From today (Monday 4 September) the NHS in the South West is calling on people, over 40 years old, to get their blood pressure checked as part of a drive to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

The campaign is being backed by community pharmacies as well as by the Cornish Pirates rugby club and Somerset County Cricket Club, who are both offering free checks at matches in September.

One in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.

In the South West, identifying an additional 83,700 people with high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, could prevent 503 heart attacks and 749 strokes, saving the NHS approximately £14 million.

Dr Michael Marsh, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: “High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if left untreated, it increases problems such as heart attacks and strokes.”

You can have you blood pressure checked at your local community pharmacy

The only way to find if you’re blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked.

Dr Marsh said: “Getting your blood pressure tested is easy to do and could save your life. You can either go to your local community pharmacy or measure it yourself at home with a cheap and easy-to-use machine.

“Once you know your blood pressure is too high, the NHS can give you advice on how to start bringing it down.

“You might not necessarily need medication as there is a lot you can do to reduce blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle changes.

The only way to find if you’re blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked.

As well as community pharmacies some libraries across the South West offer blood pressure monitoring kits which you can borrow and take them home in the same way that you would a book.

Sports venues are also getting involved by offering blood pressure checks at their games. Fans will be able to get their blood pressure checked when the Cornish Pirates play Bath Rugby on Friday (8 September).

For cricket fans they will also have an opportunity to have their blood pressure check at the final championship fixture of Somerset County Cricket Club on 19 September.

For more information on the importance of a blood pressure check, knowing what those number mean and what to do next visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/our-work/know-your-numbers/