MORE than 130,000 people across York, North and East Yorkshire are unaware they have high blood pressure which is one of the biggest causes of premature death and disability in the country.

Diseases caused by high blood pressure are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2 billion annually, according to new figures from the Public Health England (PHE).

In York an estimated 19,290 people have undiagnosed high blood pressure, which affects more than one in four adults nationally, with another 69,820 people in North Yorkshire, 42,750 in East Riding of Yorkshire and about 580,000 across Yorkshire and The Humber .

It can lead to diseases including heart disease, stroke, certain types of dementia and chronic kidney disease but it can often be prevented or controlled through lifestyle changes. It accounts for 12 percent of all visits to GPs in England.

The figures show by reducing blood pressure, £850 million of NHS and social care spend could be avoided over 10 years.

If just 15 percent more people affected are diagnosed, £120 million could be avoided over 10 years, and if another 15 per cent more people who are currently being treated controlled it better, a further £120 million could be avoided over 10 years.

The PHE and partners, including local and national government, the NHS, voluntary sector and academia, have launched an action plan, working together to improve the prevention, early detection and management of high blood pressure.

Dr Andrew Lee, who leads on blood pressure for PHE’s Yorkshire and Humber centre, said: "High blood pressure is often symptomless and is impossible to spot without a test. By working together nationally and locally we hope to reduce premature deaths by raising detection of high blood pressure, educating everyone on the steps they can take to control their blood pressure.

"Preventing people from developing high blood pressure through healthy diets and exercise is essential, but so also is ensuring those that do have high blood pressure are identified and receive the right treatment we can prevent a large number of premature deaths."

Key lifestyle steps to prevent or help manage high blood pressure include losing weight if you need to, eating a healthy diet (rich in fruit and vegetables, low in salt), exercising regularly, and cutting back if you drink a lot of alcohol, and taking more exercise.

Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said: "Our goal is to prevent people from developing high blood pressure in the first place – by helping people to eat better, lose weight, exercise more and reduce stress. More and more people every year are taking advantage of the essential advice being offered through the free NHS Health Check."

 For details of the action plan visit www.gov.uk/phe