Cheshire West residents to find out if their heart is happy and get their blood pressure checked for FREE as part of Know Your Numbers! Week.

The UK’s biggest free blood pressure testing event is held at ‘Pressure Stations’ around the country from 10-16 September 2018.

37,0001 people in Cheshire West and Chester have high blood pressure and don’t know. High blood pressure has no obvious symptoms but it is linked to at least 50 per cent of all strokes and heart attacks and increases the risk of kidney disease and dementia.

Many pharmacies across Cheshire West and Chester will provide information and advice on simple steps to keep blood pressure under control and will measure your blood pressure accurately.

A blood pressure check is quick, free, painless and could save your life. You can also have a free blood pressure check in your GP surgery or use a home testing kit.

This year, Blood Pressure UK is urging people to know their numbers and also asking them to encourage family members to get a check too. If detected high blood pressure can be easily treated, thereby reducing risk of stroke or heart disease.

Many key risk factors for developing high blood pressure are largely lifestyle-related such as eating too much salt, not eating enough fruit and vegetables, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol and not taking enough exercise. High blood pressure is also more likely as you get older, if it runs in your family and if you are of African, Caribbean or South-Asian descent.

You can lower your blood pressure and help to keep your heart happy with lifestyle changes and if necessary by taking medication as directed by your doctor.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Cheshire West and Chester, Councillor Louise Gittins says: “The message to people is to get your blood pressure checked and help to keep your heart happy. High blood pressure is a largely preventable and treatable condition but contributes to the leading causes of death. Having your blood pressure checked is an important step to knowing and reducing your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure.”

Hemini Bharadia, Know Your Numbers! Week Campaign Manager, Blood Pressure UK says: “Know Your Numbers! Week is the perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure taken for free and put you in control of your health. Make sure to spread the message to the rest of your family too, as high blood pressure does not discriminate by age or gender.”

To find your nearest pressure station online visit:

happy-hearts.co.uk