PEOPLE in the south west would rather make a cup of tea than take a potentially life-saving blood pressure test if they find a spare few minutes in the day, according to a survey.

Campaign group Blood Pressure UK commissioned the survey of more than 1,000 people which also showed that more people worry about their finances than their health.

Through its campaign Know Your Numbers, the charity is now highlighting that, in the time it takes to boil a kettle, you could have a blood pressure reading taken.

Professor Graham MacGregor, chairman at Blood Pressure UK, said: “We wanted to find out what people were spending their time doing rather than spending time thinking about their health and checking their blood pressure. This year we are urging everyone in the south west to make every second count - it’s quick, free, painless, and could save your life.”

He added: “Over half of the estimated 16 million people in the UK living with high blood pressure are unaware they have the condition, as it is symptomless. The only way to ‘Know Your Numbers’ is to have a blood pressure test at one of our free Pressure Stations in your area, your GP, local pharmacy, or by using a home blood pressure monitor.”

The survey revealed that the top worry for 28 per cent of people in the south west is their finances, followed by their children at 16.5 per cent.

If people find a few spare minutes in the day, the top priority for 45.1 per cent is making a cup of tea. Just 8.8 per cent said they would take a blood pressure check.

High blood pressure is the UK’s biggest silent killer, responsible for 60 per cent of strokes and 40 per cent of heart attacks. High blood pressure is also a risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.

To find your nearest free blood pressure check point, visit www.bloodpressureuk.org

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