Care Workers Warned Over Hidden Blood Pressure Risk Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke
Care bosses are being warned that staff working long and irregular shifts could have dangerously high blood pressure without knowing it, putting them at greater risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
With high blood pressure often causing no obvious symptoms, the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society – which represents more than 7,700 healthcare professionals across primary care, nursing and pharmacy – is calling on more employers to offer workplace blood pressure checks for people who may struggle to access routine appointments around long or irregular working patterns.
President of the Society, Professor Raj Thakkar, warns “Most of us know what is in our bank account, but far fewer know what our blood pressure is, and it’s just as important. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease, yet many people simply do not know their numbers. For people working long or irregular shifts, we need to make checking it as easy as possible.”
The Society is also urging people not to wait until they feel unwell before getting their blood pressure checked.”
The stats
- There are around 1.7 million adult social care posts in England.
- Around 5 million people provide unpaid care, including 1.5 million giving 50 hours or more each week.
- 15.2% of GP patients in England are recorded as having high blood pressure.
- 85% support free blood pressure testing in everyday locations such as pharmacies, workplaces, gyms, supermarkets and community venues.
- 80% believe the Government should do more to raise awareness that high blood pressure can affect adults of all ages, not just older people.
