure checked.

Three-minute checks with GPs or local pharmacies are a vital tool in detecting high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and dementia.

"What you don’t know could kill you, as this condition, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms," warned Janis Morrissey, who is the Director of Health Promotion with the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF).

The national charity is leading the 'Before Damage is Done' campaign this May Measurement Month in order to encourage adults, particularly those aged over-50, to get checked.

People in Kildare are encouraged to visit their GP or local pharmacy throughout May, and to coincide with World Hypertension Day, which is marked today (May 17).

Blood pressure is a measure of how effectively the heart pumps blood around the body, and a high reading, called hypertension, is manageable through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

"The vast majority of those diagnosed with hypertension had no warning symptoms, so it is vital that blood pressure is checked and kept in check," said Ms Morrissey.

"It is quick, easy and pain free and does not involve a blood test," she added.

The campaign targets those who may be living with high blood pressure without their knowledge, and the risk increases with age.

The most recent CSO yearly data shows that 9,652 lives were lost in 2022 due to heart disease and stroke.

The normal level of blood pressure is about 120 over 80, with high blood pressure defined as 140 over 90 or higher.

Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years and a GP can assess the overall level of risk and may advise more frequent checks.

"There could be a history of hypertension in your family so a GP will look at cholesterol, weight and lifestyle factors to assess your cardiac health," added Ms Morrissey.

Prescribed medication is a key tool in managing hypertension, but lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also crucial.

Patients are advised to seek advice on changing medication or lowering dosage if they suffer debilitating side effects.

The IHF, in partnership with Medicare LifeSense, is encouraging those in Kildare to get their blood pressure checked 'Before Damage is Done.'

In addition, Medicare LifeSense will also donate a percentage of the sales of their Medicare LifeSense blood pressure monitors, which will go towards the vital work of the IHF.

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"We are delighted to partner with the IHF to encourage people to get their blood pressure checked," said Mark Fleming of Medicare LifeSense.

He further said: "Many of us do not know that hypertension, in most cases, has no symptoms, so it is vital that they take the time, only a few minutes, to get checked in a pharmacy or by their GP."

"Our home monitors also make this procedure quick, easy and provide peace of mind," Mr Fleming concluded.

Dr David McConaghy, ICGP/HSE Integrated Care Lead for Prevention, also said: "The Irish College of General Practitioners supports this campaign to raise awareness about blood pressure and encourage people to attend their GP practice for a cardiovascular review."

Another supporter of the campaign is Sinead McCool, the Acting Head of Professional Services at the Irish Pharmacy Union.

Ms McCool said: "The Irish Pharmacy Union fully supports this initiative and we continue to encourage people to get their blood pressure checked in their local pharmacy before damage is done.  

"Pharmacies nationwide offer blood pressure testing and many also offer 24-hour blood pressure monitoring."

"Call to your local pharmacy today to learn more," she added.