Blood Pressure Test

At 8:30am this morning, I had my annual blood pressure test taken by the Pratice Nurse.

This blood pressure test is required no earlier than 14 days prior to my Contributory Assistant Referees' Fitness Test which is on Sunday 8th July 2007 from 9:00am onwards at Wigan.

I will be required to run a minimum of 2,500 metres [12.5kmh average speed] within 12 minutes (which used to be a minimum of 2,700 metres [13.5kmh average speed]). This is followed by 2 x 50 metre sprints in under 7.5 seconds each.

Without an authenticated blood pressure test not exceeding 160 over 95, I will not be able to undertake the fitness test and will not be invited back as a Contributory League Assistant Referee next season.

My blood pressure reading was 120 over 70. Now all that remains is for me to turn up at Wigan on the day and pass the fitness test.


Last Year's Blood Pressure results.
Last Year's Fitness Test.

Cholesterol Test

Tesco Warrington were today performing free cholesterol tests sponsored by Flora and H.E.A.R.T UK.

Having never been tested for my cholesterol "number" before, I decided to give it a go - it was free after all!

My LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol) reading was 4.2 mmol/l and my HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) reading was 1.64 mmol/l. My total cholesterol reading was 6.25 mmol/l.

My estimated chance of developing heart health problems within the next 10 years is considered to be: LOW RISK. Although my LDL is high, my HDL is low. This basically means they kind of cancel each other out.

mmol/l = millimoles per litre.

Website Links

British Heart Foundation (www.bhf.org.uk)
British Nutrition Foundation (www.nutrition.org.uk)
Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk/home.htm)
Food Standards Agency (www.eatwell.gov.uk)
H.E.A.R.T UK (www.heartuk.org.uk)
Vegetarian Society (www.vegsoc.org)

Blood Pressure Test

No run today...

I had to leave work a little earlier to go and have my blood pressure tested. This is a mandatory Football Association requirement before I can attend the fitness test this coming Sunday morning. The blood pressure test must have been performed no earlier than 14 days before the fitness test itself and the reading must be below 160 over 95. This blood pressure test must also be performed by an appropriate medical person.

My reading was 100 over 60 - so no problems there then!


So, yesterday was effectively my last run before Sunday, as I now plan to rest, carb load, sleep properly, and stay completely away from beer. So, that includes no drinking whilst watching England's opener!

I'll make up for it Sunday night!