Urgent new NHS blood pressure 'no symptoms' alert to people born between 1972 and 1986

Urgent new NHS blood pressure 'no symptoms' alert to people born between 1972 and 1986 It is a major cause of heart attack and stroke The NHS has issued a new alert today, with one age group most at risk. Almost eight in ten people aged 40 to 54 in the South West admit they frequently or always prioritise others' needs over their own health, according to a new survey published by NHS England South West. The poll shed light on the mounting pressures faced by the so-called "sandwich generation" — those juggling work, family life and caring responsibilities — with more than half of those aged 40 to 54 reporting they feel under greater strain in September than during the summer months. The survey revealed that 78% of people aged 40 to 54 often or always put everyone else's needs before their own wellbeing, while 53% feel more pressured in September than over the summer. Work was identified as the single biggest source of stress, followed by returning to daily routines, household bills and children going back to school. Caring for elderly relatives, commuting and health worries were also amongst the most frequently cited concerns. The NHS warned that the results raised serious concerns that people in the "sandwich generation" could be placing their own health in jeopardy. Despite facing an increased risk of high blood pressure as they age, and with stress being a significant contributing factor, 268 of the 327 people surveyed were unaware of their own blood pressure reading. High blood pressure frequently presents no symptoms, yet remains a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. Across all respondents: - 82% do not currently know their blood pressure - 30% have not had their blood pressure checked within the last year - 15% have not had it checked for more than two years or have never had it checked - 28% say they are more likely to drink alcohol when they are feeling stressed or under pressure - 12% were unaware that regularly drinking alcohol can increase blood pressure The findings have been published to coincide with Know Your Numbers Week (September 7 to 13) and ahead of the forthcoming wider "Every Heart" campaign to encourage everyone in the South West to prioritise their cardiovascular health, including taking a few minutes to monitor their blood pressure and make their wellbeing a priority. High blood pressure 'no symptoms' High blood pressure typically has no symptoms, but significantly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke, the NHS said. Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, insufficient exercise, smoking and regularly consuming more alcohol than recommended can all increase the risk. New NHS data reveals that between September 2023 and September 2026 an additional 187,890 adults aged 40 and over across the South West were identified and treated for high blood pressure, helping to reduce their risk of serious illness. Blood pressure detection rates across the region have now reached 72.6%, but health leaders believe many more people could still be living with high blood pressure without realising it. Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, South West Regional Director of Public Health, said: "The survey paints a clear picture of what life is like for many people in their 40s and 50s. They're often supporting children, helping ageing parents, managing work commitments and trying to keep everything else running smoothly. "What stood out most is that almost eight in ten told us they regularly put other people's needs ahead of their own health. September can be a particularly challenging time as families return to routines, workloads increase and financial pressures continue. It's not surprising that many people tell us they feel more under pressure at this time of year. "When we're busy looking after everyone else, our own health can slip down the priority list. Yet people aged 40 and over are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure. When people are juggling work, family and caring responsibilities, it can be easy for their own health to slip down the priority list, but high blood pressure is a major cause of heart attack and stroke and often has no symptoms. "Despite this, most respondents don't know their blood pressure reading. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, meaning many people don't realise they have it. "The good news is that checking your blood pressure is quick, simple and could help prevent serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Knowing your numbers is one of the easiest things you can do to take control of your health and reduce your risk of future illness." The poll also revealed that comfort-based coping strategies were widespread amongst those feeling stressed or pressured. Participants were far more inclined to turn to comfort eating, spending more time watching television or online, drinking alcohol and prioritising rest over taking regular exercise. Blood pressure checks are available at numerous community pharmacies and GP practices, or at home using a blood pressure monitor. Adults between the ages of 40 and 74 are advised to have their blood pressure monitored on a regular basis. For more information, visit the NHS South West blood pressure webpage.