Know Your Numbers 2022

Taking place between September the 5th and 11th, “Know Your Numbers!” is the flagship campaign from Blood Pressure UK – the only charity in the UK dedicated to lowering high blood pressure. In today’s article, we explore the effects high blood pressure can have on vision and you can get involved with the “Know Your Numbers!” campaign.

Since October Blood Pressure UK have been making a real difference to the 16 million in the UK people with high blood pressure. The charity work to put high blood pressure at the top of the health agenda – in the Government, among health professionals, in the media and for every adult in the UK. High blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all strokes and heart attacks in the UK. It’s the third biggest cause of disease, leading to kidney disease, vascular dementia and mobility problems, and costs the NHS £2.1 billion every year.

Around one in three UK adults have high blood pressure, but around one in three of these don’t know it. Because it often has no symptoms, many people don’t know they have it until they have a heart attack or stroke.

Know Your Numbers! Week reaches those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.

Hundreds of organisations take part, setting up Pressure Stations in public places across the UK. From hospitals and health centres to offices, car parks and supermarkets. Even the Royal Albert Hall. Where the public can have their blood pressure checked at no cost.

What’s more, 2022 sees the 22nd anniversary of Know your Numbers! Week with new activities planned.

High blood pressure can damage the tiny, delicate blood vessels that supply blood to the eyes, causing:

• Damage to the blood vessels in the retina (retinopathy). Damage to the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina) can lead to bleeding in the eye, blurred vision and complete loss of vision. Having diabetes in addition to high blood pressure increase the risk of retinopathy.
• Fluid buildup under the retina (choroidopathy). Choroidopathy can result in distorted vision or sometimes scarring that impairs vision.
• Nerve damage (optic neuropathy). Blocked blood flow can damage the optic nerve, leading to bleeding within the eye or vision loss.

For more information on about the initiative and to find out how you can get involved, visit the official website via https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/know-your-numbers-week/