"The pandemic meant routine health checks were missed, and emerging evidence suggests the COVID-19 virus itself can raise long-term blood pressure."
If there is one thing you do this week, check your blood pressure – and encourage your family, friends, and customers to do the same.
The case for action is stark; more than 6mn adults in the UK are living with high blood pressure. Hypertension (persistent high blood pressure) is one of the biggest public health challenges worldwide.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes it as the leading modifiable risk factor for stroke and a major cause of heart attacks, heart failure, and kidney disease. It’s also one of the most preventable and treatable causes of premature death.
“In the UK, 350 people suffer a stroke or heart attack every day that could have been avoided.”
While it’s often associated with ageing, younger adults are far from immune. The latest Health Survey for England shows 11% of adults have undiagnosed hypertension, equating to roughly 6.3mn people.
Prevalence is highest amongst men. Nearly one in five (19%) men aged 55-64 have undiagnosed high blood pressure, alongside 14% of 45-54-year-olds, and 13% of those aged 35-44. Even amongst 16-34-year-olds, 3% are living with high blood pressure without realising it.
Despite advances in medicine and clinical practice, outcomes have barely changed over the last two decades. Even where it’s recognised and treated, blood pressure control is often poor: 40% of men and 36% of women on treatment still recorded high readings in the 2022 survey.
“The pandemic meant routine health checks were missed, and emerging evidence suggests the COVID-19 virus itself can raise long-term blood pressure.”
Recent studies found most patients have a heightened risk of developing hypertension post-infection, with some displaying lasting arterial stiffness that effectively ages blood vessels by several years.
High blood pressure is called the ‘silent killer’ for good reason; in most cases you simply don’t feel it. Stress or exertion can cause temporary spikes, but persistent high readings usually develop unnoticed. Symptoms may include headaches, blurred vision or nosebleeds, but by then serious damage may have already be done.
Last year, cardiovascular disease was ranked one of the leading causes of ill-health and inequality, costing the NHS £7.4bn annually, and the economy a further £15.8bn.
“Blood pressure isn’t only about genetics or ageing – lifestyle choices make a big difference.”
Excessive salt or sugar consumption, being overweight, smoking or using certain drugs such as cocaine contribute to high blood pressure. Alcohol can also affect blood pressure, even in moderate amounts.
People often assume that only large quantities of alcohol are harmful, but research shows the risk of high blood pressure starts to rise at around 1.5 units per day. That is the equivalent to just a small glass of wine or half a pint of beer.
Conversely, positive changes can help reduce risk. Even modest improvements make a difference. For example, a 10 mmHg drop in systolic pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading, relating to when the heart contracts) is linked to a 17% lower risk of coronary heart disease, 27% lower risk of stroke, 28% lower risk of heart failure, and a 13% reduction in all-cause mortality.
“The good news is that lowering blood pressure doesn’t always mean medical intervention.”
Exercise, weight management, and better diet all help. Exposure to sunshine has also been shown to lower blood pressure via nitric oxide release in the skin, while research suggests drinking beetroot juice can reduce systolic readings by around 4%.
Since high blood pressure develops silently, the only way to know is to measure it. Blood pressure can be checked at pharmacies, NHS health checks or as part of an insurance medical exam.
Screenings can catch problems early, before damage is done – which is why insurers ask for them when customers apply for higher sums assured.
Advisers should encourage customers to check their blood pressure regularly and ensure readings are accurate. Early detection opens the door to lifestyle change, medical treatment, and improved long-term health.
In our experience, when customers report a history of high blood pressure, there are usually other health factors that may not initially come to light. GPs frequently reveal information that wasn’t disclosed, such as past or current alcohol consumption, high blood sugar, pre-diabetes, and incomplete smoking histories.
“Accurate disclosure is essential for effective underwriting.”
The silent killer is still with us, but it doesn’t have to be. By raising awareness, encouraging routine health checks, and ensuring the right protection is in place, advisers can make a difference.
