In partnership with NHS Somerset, Somerset Council's Public Health team is calling on residents to get their blood pressure checked during the annual 'Know Your Numbers' week.

The initiative, which runs this week and is spearheaded by Blood Pressure UK, serves as the UK's largest blood pressure testing and awareness event, with this year's theme focused on 'Make the time, ease your pressure.'

The national campaign aims to spotlight the issue of high blood pressure, or hypertension, urging adults across the UK to monitor their levels at home. In Somerset alone, an estimated 40,000 individuals are believed to have hypertension without knowing it. The campaign seeks to offer them the opportunity to receive appropriate treatment and guidance to manage their condition effectively.

To make blood pressure monitoring more accessible, Somerset Council's Public Health Team has collaborated with the county's library service to provide free blood pressure kits that residents can borrow for up to two weeks. These kits enable individuals to check their blood pressure 'at rest' in the comfort of their homes.

"High blood pressure typically shows no overt symptoms but can lead to severe health issues if not treated," said Councillor Adam Dance, Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity at Somerset County Council Health. "Our initiative allows residents to initially bypass the need for a GP or healthcare professional, offering them free access to blood pressure monitors at their local libraries. Knowing your numbers can set you on the path to making lifestyle changes that can help you manage your blood pressure effectively."

Dr Solomon Lebese, Cardiovascular Clinical Champion at NHS Somerset, added, "Approximately one in 10 people in Somerset have high blood pressure without knowing it. Increasing the number of people who regularly check their blood pressure could prevent around 250 related medical incidents over five years. I strongly encourage residents to take advantage of this easily accessible community resource."

Anyone interested in borrowing a blood pressure monitor but who is not yet a library member can easily join by visiting their local branch or signing up online at https://lwc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/custom/web/registration/.