Over five million unknowingly live with high blood pressure in UK

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If all these sufferers were diagnosed, 21,000 more lives could be saved each year, according to a medical charity.

The Blood Pressure Association's data shows that a third of the nation's 16million adults with high blood pressure are unaware they have the condition, which does not have any early symptoms.

The charity estimates that 40 per cent of stroke deaths and 30 per cent of heart attack fatalities would be avoided through medical intervention if only everyone checked their blood pressure.

This would mean 13,000 fewer deaths from heart attacks and 8,000 fewer from strokes each year.

Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine and chairman of the BPA, said: "Raised blood pressure is the biggest cause of death in the UK through the strokes, heart attacks and heart failure it causes.

"For those who are unaware of their high blood pressure, the consequences can be devastating.

"We need to find these missing millions as high blood pressure can easily be treated with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, tablets prescribed by a GP."

The BPA released the figures for its Know Your Numbers Week, which is the nation's biggest blood pressure-testing event.

More than 250,000 are expected to take part across Britain, with more than 2,750 venues - including pharmacies, GP surgeries, shopping centres, gyms and community venues - offering free blood pressure checks.