Sure, you may have understood the scoring system for Olympic gymnastics and diving, but do you know your very own numbers? I'm talking about your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol - any idea what they are?
If not, don't worry you're in safe hands! Because next month is 'Self-Aware September', so as well as looking forward to the Action For Happiness calendar (a colourful and motivational poster for your workplace or fridge!), I'll be encouraging patients to find out their numbers. It's really easy to start. Firstly, this not all about doom and gloom. In fact, for the first time, I clicked 'use AI to write your blog' and instantly shelved the amusing suggested title of 'The Silent Killers' - definitely best left to the murder mystery section of a bookshop! I promise, as always, what follows is my own work :-)
Firstly, blood pressure. What is it? Why are there two numbers? Basically this is all about your body's plumbing: keep the pipes in good working order, and your pump (heart) will stay nice and healthy and efficient. Simple right? So we have two numbers: the top one is the pressure when the heart is squeezing hard ('systolic' - Greek for contraction), and the bottom number is the pressure when the heart is relaxing, i.e. between beats when it is refilling with blood ('diastolic' - moving apart or dilating). Classics language over, the nub is this: what really annoys your heart is having to push against a network of narrow, inflexible pipes. Welcome to furred arteries, my friends: the back-pressure on the heart is significant. And there are of course other causes of increased blood pressure: stress, having overweight or obesity, diabetes (via your kidneys), kidney damage (see last point, and also, if your GP says drink more water - please do!), smoking, diet, alcohol, to name a few.
So, what can you do to reduce your risk? Luckily, we have some fantastic Health Trainers who offer free one-to-one support on all of the above issues, without the long waiting list. This relatively new service is run slightly differently around the UK, but in York just click this link and make an appointment yourself. And whilst you wait for your appointment, you could make a start on finding out your own numbers. There could a little blood pressure machine closer than you think! Perhaps a friend or family member has one? Or, if you're over 40 and don't know your BP, visit your local pharmacy and they'll check it for free. Great right? Remember, the blood pressure target of 135/85 (at home), may be slightly different to what you've seen; if so, don't panic - targets change depending on your age, other health issues, and of course they're different in the USA. Oh and NICE like to keep us on our toes too (^smiles wearily^).
So that's the painless test out of the way. Now let's talk about blood sugar, cholesterol and kidney problems. With one simple blood test you can get an idea of how your body has been behaving over the past 3 months. Cholesterol is usually done on a fasting blood test, and may flag up areas in your diet and daily routine that need attention. More about that here. Blood sugar is a test called 'HbA1c', which is a measure of how much excess glucose has been floating around in the blood and scooped up by your local friendly red-river-rescue service: Haemoglobin. And for kidneys, we're looking at 'creatinine', which is a waste product that should really end up in the toilet via one of our two basement exit doors. So, if it's still hanging about in the blood, that means an ineffective cleaning system up at renal HQ.
Ok, let's talk logistics: when/how. Everyone on regular medication should have an annual review with a pharmacist, nurse or GP (depending on the medication and presence of other conditions). This is a great opportunity to ask "what are my numbers?" including any others I haven't covered above, that worry you. Or, if you're over 40 and not on regular meds but would like a blood test, please contact your local surgery (or ring Nimbuscare if you're a York resident to find out if you could get a health check done there).
And finally (drumroll!), my own surgery is running a free coffee morning and information drop-in on Thursday 19th Sept 8am-12 noon at Old School Medical Practice. If you're local, please help us spread the word by displaying this poster. Dr Lauren Roberts, Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Disease in Humber & North Yorkshire, and I will be chatting to patients about how to find out their numbers, what to do with the results, and answering any other questions in the relaxed and friendly community setting of our waiting room. There'll be lots of information available on the benefits of lifestyle changes like activity, healthy eating, relaxation, sleep, and nature, as well as the role of medication (where necessary and appropriate).
And of course, a free (Fairtrade of course) cuppa! All welcome; patients and non-patients.
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