Heart health

The human heart is a muscle, that works like a pump, to send blood around your body to keep you alive. For more information about how the heart works visit the British Heart Foundation website.

There are many ways you can look to improve your heart health:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. Read more about the risk factors for CVD on the Healthy Hearts Hampshire website.

What is a normal heart rate?

A normal adult heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute while resting. Your heart rate will change throughout the day and what is normal is different for everyone. Your lifestyle will affect your heart rate – whether you smoke, drink alcohol or exercise.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have a slow or fast resting heart rate, you should make an appointment with your GP. Symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Fainting
  • Feeling very tired
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. More than one in four UK adults have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes if not treated. This is because high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart, blood vessels and other organs.

As a general guide:

  • Ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
  • High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
  • Low blood pressure is considered to be below 90/60mmHg

Having your blood pressure checked is free and can be done at many local pharmacies, or by booking an NHS Health Check (if you are aged 40 to 74 years). If you would like some help to understand the readings or are concerned about your blood pressure readings, you can visit your local pharmacy, call the British Heart Foundation Helpline on 0300 330 3311 or contact your GP practice.

Hampshire residents can also borrow blood pressure monitors from their local library, alongside books and magazines. Monitors can be borrowed for up to 14 days to help you take regular readings at home and 'know your numbers'. Each monitor is borrowed on a ‘first come first served’ basis. It comes in a box, with a leaflet containing easy-to-follow instructions on how to use the device and understand the results, as well as what to do if you are concerned about the readings.

If you are concerned about your blood pressure, you should always follow the advice of a health professional.

What is an NHS Health Check?

An NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP or local council every five years.

The check takes about 20-30 minutes. It can tell you whether you are at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as diabetes and CVD. It usually includes:

  • Measuring your height and weight
  • Measuring your waist
  • Blood pressure test
  • Cholesterol test

If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery to find out if they offer NHS Health Checks. Or, contact your local council to find out where you can get an NHS Health Check in your area.