Patients in South Lincolnshire are being offered free blood pressure checks as part of Know Your Numbers Week, which runs until Sunday (September 20).
NHS South Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging patients to visit www.bloodpressureuk.org to find their nearest pressure station. The free checks will be taking place in many local pharmacies in Lincolnshire.
The tests, which help patients review whether their blood pressure is within normal, high or low range, can play a significant role in reducing harm caused by heart attacks, strokes and other serious health complications resulting from high or low blood pressure.
The ideal blood pressure for a young, healthy adult is below 120 over 80 (120/80mmHg) but most adults in the UK have readings from 120/80mmHg to 140/90mmHg.
The checks will be undertaken by fully qualified staff, with vital follow-up guidance given as necessary.
Dr Kevin Hill, chairman of NHS South Lincolnshire CCG, said: “Knowing your blood pressure numbers really does count so we’d urge everyone to get their blood pressure levels tested during Know Your Numbers Week.
“An alarming 30 per cent of people in the UK are affected by high blood pressure but most of the time they will not know it.”
Having a blood pressure test can also help people to find out whether their blood pressure is too low. In general, low blood pressure is good news, but in some cases it might be triggered by medicines or a long-term illness such as diabetes.
