An ITV doctor has issued a stark health warning for the new year, urging every adult over the age of 40 to invest in a simple, life-saving device. Dr Amir Khan, a regular on shows like Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, says buying a home blood pressure monitor should be the top priority for 2026.
The 'Silent Killer' and a Simple New Year's Resolution
While sceptical of overly ambitious New Year's resolutions, Dr Khan believes one small, achievable change can have a profound impact. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, 31st December 2025, he advised ditching grand, often unattainable goals for a practical step. "If there is one thing I'd recommend, it's buying a home blood pressure machine," he stated, directing his advice to anyone over 40, or younger individuals with a strong family history of related conditions.
He emphasised that high blood pressure is frequently symptomless, earning its nickname as the 'silent killer'. Left undiagnosed or poorly managed, it drastically increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and eye problems. "Knowing your blood pressure numbers and keeping them at healthy levels is really important," the NHS doctor explained.
How and When to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home
Dr Khan provided clear guidance for effective home monitoring. The best time to take a reading is after resting for 20-30 minutes in a calm, non-stressful environment. He reassured that fluctuations throughout the day are normal, so not every reading will be identical.
The critical action comes if readings are persistently raised. "Readings that average higher than 135-140/85-90 need to be looked at by a healthcare professional," he advised. The key is to track trends over time rather than reacting to a single high measurement.
Lifestyle Factors and Taking Control of Your Health
Alongside monitoring, Dr Khan highlighted lifestyle changes that help maintain healthy blood pressure. These include stopping smoking, managing alcohol intake, eating whole foods, regular physical movement, ensuring good sleep, and managing stress levels—though he acknowledged this is "easier said than done."
He concluded with a powerful call to action for the new year: "So if you haven't already, make your New Year's resolution to keep an eye on your blood pressure, keep it healthy and seek medical advice if it is persistently raised." This simple act of vigilance, he insists, could be a genuine life-saver by catching a dangerous condition before it causes irreversible harm.
