RESIDENTS across the South East are being encouraged to take a potentially lifesaving step by getting their blood pressure checked during Know Your Numbers Week.
It comes as newly published data shows parts of the region rank among England’s best for blood pressure control.
The latest CVD PREVENT data shows an area of East Berkshire, Surrey Heath, North East Hampshire and Farnham ranked second nationally, with 77% of patients achieving their hypertension treatment targets.
The region’s health services were formerly commissioned by the now-disbanded NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board, and were also the most improved in England as well as the highest-performing area in the South East.
The latest results show the former ICB also made good progress in reducing differences in blood pressure outcomes between the most and least deprived communities.
In March 2026, it had the highest proportion of patients from the most deprived communities meeting their treatment targets in the South East, and the smallest gap in blood pressure control between the most and least deprived groups.
This shows that better overall performance can also help reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for local communities.
Supporting people with diagnosed hypertension to manage their condition effectively is important, but so too is identifying those who may be living with high blood pressure without knowing it.
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms.
An estimated 5.5 million people in England are thought to be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
The NHS Community Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Service plays a vital role in addressing this challenge by offering free blood pressure checks through participating community pharmacies, helping to identify people at risk earlier and connect them with the care and support they need.
Eligible adults can have their blood pressure checked at a community pharmacy, with further monitoring or referral if needed.
The service is for people aged 40 and over who have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure or had a check by a healthcare professional in the past five years.
Daghni Rajasingam, regional medical director for NHS South East, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is so important that people know their numbers.
“A quick blood pressure check can identify people at risk and help prevent life-changing conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
“We’re incredibly proud of the progress made by colleagues across the former Frimley system. The lessons learned will help the new Thames Valley ICB, as well as other ICBs in our region and beyond, support more people to manage their blood pressure and reduce health inequalities.”
“I would encourage everyone aged 40 and over to take advantage of the free blood pressure checks available through participating community pharmacies or speak to their GP practice.”
Dr Lalitha Iyer, former Chief Medical Officer of NHS Frimley ICB and now of NHS Thames Valley, said: “This success reflects a truly collective effort, involving NHS teams, GP practices, pharmacies, local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, and local people themselves.
“I would like to thank everyone who has played a part.
“Together, we are helping more people stay healthy for longer and giving them the best possible chance to live well.
“That is what makes this achievement so important.”
Residents can access free NHS blood pressure checks at participating community pharmacies.
More information about blood pressure and finding a local pharmacy offering the service is available via: nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/blood-pressure-test
