High blood pressure, often called the ‘silent killer,’ has no symptoms, allowing it to go undetected. In mid and south Essex alone, an estimated 88,000 people are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, unknowingly increasing their risk of life-threatening illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.
To tackle this hidden health risk, NHS Mid and South Essex has launched the ‘Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger’ campaign, encouraging people to get regular blood pressure checks. Health professionals are urging the public to “take a sec to check”, as even small reductions in blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
Quick and Free Blood Pressure Checks
Regular blood pressure checks are quick, simple, and widely available at local pharmacies across mid and south Essex. If you’re 40 or over and haven’t had your blood pressure checked in the last five years, you can visit your local pharmacy for a free NHS test. In most pharmacies, no appointment is needed—trained staff are ready to help.
Baba Akomolafe, of Christchurch Pharmacy in Braintree, Essex, emphasised the importance of getting checked:
“High blood pressure is often called the ‘invisible danger’ because you can feel invincible while it silently affects your health. A quick, painless check—just five minutes at your local pharmacy—could provide vital information about your heart’s health. You don’t need an appointment, just pop in, and we’ll help you understand your numbers.”
“Why wait for a problem when you can prevent one? We’re here in your community, ready to help you take this simple but crucial step toward better health.”
Real Stories: Early Detection Saves Lives
Motivated by his family history, Dean from Rochford discovered he had high blood pressure during a routine check. Thanks to early detection, he was able to start medication and make lifestyle changes before serious health issues developed.
Dean’s advice: “Get checked—blood pressure issues can affect anyone.”
Michael from Maldon, who was also diagnosed with high blood pressure, strongly recommends getting advice from a pharmacist.
“I have worked closely with the pharmacist at my GP practice to control my blood pressure through medication and adopting a more balanced lifestyle, including eating more fruit and reducing processed foods.”
Are You at Risk?
You may be at higher risk of high blood pressure if you:
- Are aged 40 or over
- Have close relatives with high blood pressure
- Are of Black African, Black Caribbean, or South Asian background
- Have an unhealthy diet, especially one high in salt
- Are overweight
- Smoke
- Drink too much alcohol
- Experience long-term stress
A Crucial Initiative for Heart Month
Neil Magee, System Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Health at NHS Mid and South Essex, stressed the importance of the campaign:
“With the third-highest rate of undetected high blood pressure in the East of England, Heart Month provides the perfect opportunity to launch this vital initiative across mid and south Essex. Many people feel perfectly healthy while their blood pressure is elevated, which is why regular checks are so important. Early detection and management can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.”
For more information about high blood pressure and the Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger campaign, visit:
👉 www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/bp