IT IS ESTIMATED that almost half a million people in the North West are unaware they have high blood pressure, as NHS England in the North West encourages people to get a quick blood pressure check on World Hypertension Day (17 May), as part of May Measure Month campaign.

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart attack and stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major regional priority for the NHS in the region.

The North West has higher rates of high blood pressure than the England average, with 15.9% of registered patients in 2024/25 recorded by their GP as having high blood pressure.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms and having regular check-ups is essential, especially if you are more at risk.  Things that increase the chances of having high blood pressure include age, having close relatives with high blood pressure, having an unhealthy diet, smoking, drinking alcohol and being overweight.

Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England in the North West said:

“High blood pressure is one of the most preventable causes of heart attack and stroke, yet it often goes unnoticed. With hypertension rates in the North West higher than the national average, it has never been more important for people to know their numbers.

“A quick blood pressure check can make the difference between early intervention and a life‑changing emergency. This May Measure Month, we’re urging everyone to take a moment to get checked and encourage friends and family to do the same.”

Free blood pressure checks are available in many community pharmacies, GP practices and community settings across the region.

The NHS across the North West is treating and managing more people with hypertension than ever before thanks to increased awareness and access to blood pressure checks.

Between September 2024 and September 2025:

• Greater Manchester treated 20,255 more hypertension patients, an increase of 27%.
• Cheshire and Merseyside treated an additional 16,730 patients, an increase of 43%.
• Lancashire and South Cumbria treated an additional 13,610, an increase of 88%.

Dr Cowan added:

“I’m encouraged to see the improvements that have been made in the region to identify more people with high blood pressure.  Supporting them to manage the condition, treat any symptoms they have and decrease their risk factors is just as important, if not more so, than finding it in the first place, to ensure people can live longer lives in better health.”