One in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure but do not know it – and this can lead to serious health problems.
That is why Derbyshire County Council’s Live Life Better Derbyshire team are delivering blood pressure checks to anyone aged between 40 and 75.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said: “Getting your blood pressure checked is important. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, doesn’t often have noticeable symptoms.
“But if it is left untreated can increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
“Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save your life.”
Since April 2023 the Live Life Better Derbyshire team have carried out 1,200 tests across the county and over 520 people were found to have high, or very high, readings. They have since been referred onto their GP or a pharmacy for further tests.
Alongside the blood pressure checks, the team also offer information about the council’s free healthy lifestyle services.
These include support to help you stop smoking, help with weight management and information about how to get more active.
Councillor Hart added: “The testing aims to help identify people who may have high blood pressure, but not realise it, and encourage them to seek support from a pharmacist or GP. We are providing opportunistic testing in community venues, to people who do not currently take part in NHS Health Checks or cannot access health services.”
You should have a blood pressure test if you're worried about your blood pressure at any time.
If you're over 40, you can have this test done as part of an NHS Health Check, which is offered to adults in England aged 40 to 74 every 5 years.
You can also get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including:
- most pharmacies
- your local GP surgery
- some workplaces
The blood pressure checks are funded from the NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board - Joined Up Care Derbyshire.
Dr Chris Weiner, medical director of NHS Derby and Derbyshire, said: "Stroke, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease are among the biggest causes of death and illness across our population. Identifying people who have high blood pressure and supporting them to reduce their risk is key to helping people to live longer and more healthy lives.
"This initiative is a great way to support people to monitor and manage their own health by getting a blood pressure check in their local community."