The UK’s National Health Service is offering free blood pressure checks to everyone 40 years and above. It is hoped that some 4,500 lives will be saved through this scheme as it is estimated that half of a million of Brits are at risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to The Mirror.
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Free checks
It is estimated that about 15 million adults in the UK have high blood pressure. However, more than a third of cases go undetected, putting people at risk of heart attacks and strokes. Heart diseases such as these are the biggest killers in Britain, responsible for one in four deaths.
Over the past nine months, people aged 40 years and above could go to over 8,000 pharmacists across England for the blood pressure test without patients having to wait for an appointment with overstretched GPs. Those were flagged up by the quick checks, will be offered medication and lifestyle advice. Dr Shahed Ahmad, national clinical director for cardiovascular disease at NHS England, said:
Getting checked at your local pharmacy is quick and straightforward, and could add years to your life by getting the treatment or medication you need earlier. If you’re eligible please do take up your free test soon.
Progress
The number of pharmacists who signed up to offer the free checks –8,423– is more than double the NHS expected. The participating pharmacists include Boots and Lloyds. According to health chiefs, the take-up means 5,500 heart attacks, 8,140 strokes and 4,400 lives could be saved over the next five years. John Maingay, director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said:
High blood pressure is a silent killer. It doesn’t usually present any symptoms, and significantly raises the risk of a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.
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