Check your heart’s health this summer
Residents of Surrey Heath aged 18 and above have the opportunity to have their heart’s health checked for free this summer by visiting one of Frimley Health and Care’s ‘know your blood pressure’ pop up events between 25 August and 10 September. Click here to view details of the pop up events.
There is no need to book in advance, simply drop by at one of the locations within the opening times to have the opportunity to have your pulse rate, pulse rhythm and BMI checked, and smoking advice given by qualified health professionals. Your readings will be sent to your GP practice to carry out any necessary follow-up care.
The Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Helen Whitcroft was one of the first to visit the team on Park Street in Camberley joined by Claire Norfolk, Senior Commissioning Manager, NHS Frimley, Mahmuda Ullah, Frimley ICS Programme Lead, and Aminatta Colin, Frimley ICS CVD Project Lead. At the visit Cllr Whitcroft had her blood pressure and pulse rate checked by the expert team.
Cllr Whitcroft said; “I thoroughly recommend you visit one of the pop up events no matter what your age or weight – heart disease has been prominent in my family and has caused much distress leading me to believe prevention is better than cure. Please take this opportunity to have these painless checks which will take only a few minutes.”
Cllr Colin Dougan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Heath said; “High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions in this country and can indicate there is a serious underlying illness that can go unnoticed unless you have your readings taken. The mobile team visiting various locations around the borough gives you the opportunity to quickly have the tests done and may save your life.”
Dr Lisa Linksy added; “It used to be normal for our patients to die in their 60's and early 70's from heart attack and stroke as result of having high blood pressure. Good blood pressure control has been a big factor in why we can now expect to live longer. We can't control everything in our lives, but by making good lifestyle choices and checking our blood pressure we can make a big difference to our health."
Nationally an estimated 4.7 million adults live with undiagnosed high BP, greatly increasing their risk of a devastating stroke or myocardial infarction (MI) and if you are South Asian, African or African Caribbean in the UK, your risk of developing some heart and circulatory diseases can be higher.
So as Know your Numbers week approaches 5 -12th September take action and encourage friends and family members to do the same.
Anyone who is unable to attend these dates but would like to know more about the risks of high blood pressure, can find further information on diagnosis and treatment here: https://fhac-archive.frimley.icb.nhs.uk/living-here/helping-you-to-stay-well/blood-pressure-do-you-know-your-numbers/. You can also visit your local pharmacy or contact your GP practice .