10,000 blood pressure tests rolled out

More than 10,000 people in Cheshire and Merseyside have had their blood pressure tested, thanks to a programme funded by the British Health Foundation.

Approximately 550,000 people are thought to have high blood pressure across Cheshire and Meryseyside, including up to 150,000 people who don't yet know they are affected.

If left untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke or heart failure. People diagnosed with high blood pressure will usually be referred to their GP or pharmacist for further monitoring; their GP may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to bring blood pressure into a healthy range.

The programme is carried out by the Champs Public Health Collaborative. Since August 2018, the British Heart Foundation have held a number of community blood pressure testing events, including partnering with the local fire and rescue service and investing in a mobile health kiosk, Wellpoint.

Dr Sarah McNulty, lead director of Public Health for Blood Pressure with the Champs Collaborative, said: “We’re delighted to reach the milestone of ten thousand blood pressure checks across Cheshire and Merseyside – but there are up to 150,000 people in the area who don’t know they have high blood pressure. Over the next year we’ll be rolling out more ways to make checking your blood pressure even easier to do. High blood pressure is a real threat to long-term health – but the sooner you know about it, the easier it is to make a change.”

Phil Hart, station manager and home fire safety manager for Mersey Fire and Rescue Service said of the programme: “The addition of blood pressure measurements to our Safe and Well Checks has been a great success and we are thrilled to have contributed towards the 10,000 checks taken across Cheshire & Merseyside. This programme has been a fantastic opportunity for Fire and Rescue staff to receive additional training and offer this vital intervention to vulnerable members of the community in their own homes.”