Around a third of people in the UK have high or low blood pressure.
But most are unaware because it often doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages.
If left unchecked:
- high blood pressure can cause heart attacks and stroke
- low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting and increase your risk of falling
The only way to find out if you are at risk is to have a blood pressure check.
It’s why this Know Your Numbers Week (7-13 September 2026) Kent County Council (KCC) is encouraging you to get checked.
You can do this at home with a home blood pressure monitor.
Some pharmacies also offer free blood pressure checks. Find your nearest participating pharmacy.
You can also get your blood pressure assessed as part of a free NHS Health Check.
Is it time for your NHS Health Check?
A NHS Health Check is a free health MOT - for you.
If you are eligible, you will receive an invite from your GP surgery every 5 years.
It takes around 30 minutes and usually includes:
- A blood pressure check
- height and weight measurements
- a small finger prick test to check your blood cholesterol
You're then given a score and tailor-made advice.
The great thing is if you are at higher risk of certain conditions like heart or kidney disease, diabetes and stroke you get the chance to make changes and reduce the risks.
How to get a NHS Health Check
- If you're aged 40 to 74, don't have a pre-existing health condition, and have registered you’re mobile with your GP - you will receive a text from your surgery inviting you for a free check every 5 years
- If you have not already registered your mobile phone number with your GP - do this via the NHS App or speak to your surgery
- If you don’t have a mobile phone -you will continue to be invited to book an appointment by letter. Make sure to act on the invite when you get it because there's no reminder letter
“If you know your numbers, and they are high or low, just one small change like cutting down on salt, or moving more, could make a difference. It also means your doctor can see if you need extra help from some medication”
Dr Ellen Schwartz, KCC’s Deputy Director of Public Health, said: “More than 4 in 10 adults don’t know their current blood pressure reading.
“Yet high blood pressure is a leading preventable cause of death in the UK. It often doesn’t cause symptoms until it causes serious harm which is why we call it ‘the silent killer’.
“If you know your numbers, and they are high or low, just one small change like cutting down on salt, or moving more, could make a difference. It also means your doctor can see if you need extra help from some medication."
“...knowing your blood pressure could be the most important step you take for your health”
Jamie Henderson, the council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, said: “Know Your Numbers Week is a really important reminder that knowing your blood pressure could be the most important step you take for your health.
“By supporting this week’s national campaign, I hope we’ll raise awareness and encourage more Kent residents to check their blood pressure or attend their routine NHS Health Check when invited."
- For further information on blood pressure and NHS Health Checks visit: kent.gov.uk/nhshealthchecks
