Brian Williams
Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, British Heart Foundation
It’s estimated that 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, but nearly five million of them don’t know they have it.1
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is encouraging the public to tick off a blood pressure checklist, as latest figures reveal up to five million people in the UK1 are unaware they are living with a silent killer. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition which can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke or kidney damage if it’s not treated. For May Measurement Month — a global blood pressure testing campaign — the BHF has issued a list of easy steps to help manage or lower your blood pressure, from free checks to simple food swaps.
The only way of being sure you don’t have high blood pressure is to get it checked
Why high blood pressure is called the ‘silent killer’
According to Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, BHF, “High blood pressure is known as the silent killer for good reason, as it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. All too often, I see patients who have suffered serious heart disease or stroke caused by their high blood pressure, and they had no idea their blood pressure had been elevated, probably for many years.
“The only way of being sure you don’t have high blood pressure is to get it checked. It’s simple to do, and May Measurement Month is a great time to do it. The sooner you know your numbers, the sooner doctors can decide whether treatment is needed to reduce your future risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and dementia.”
BHF’s blood pressure checklist
1. Check your blood pressure.
2. Do regular exercise.
3. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
4. Include dairy in your diet.
5. Cut down on salt.
6. Drink in moderation.
7. Manage your weight.
8. Take medicines as prescribed.
The BHF’s information and support services can give you help and guidance on any heart question that bothers you, no matter how big or small. To find out more, search ‘BHF questions’ or speak with one of our cardiac nurses on our Heart Helpline
[1] Blake, I. (2026). ‘Silent killer’ warning as 5 million in UK are unaware they have high blood pressure. https:// tinyurl.com/4wrvpt73.
