Know Your Numbers! Week 2025, organised by Blood Pressure UK, is set to run from 1st – 7th September 2025. This annual campaign is the UK’s largest blood pressure awareness initiative, helping thousands of people understand, check, and manage their blood pressure. With hypertension often called the “silent killer,” the campaign continues to be vital for improving public health outcomes across the UK.
What is Know Your Numbers! Week?
Launched in 2001 by Blood Pressure UK, Know Your Numbers! Week encourages people to get their blood pressure checked and take control of their health. The initiative focuses on:
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Offering free and accessible blood pressure checks through community hubs, pharmacies, and online resources.
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Raising awareness of the risks linked to high blood pressure, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and dementia.
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Providing lifestyle advice on how to lower and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
By giving people the tools and knowledge to take action early, the campaign helps reduce preventable illnesses and saves lives.
Why Blood Pressure Awareness is So Important
The Silent Risk
Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, but millions are undiagnosed. Because it rarely shows symptoms, many people only discover it after serious complications occur.
Health Impacts
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major cause of:
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Heart attacks and strokes
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Heart failure
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Kidney disease
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Vascular dementia
In fact, blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for premature death worldwide.
The Cost to the NHS
Hypertension costs the NHS an estimated £2 billion annually in treatments and hospital admissions. Early detection and management can drastically reduce this burden.
The Theme of Know Your Numbers! Week 2025
Each year, the campaign highlights a specific theme to encourage action. While Blood Pressure UK will release official details closer to the week, the 2025 focus is expected to centre on early detection and community engagement.
The campaign will continue to encourage people of all ages, especially those over 40, to check their blood pressure regularly, either at home or at a local pharmacy.
How to Take Part in 2025
1. Get Your Blood Pressure Checked
During the week, community centres, pharmacies, GP surgeries, and workplaces will host free testing sessions. Blood Pressure UK also promotes home monitoring, making it easier for people to keep track of their numbers.
2. Visit a Pressure Station
“Pressure Stations” are pop-up check points across the UK. Volunteers and health professionals will be available to take readings and provide advice.
3. Share the Message
Blood Pressure UK encourages people to talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of checking blood pressure. Social media campaigns under the hashtag #KnowYourNumbers will spread the word.
4. Support Employers and Organisations
Workplaces can sign up to run their own awareness events, offering staff free checks and health advice.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers:
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Systolic (top number): The pressure when your heart beats.
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Diastolic (bottom number): The pressure when your heart rests between beats.
What’s Normal?
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Normal: 120/80 mmHg or below
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High-normal: 121–139/81–89 mmHg
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High blood pressure (hypertension): 140/90 mmHg or higher
Blood Pressure UK advises adults to aim for a reading below 140/90 mmHg in clinics, or 135/85 mmHg when monitoring at home.
Tips for Lowering Your Blood Pressure Naturally
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying extra weight, especially around the waist, increases strain on the heart.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
Focus on:
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Fresh fruit and vegetables
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Whole grains
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Lean protein
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Reduced salt intake (less than 6g a day)
3. Stay Active
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
4. Cut Back on Alcohol and Caffeine
Excessive alcohol and caffeine raise blood pressure over time.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and accelerates the risks linked to hypertension.
6. Manage Stress
Relaxation techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and adequate sleep support healthier blood pressure levels.
The Role of Home Monitoring
Home blood pressure monitors are affordable, accurate, and widely available. Checking at home helps:
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Detect white-coat hypertension (when blood pressure is only raised in a clinical setting).
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Track progress when making lifestyle changes.
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Support conversations with GPs for effective treatment plans.
Blood Pressure UK recommends validated devices listed on the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) website.
How Know Your Numbers! Week Helps Communities
The campaign doesn’t just benefit individuals – it strengthens public health on a national scale. By encouraging people to check their blood pressure:
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Fewer people end up in hospital with preventable conditions.
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Awareness increases across all age groups.
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Communities become more proactive in supporting health and wellbeing.
Local councils, NHS trusts, schools, and businesses all play a role by hosting events and encouraging participation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Blood Pressure Awareness
With technology evolving, Blood Pressure UK is expanding its digital outreach:
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Online resources and webinars offer accessible guidance.
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Smart health devices link data to apps for easier monitoring.
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AI-powered tools may soon help predict risks and personalise advice.
Know Your Numbers! Week 2025 continues to adapt, ensuring that everyone – from busy professionals to retirees – can take part and take control.
Key Takeaways
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Know Your Numbers! Week 2025 runs from 1st – 7th September.
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High blood pressure is a silent but serious health risk in the UK.
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Free checks, home monitoring, and lifestyle changes can save lives.
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Everyone over 40 should get their blood pressure checked regularly.
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Blood Pressure UK provides support, resources, and community hubs to make it easy.
Conclusion
Know Your Numbers! Week 2025 is more than just a health campaign – it’s a movement towards a healthier, more informed UK. By knowing your blood pressure numbers, you take the first step in preventing serious health problems.
Whether you’re visiting a local Pressure Station, checking at home, or encouraging your workplace to take part, this September offers the perfect opportunity to put your health first.
