A new local campaign urges people aged 40 and over to come forward for a potentially life-saving blood pressure check at their local participating pharmacy.

Around one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure, but only half of those are aware of it. High blood pressure (hypertension) doesn’t usually have any obvious symptoms, making it an invisible threat to many. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

Some people from African, Afro-Caribbean or South Asian heritage may have high blood pressure at a younger age and are encouraged to get their blood pressure checked earlier.

It’s quick and easy to get a FREE blood pressure check at a pharmacy. You don’t need an appointment and many pharmacies are open in the evenings and at weekends. To find the nearest participating Pharmacy, click HERE.    

You can find out more about High Blood Pressure and how to get it checked on the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System site HERE.

To receive local health and wellbeing information straight to your inbox, sign up to your health and wellbeing update me at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme.

[Source: Hertfordshire County Council]