Doug Naysmith, MP for Bristol North West, had his blood pressure checked in support of the Stroke Association and Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland’s campaign for better blood pressure awareness. 

Doug Naysmith said, “Strokes are the UK’s third biggest killer but a lot of people don’t realise that they are at risk.  Here in the South West nearly 30% of people tested didn’t know they had high blood pressure – that makes us the worst region in the country.
 
“I hope this campaign will make people realise that monitoring blood pressure can help prevent a stroke.  I’ve had one stroke and, as one of the lucky ones who recovered, I make sure now that I get my blood pressure checked regularly.  You can have it done by your GP or at an organised event such as Stroke Association/ RIBI testing days.  It is quick, simple and could change your life for the better.”

Working in partnership with Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) The Stroke Association has arranged a series of testing days across the country. Testing days offer free blood pressure checks, and advice on stroke and its prevention to people of all ages. Stroke does not discriminate and can happen to anyone at any time.

Joe Korner, Director of The Stroke Association said, “There is no doubt that blood pressure testing really can save lives. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke – that’s 150,000 every year. But over 40% of those strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure.  We also know that many thousands of people are completely unaware of their own blood pressure levels. Many of those people have no idea that they have high blood pressure and that their risk of having a stroke is massively increased.  High blood pressure can be reduced through medication and controlled by changes in diet and lifestyle. Take action, get tested and change your lifestyle - you may prevent a stroke.”