I AM writing to appeal to your readers to get involved in Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers! Week from September 15-21. A shocking eight million people in the UK are at risk of a stroke or heart attack because of their blood pressure.

We’re asking everyone in the south east, of all ages, to take a moment to visit one of Blood Pressure UK’s pressure stations during the week to have a blood pressure test and know their numbers. If left unchecked and not dealt with, high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

Nine out of ten people don’t know their blood pressure numbers. It is the UK’s biggest silent killer, responsible for 60 per cent of strokes and 40 per cent of heart attacks.

You wouldn’t know you have high blood pressure unless you have it checked, which is why it’s called ‘the silent killer’, however the good news is that if detected with a simple, quick and painless test, high blood pressure can be successfully managed and returned to a healthy level.

Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and share the #KnowYourNumbers and other content during the week to help spread the word.

You can also text NUMBERS to 70003 to donate £3*. Visit to see where your nearest pressure station is located and to find out more information on Know Your Numbers! Week.

KATHARINE JENNER, Chief Executive Officer at Blood Pressure UK.