People in Kilkenny urged to avoid 'silent killer' of high blood pressure

A new drive is urging people in Kilkenny to avoid a ‘silent killer’ by getting their blood pressure checked.

The three-minute checks with GPs or local pharmacies are a vital tool in detecting high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and dementia.

“What you don’t know could kill you as this condition, in the vast majority of cases, has no symptoms,” warned Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion with the Irish Heart Foundation.

The national charity is leading the ‘Before Damage is Done’ campaign this May Measurement Month to encourage adults, particularly those aged over-50, to get checked.

People in Kilkenny are encouraged to visit their GP or local pharmacy throughout May to coincide with World Hypertension Day, marked on May 17.

Blood pressure is a measure of how effectively the heart pumps blood around the body – and a high reading, called hypertension, is manageable through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

“The vast majority of those diagnosed with hypertension had no warning symptoms, so it is vital that blood pressure is checked and kept in check,” said Ms Morrissey.

“It is quick, easy and pain free and does not involve a blood test.”

The campaign targets those who may be living with high blood pressure without their knowledge, and the risk increases with age.

The most recent CSO yearly data shows that 9,652 lives were lost in 2022 due to heart disease and stroke.

The normal level of blood pressure is about 120 over 80, with high blood pressure defined as 140 over 90 or higher.

Everyone aged over 30 should get checked every five years and a GP can assess the overall level of risk and may advise more frequent checks.

“There could be a history of hypertension in your family so a GP will look at cholesterol, weight and lifestyle factors to assess your cardiac health,” added Ms Morrissey.

Prescribed medication is a key tool in managing hypertension, but lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also crucial.

Patients are advised to seek advice on changing medication or lowering dosage if they suffer debilitating side effects.

The Irish Heart Foundation, in partnership with Medicare LifeSense, is encouraging those in Kilkenny to get their blood pressure checked ‘Before Damage is Done’.