Nearly eight in ten people aged 40 to 54 in the South West say they often or always put other people’s needs ahead of their own health, according to a new survey released by NHS England South West.

The poll highlights the pressures facing people in the so-called “sandwich generation” who are balancing work, family life and caring responsibilities, with more than half of people aged 40 to 54 saying they feel more under pressure in September than during the summer months.

The survey found that 78% of people aged 40 to 54 often or always put everyone else’s needs ahead of their own health, while 53% say they feel more pressured in September than during the summer.

Work was identified as the biggest source of pressure, followed by getting back into routines, household bills and children returning to school. Caring for ageing relatives, commuting and health concerns were also among the most commonly reported pressures.

The findings raise concerns that people in the “sandwich generation” may be putting their own health at risk. Despite facing a higher risk of high blood pressure as they get older, and with stress a key risk factor, 268 of the 327 people survey did not know their blood pressure reading. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but is a major cause of heart attack and stroke.

Across all respondents:

• 82% do not currently know their blood pressure
• 30% have not had their blood pressure checked within the last year
• 15% have not had it checked for more than two years or have never had it checked
• 28% say they are more likely to drink alcohol when they are feeling stressed or under pressure
• 12% were unaware that regularly drinking alcohol can increase blood pressure

The findings have been released alongside Know Your Numbers Week (7-13 September) and ahead of the forthcoming wider “Every Heart” campaign to encourage everyone in the South West to look after their cardiovascular health, including taking a few minutes to check their blood pressure and make their own health a priority.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking and regularly drinking more alcohol than recommended can all increase the risk.

New NHS data shows that between September 2023 and September 2026 an additional 187,890 adults aged 40 and over across the South West were identified and treated for high blood pressure, helping to reduce their risk of serious illness.

Blood pressure detection rates across the region have now reached 72.6%, but health leaders believe many more people could still be living with high blood pressure without knowing it.

Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, South West Regional Director of Public Health, said: “The survey paints a clear picture of what life is like for many people in their 40s and 50s.

“They’re often supporting children, helping ageing parents, managing work commitments and trying to keep everything else running smoothly.

“What stood out most is that almost eight in ten told us they regularly put other people’s needs ahead of their own health.

“September can be a particularly challenging time as families return to routines, workloads increase and financial pressures continue. It’s not surprising that many people tell us they feel more under pressure at this time of year.

“When we’re busy looking after everyone else, our own health can slip down the priority list.

“Yet people aged 40 and over are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure. When people are juggling work, family and caring responsibilities, it can be easy for their own health to slip down the priority list, but high blood pressure is a major cause of heart attack and stroke and often has no symptoms. Despite this, most respondents don’t know their blood pressure reading.

“High blood pressure often has no symptoms, meaning many people don’t realise they have it.

“The good news is that checking your blood pressure is quick, simple and could help prevent serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

“Knowing your numbers is one of the easiest things you can do to take control of your health and reduce your risk of future illness.”

The survey also found that comfort-based coping strategies were common when people felt stressed or under pressure. Respondents were more likely to report comfort eating, spending more time watching television or online, drinking alcohol and prioritising rest than exercising.

Blood pressure can be checked at many community pharmacies and GP practices, or at home using a blood pressure monitor.

Adults aged 40 to 74 should have their blood pressure checked regularly.

For more information, visit the NHS South West blood pressure webpage.