PEOPLE living in Hampshire are being urged to get their blood pressure tested.

‘Know Your Numbers! Week’ is a free blood pressure testing event held at ‘Pressure Stations’ around the country from today.

The campaign, by Blood Pressure UK, encourages people to have their blood pressure measured so they can take the steps needed to maintain a healthy blood pressure and to keep them feeling well.

In 2018, 346 people in Hampshire were tested during ‘Know Your Numbers! Week’ and Blood Pressure UK hopes to double this amount in 2019.

They will have hundreds of Pressure Stations across the UK offering free blood pressure checks, with on in Hampshire at Andover Leisure Centre, in West Street, Andover.

Katharine Jenner, CEO of Blood Pressure UK said: “Diseases caused by high blood pressure such as stroke, vascular dementia, coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease) cost the NHS over £2.1billion ever year, yet over 80 percent of premature cardiovascular deaths could be prevented.

“The majority of the UK population would benefit by improvements in diet and lifestyle such as eating less salt, more fruit and vegetables and doing more exercise, and once you know you are at risk, you are much more likely to take action.

“So if you are one of the missing 6 million with high blood pressure, simply having a 5 minute check could add an extra healthy month to your life, helping you to live well for longer.”

For information on Know Your Numbers! Week, go to: http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home/AboutKYN/KYN2019

To find your nearest blood pressure testing station visit http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/microsites/kyn/Home/Freebpchecks/Findfreecheck