New figures from Public Health England (PHE) reveal that diseases caused by high blood pressure are estimated to cost the NHS over £2bn a year. However, exercise could prove to be part of the solution.

A collaboration between a number of health agencies in the UK will result in people being urged to get a blood pressure check and take preventative measures.

According to Professor Huon Gray, national clinical director for heart disease for NHS England, lifestyle plays a large part in managing blood pressure: “Over half of all strokes and many heart attacks could be prevented by ensuring people take steps to get their blood pressure into the normal range, but unfortunately, high blood pressure often goes unrecognised. It’s essential that everyone has their blood pressure checked regularly and by taking simple steps – like cutting some salt from their diet, or taking more exercise – high blood pressure can be reduced.”

Dubbed the silent killer, more than five million people are not aware that they have high blood pressure. It affects one in four adults and is one of the biggest risk factors for premature death and disability in England and accounts for 12 per cent of visits to GPs.

The NHS has identified that substantial savings could be made through diagnosis and management of blood pressure, so PHE and a number of partners across local and national government, the health service, voluntary sector and academia have come up with a strategy to better control blood pressure in the UK. This will involve encouraging people to book in for an NHS Health Check with their GP, as well as encouraging them to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and cut back on alcohol.

Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison, says: “Our goal is to prevent people from developing high blood pressure in the first place – by helping people to eat better, lose weight, exercise more and reduce stress.”