Justin Tomlinson MP is backing the warning issued by UK charity the Blood Pressure Association to Swindon residents that ‘Ignorance isn’t always bliss’ as it urges everyone to get their free blood pressure check during this year’s Know your Numbers! Week (12-18 September).
Health professionals across Swindon are taking part in the event and will be offering free blood pressure checks for all adults at a variety of convenient local ‘Pressure Stations’ (see below). Last year 70% of people in Wiltshire didn’t know their blood pressure and 34% had a high reading.
A shocking 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure and a third of them have no idea as it has no symptoms. Yet its effects can be devastating, it is the UK’s biggest silent killer, being behind 60% or strokes and 40% of heart attacks. A quick, painless test can mean the difference between life and death.
Justin Tomlinson MP says, “Both through my role as the Honorary President of Swindon British Heart Foundation and as the MP I have continuously highlighted the need to tackle Heart disease, and this is a practical opportunity for local residents to take a crucial step in this quest. I know from my own family history of heart disease just how vital this is.”
Pressure Stations in Swindon (search at www.bpassoc.org.uk/kyn for Pressure Station opening hours):
• ASDA Pharmacy, ASDA Swindon Haydon, Orbital Shopping Park, Abbey Meads, Swindon, SN25 4YX
• ASDA Pharmacy, ASDA Swindon West, West Swindon District Centre, Tewkesbury Way , Swindon , SN5 7DL
• Mid-Counties Co-operative pharmacy, 24 Aiken Road , Taw Hill Swindon, SN25 1WL