U.K.: 40 Per Cent Of Adults 'Have High Blood Pressure'

EDINBURGH (Edinburgh Evening News), January 24, 2008: Some 40 per cent of UK adults tested in a week-long campaign were found to have high blood pressure, research revealed today. The Blood Pressure Association (BPA) discovered that the nation's hot spots for this problem were the West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside (both 45 per cent). People in Wales and Northern Ireland were most likely to have high blood pressure (44 per cent), followed by those in England (40 per cent) and Scotland (39 per cent). The lowest incidence in the country was found in London, but even here one in three of those tested had a blood pressure level considered a concern. High blood pressure is the UK's biggest cause of death and disability through the strokes and heart attacks it causes. People can help to lower their blood pressure by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoiding salt, taking exercise, drinking alcohol only in moderation and watching their weight. Dr Mike Mead, a GP and medical adviser to the BPA, said: "We urge everyone to make it their New Year's resolution to have a blood pressure check and lead a healthier lifestyle to lower their numbers. The BPA's research was based on a sample of 24,702 blood pressure readings taken in September. ©2008 Johnston Press Digital Publishing