Cardiovascular disease (CVD), is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.

Cause of one in four deaths

CVD causes a quarter of deaths in England and high blood pressure is the largest single risk factor for it.

High blood pressure can increase your risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as heart attacks stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

No symptoms

But because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, it is estimated that 4.2 million people in England have it without knowing it.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a blood pressure test, which is a free, simple and non-invasive procedure.

Free check

And if you're aged 40 and over, you can get a free blood pressure check at your local participating pharmacy, without needing to book in advance.

You can:

• use this link to the NHS website find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks near you;
  
  
• search “pharmacy blood pressure check” online.

If you are aged 40-74 and live in Sefton you may be eligible for an NHS Health Check .

You can find out more information here about the NHS Health Check here. 

Some worrying numbers

Research has revealed that:

• 4 in 10 (41 per cent) unaware that, if left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease;
• more than a fifth (22 per cent) being unaware that it can cause strokes and heart attacks.

Concern

Sefton’s Director of Public Health Margaret Jones said: “The numbers of us who are at risk from high blood pressure and don’t know it because there are no symptoms is concerning.

“Prevention is better than cure so the best thing to do is follow the tips for keeping our blood pressure low but getting a free blood pressure test is a simple and non-invasive procedure that can help save your life.

“So, if you’re concerned about your blood pressure, get a test today.”

Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks near you.