Valentine’s Day might make your heart skip a beat – but NHS bosses in the North East are urging people to use it as an excuse to check that their hearts are healthy.
A leading Sunderland GP is hoping that the romantic week in prospect could encourage people to “think a little differently” about Valentine’s Day. Dr Raj Bethapudi is also the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board clinical lead for cardiovascular health, and he wants the North East public to watch out for the “silent killer” that is high blood pressure – which can lead to lethal heart attacks or strokes.
Dr Bethapudi said: “This February, why not think a little differently about Valentine’s Day and give your heart some love. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder when pumping blood around your body, but the good news is that it’s very treatable. It’s called a silent killer, because there are usually no symptoms and people generally get on with life as usual, until a stroke or heart attack occurs.
“Regular checks mean any problems can be spotted early and we can get you the right support. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out or not, remember to give your heart some love and care – it just might save your life. It really is important to get your blood pressure checked, and learn what the numbers mean.”
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and can lead to heart attacks or strokes – but doctors have reassured people that it is also preventable and, for those who may already have it, treatable, too. It is estimated that around 5.5m people have the condition without even knowing it.
The only way to check this is to get your blood pressure measured – and the NHS recommends you get this done at least once every five years if you are over 40. People who have “borderline” blood pressure or have lifestyle risk factors should get checked yearly.
Those risk factors include lifestyle choices like poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol and high salt intake. But eating a healthy diet, cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking and taking exercise can all help to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk. You can get your blood pressure checked at a community pharmacy or your GP practice.
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Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
