Did you know that around one in three people in the UK have high blood pressure, yet many people do not know they have it?
That is why Know Your Numbers! Week 2026, running from 7 to 13 September, is encouraging people to check their blood pressure and understand what their numbers mean. This year’s theme is “You know your age, do you know your numbers?”
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often has no obvious symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious health problems including heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
Why knowing your numbers matters
Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. The first is your systolic pressure, when your heart pumps, while the second is your diastolic pressure, when your heart relaxes.
The NHS generally considers blood pressure to be high at 140/90 mmHg or above when checked by a healthcare professional, or 135/85 mmHg or above when measured at home. A single reading does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure, so further checks may be needed.
NHS England estimates that around 4.1 million people in England are living with high blood pressure without realising it.
Free blood pressure checks in Middlesbrough
As part of Know Your Numbers! Week, CVFM Radio is helping local people take a simple first step by offering free blood pressure checks.
• Grange Road, Middlesbrough
• Thursday 10 September
• 1pm – 3pm
• FREE blood pressure checks
No appointment is needed. Just pop along and take a few minutes to find out your numbers. Why not bring a friend or family member too?
There are also simple ways to help maintain a healthy blood pressure, including eating a balanced diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt, not smoking and keeping alcohol within recommended limits.
With high blood pressure often having no symptoms, the only way to know your numbers is to check them.
For more information, contact CVFM Radio on WhatsApp: 01642 688104.
Let’s look after ourselves and each other this Know Your Numbers! Week.
