• Almost half of UK men haven’t got their blood pressure checked in the last 12 months because they feel healthy, despite 80% knowing that it can lead to serious health conditions1 
• This Men’s Health Awareness Week Boots encourages men to book a Free Health MOT – a 15-minute appointment that includes an NHS blood pressure check for over 40s in England that over a million Brits have completed2 
• Boots Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist reveals seven things people can do to help keep their high blood pressure under control 

Boots is encouraging adults over 40 in England to get a free Health MOT, as it reveals that almost half (47%) of men in the UK who have not got their blood pressure checked in the last 12 months haven’t done so because they feel healthy.3  

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks or strokes but there are usually no symptoms. Currently an estimated five million people in the UK living are living with the condition undiagnosed,4 with this being greater amongst men (13%) than women (10%).5   

This Men’s Health Awareness Week, Boots is encouraging those eligible to book a FREE Health MOT – a 15-minute appointment that includes an NHS blood pressure check, an optional BMI calculation and waist circumference measurement as well as healthy living advice.  

Boots has recently delivered its millionth blood pressure check and the service is available to people in England aged 40 and over who do not have an existing diagnosis of high blood pressure. An appointment can be booked in advance on boots.com. 

Aimi Dickinson, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, said: “High blood pressure is something that can affect any of us, especially as we get older and even if we feel totally healthy. Most people, including men, with high blood pressure will not have any symptoms, so it is important to get it checked. 

“I encourage all men aged 40 and over to book a Free Health MOT at Boots this Men’s Health Week, if they haven’t already had one. It takes just 15 minutes and if we do identify high blood pressure at the appointment, we will advise on the most appropriate next steps, which may be a 24 hour at-home blood pressure measurement or referral to your GP.” 

 “While a diagnosis of high blood pressure might feel a little overwhelming, there are healthy lifestyle factors that we can consider to support our overall health, including our blood pressure.” 

Here are Aimi’s seven healthy lifestyle tips that men can do to help keep high blood pressure under control: 

Maintain a healthy weight  

“If you’re overweight your heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body, so maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce the risks of high blood pressure and the associated risk of heart attacks and strokes.” 

Eat a healthy, balanced diet 

“It is really important to eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. You should also limit the amount of salt in your diet.”   

Exercise regularly  

“Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise like cycling, fast walking, or swimming, a week. If you have any health concerns or have not exercised for some time, check in with your GP first.” 

Limit alcohol  

“If you drink alcohol regularly it can increase your blood pressure over time. The NHS advise that men and women should not drink more than 14 units a week and that, if you do drink alcohol, these units should be spread over three or more days.” 

Quit smoking 

“Smoking narrows the arteries, which can increase blood pressure. Smoking also increases the risks of other health concerns. At Boots we offer a variety of support to help people stop smoking.”  

Manage everyday stress  

“While everyday stress is a normal bodily response to daily challenges, prolonged periods of everyday stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Mindfulness, breathing, and talking to family and friends are all small things you can do to help lower feelings of stress.”  

Prioritise sleep  

“Sleeping for less than five hours a night can contribute to high blood pressure along with conditions such as insomnia – it’s so important we get enough rest through sleeping.” 

 

The free Health MOT at Boots* is available in most stores in England and can be booked online at boots.com.