The NHS and health authorities across London have gathered this week to launch a five-year, city-wide programme to improve heart health in the capital.
NHS England London has warned that more than half a million Londoners are unknowingly living with high blood pressure, the single largest risk factor for cardiovascular deaths in London, heightening their risk of heart attack or stroke.
It follows that the NHS is urging Londoners to get free blood pressure checks at local pharmacies.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England London, said: “Cardiovascular disease continues to have a profound impact on the health of Londoners.
“Too many people, particularly in our most deprived and ethnically diverse communities, are living with high blood pressure without knowing it, silently facing a heightened risk of heart attack or stroke.”
High blood pressure is a key driver of the life expectancy gap between London’s most and least deprived communities, with people living in poorer areas more likely to experience heart attacks and strokes at younger ages, NHS England London reported.
Prevention of Heart Conditions and Mortality
Every 40 minutes, a Londoner dies from a heart or circulatory condition.
Nearly three quarters of Londoners report that they would find it easy to get a blood pressure check, the NHS reported.
Despite this, as an estimated 800,000 people in the capital are living with undetected high blood pressure.
Treating more people for high blood pressure to nationally recommended targets could prevent nearly 900 heart attacks, 1,300 strokes and almost 700 deaths over 3 years in London alone, figures show.
Heart Health Summit
The summit brought together NHS and local authority partners, voluntary and community sector organisations, and academic researchers and innovators.
The initiative is calling on Londoners to find out their blood pressure and take action to keep it healthy.
Dr Tom Coffey, the Mayor of London’s health advisor, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious heart and health problems, and exacerbate health inequalities across some communities.
“That’s why it’s so important for Londoners to get their blood pressure checked and get the support they need, as we build a healthier London for all.”
Featured image: Dana Kenedy on Adobe Stock
