Pomegreat recently conducted a study amongst Irish Adults as to their awareness & understanding of blood pressure issues. Given that the Irish Public Health Institute is forecasting a rise of over 40% * in the number of adults in Ireland with high blood pressure from 2007 to 2020, the low appreciation of the risks of high blood pressure amongst Irish adults should be addressed.
High blood pressure was seen as a cause for concern by only 8% of those surveyed. This is despite recent figures that show 1 in 4 of the Irish adult population now has high blood pressure *.
The survey also uncovered some interesting differences between males & females. Despite, the greater prevalence of high blood pressure amongst males, they were more likely than females not to know their blood pressure (33% vs 27%) and were also less likely to be aware of any family history of high blood pressure (20% vs 16%).
High Blood Pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” as sufferers may not experience any significant symptoms. Some sufferers will experience headaches and dizziness. However, 38% of those surveyed were unaware of any symptoms.
Despite a general awareness of health issues, more than 50% said that they had not taken any action to improve their blood pressure.
It is well established that if high blood pressure is brought down to normal the damage to the heart is halted and may even be reversed, so Pomegreat are urging consumers to make a move to healthier living!
A recent study on volunteers drinking just one bottle of pure pomegranate juice a day for two weeks saw 69% experience a drop in their systolic blood pressure. Pomegranates have been hailed as a “super-food” as evidence continues to emerge of the many health benefits of drinking a daily glass of the juice. High in health giving anti-oxidants, pomegranate juice has been proven to reduce the build up of plaque in the arteries, the chief contributor to heart disease and high blood pressure. With Pomegreat Original available in all major stores generally for less than €2 it is a great way to get started on the road to a healthier heart!
For more information visit www.pomegreat.com
Sources:
Pomegreat Blood Pressure survey – conducted March 2010 – base 250 Irish Adults
*Irish Public Health Institute report 15.03.2010 www.publichealth.ie