NHS issues fresh warning to 4.1 million people who may have ‘silent killer’ without knowing
NHS England is urging people to get a 'simple check' done which could help save your life.
UK health experts are urging Brits to head to their nearest pharmacy for a quick appraisal, as it could help protect you from a condition that's been dubbed a 'silent killer'.
It's gained this fearsome nickname as it can often go undetected for a long period of time, as some people do not experience any symptoms.
According to the NHS, many people have high blood pressure - which is also known as hypertension - 'without realising it'. Shockingly, it is estimated that around 4.1 million people in England fall into this category.
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That's why NHS England have issued a fresh reminder urging folks to get their blood pressure checked, as this is the only way to find out if you have hypertension.
The NHS webpage which offers advice about high blood pressure was the second most visited page on the entire site last year, so it appears as though the condition is at the forefront of Brits minds too.
In a post on X over the weekend, NHS England said: "Searches for advice on high blood pressure surged in 2025, making it the second most-viewed condition on the NHS website.
"High blood pressure is a ‘silent killer’ and the NHS is urging people to get a simple blood pressure check."
The condition can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks or strokes, although it can be managed with lifestyle changes and certain medications.
In the hopes of helping people avoid running into further complications, the NHS want Brits to keep tabs on their blood pressure.
If you are aged 40 or over and live in England, you will be eligible for a free blood pressure check at your local pharmacy, or you can get this done at your GP surgery.
It really is as simple as they say too - as all the test involves is wrapping a blood pressure cuff around your upper arm, and the health expert does the rest.
In a bid to encourage even more people to head for a once-over, blood pressure checks at dentist and optometry appointments are also being trialled, as well as in barbershops and mosques.
The latest data shows that 1,438,781 people had their blood pressure checked via NHS Health Checks last year, helping thousands of Brits spot problems sooner rather than later.
NHS England's National Medical Director, Dr Claire Fuller, said: "When we are flooded with unregulated online content and AI-generated summaries, it’s reassuring that more people are turning to the NHS website for trusted advice on high blood pressure.
"Millions of people are living with high blood pressure without knowing it, but this silent killer can significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated, which is why we want people to come forward for checks.
"If concerned you might be at risk or have been invited for an NHS Health Check, please take up the offer or book in with your GP or pharmacy - a simple check could save your life."
Regina Giblin, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, also stressed the importance of getting the quick check done.
Warning what can happen if hypertension goes undetected, she said: "Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, often without realising it as it has no symptoms. If left undiagnosed, high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes, so the more people who get their blood pressure checked the better.
"These conditions can cause serious illness if left unaddressed, but the good news is, they’re manageable."
Olivia Burke