New NHS programme to help Northampton residents tackle ‘silent killer’ high blood pressure
People living with high blood pressure in central Northampton will be offered a new package of free support aimed at reducing their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The Northamptonshire High Blood Pressure Support Programme will launch in October, working with participating GP practices to help working-age adults whose blood pressure is not currently well controlled.
Funded by the British Heart Foundation’s Healthcare Implementation Fund, the scheme will offer community-based support, home exercise and digital tools to help people manage their condition.
Eligible Northampton patients will be aged between 18 and 69 and have uncontrolled high blood pressure recorded in their GP records.
They will be contacted directly by participating surgeries via text message and invited to take part.
Dr Azhar Ali, clinical lead for the programme at NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, said: “High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because many people do not experience symptoms, yet it remains one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
“This programme gives people practical, flexible support to help manage their blood pressure in ways that fit around their lives.”
Those taking part can choose from group health coaching offering practical advice and peer support, an exercise programme using ISOBand resistance exercise bands, and the myHeart app for blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle changes.
Participants can use one, two or all three elements, and taking part is voluntary.
According to the British Heart Foundation, more than 136,000 people are recorded as having high blood pressure across Northamptonshire.
Judy O’Sullivan, director of innovation in health programmes at the charity, said helping people keep their blood pressure under control “could help save lives in Northamptonshire”.
The programme has been designed particularly to reach people who may face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare, including those in less affluent communities and people with lower digital confidence.
Patients are being asked to look out for NHS text messages as the scheme is introduced surgery by surgery. They should not contact their GP practice about taking part unless they receive an invitation.