Rebecca Fitzsimons, 71, told how despite being generally well, she was diagnosed with the condition, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, dementia and some forms of blindness

Retired teacher Rebecca Fitzsimons urges everyone to have their blood pressure checked

An elderly woman who had high blood pressure has urged others to get theirs checked after research revealed the ‘silent killer’ is not being properly diagnosed or treated among the over-50s.

Rebecca Fitzsimons, 71, told how, despite being generally well, she was diagnosed with the condition, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, dementia and some forms of blindness.

The retired French and English teacher said: “I had nothing. I didn’t even get a headache, and I’m very active.”

The Dubliner spoke out as part of the ‘Before Damage is Done’ campaign – an Irish Heart Foundation initiative to drive public awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure – which often arises without any prior symptoms.

Ms Fitzsimons explained that her initial, borderline high blood pressure reading late last year was confirmed as high a month later by her GP.

Using a blood pressure monitor

She said this prompted her to make lifestyle changes – which involved shedding weight, shifting to a Mediterranean-style diet, cutting out eating late at night, and improving her sleep habits.

Ms Fitzsimons said her blood pressure has now returned to normal but has urged others to get theirs checked.

She explained: “I don’t want a sudden stroke. And it’s the silent killer. I would be delighted if somebody could be alerted and they say, ‘oh my God, maybe I should get that checked’.

“You feel better about yourself when you’re proactive.”

It comes as research published by Trinity College revealed “substantial and persistent gaps” in the diagnosis and management of high blood pressure among the over-50s in Ireland.

It found that 62 per cent of adults aged over 50 with high blood pressure were not appropriately managed, meaning they were undiagnosed, untreated, or treated but not controlled – this equates to approximately 445,000 people nationwide.

Janis Morrissey, who is Director of Health Promotion at the Irish Heart Foundation, said: “There is often no single cause of high blood pressure.

“A number of factors combine to raise it, and high blood pressure can run in families. But you won’t know you have it unless you get it checked.

“If you are diagnosed, it means that your blood pressure is consistently higher than it should be. For most people, high blood pressure is 140/90 or more.

“Knowing your blood pressure is key. Once detected, it is easily treated. Your doctor may advise lifestyle changes but there are times, too, when they will recommend medication.”

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