Blood Pressure check at North Devon Show

KYBP Report

Our ‘Know Your Blood Pressure’ stand at The North Devon Show was a great success. We are proud that, in conjunction with The Stroke Association, we were able to provide free blood pressure checks and inform people of the risks of strokes.

We must say a huge thank you to the nurses who kindly gave their time to do the blood pressure checks for us and also to our own members who worked hard to make the event happen.

High blood pressure is a contributing factor in around half of strokes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Rotary, in partnership with local teams and independently, took over 23,000 blood pressures in 2016. Over 6,000 of those tested were advised to make an appointment with their GP to discuss their reading.

For every 10 people diagnosed with high blood pressure, seven remain undiagnosed and untreated - this is more than 5.5 million people in England alone. The Stroke Association with Rotary’s support every year, hopes to reach those at highest risk with the important message.

Around 40% of all strokes could be prevented if people with High blood pressure were identified and treated.