Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure – but many will not realise it.
More than 100 local men and women are on their way to healthier living after attending a blood pressure awareness event at Banbury Madni Masjid on Merton Street last Thursday and Friday.The sessions were run by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Those attending had their blood pressure checked and learned about what can be done to keep it at a healthy level.
The event was hosted by the Trust’s Here for Health team, with support from the Cherwell District Council’s Move Together team and the Mosque. Kate Blayney from the Here for Health team said: “As a Cardiac Nurse I have been thrilled to be able to lead on this project which focuses on primary prevention.”
“For every 10 people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure, a further seven remain undiagnosed and untreated, so it is really important to speak with people in the community to raise awareness.”
“We are delighted to work with our partners to help improve the health and wellbeing of the local population and the communities we care for.”
After several months, the participants’ blood pressure will be taken again to see how it has changed, to measure the impact of actions taken, and to potentially provide further advice. Yasmin Kaduji, who coordinated the event at Banbury Madni Masjid, said: “We know the mosque is a trusted place for our community, so anything we can do with our partners to raise awareness of health issues in this way is hugely beneficial for them.”
“Following the pandemic, where people might be nervous attending hospital or visiting their GP, we know members of our community may feel more comfortable visiting the mosque, and we were delighted to open our doors and host this health awareness event with our partners.”
“We had such a great turnout and, working with OUH and Cherwell District Council, we are delighted to support so many people and to make a difference.”
The event was aimed at people who may not otherwise have access to important health information or treatment. This month is May Measurement Month. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, puts people at an increased risk of developing a range of medical problems such as heart attacks, strokes, eye problems, kidney disease, heart failure and heart rhythm problems.
Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.For most people high blood pressure develops as they get older, without an obvious underlying reason, and it can be safely controlled and looked after by their GP.
It is possible to have hypertension for many years without having any symptoms – the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have it measured.
Healthy adults aged over 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years. Testing is available at GP surgeries, some pharmacies, or via a home testing kit.
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