A leading television doctor has issued a stark and potentially life-saving recommendation for the new year, urging every adult over the age of 40 to invest in a specific piece of medical equipment.
The Vital New Year's Resolution
Dr Amir Khan, a regular contributor to ITV programmes like Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has pinpointed the single most important action people should take early in 2026. While he is sceptical of overly ambitious New Year's resolutions, which he says are "often doomed to failure," he advocates for small, achievable health changes. His top advice? Purchasing a home blood pressure monitor.
"If there is one thing I'd recommend, it's buying a home blood pressure machine," Dr Khan stated in an Instagram post. He directs this advice to anyone over 40, and to younger individuals who have a strong family history of related conditions. He emphasised that this simple act "could save your life" by catching serious issues before they escalate.
Combating the 'Silent Killer'
The NHS doctor highlighted the pervasive danger of undiagnosed high blood pressure, often labelled the 'silent killer' because it frequently presents no symptoms. Many people are unaware they have it, yet it significantly increases the risk of catastrophic health events.
"Undiagnosed or poorly managed blood pressure increases risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, eye disease and other things," Dr Khan explained. Knowing your numbers and maintaining healthy levels is therefore critically important. He advises that the optimal time for a reading is after resting quietly for 20-30 minutes in a calm environment.
Practical Steps and When to Seek Help
Dr Khan provided clear guidance on interpreting readings and taking action. He noted that blood pressure naturally fluctuates, so consistent patterns are more telling than single measurements. Readings that persistently average higher than 135-140/85-90 warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional.
Alongside monitoring, he listed key lifestyle factors that help maintain healthy blood pressure:
- Stopping smoking
- Managing alcohol consumption
- Eating wholefoods
- Regular movement
- Quality sleep
- Managing stress levels
He concluded with a powerful call to action for 2026: "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." The NHS underscores that high blood pressure is very common, especially with age, and the only way to know if you have it is to get it checked.
