Free blood pressure checks have been offered at chemists as part of an initiative to encourage people over the age of 40 to regularly monitor themselves.
The Know Your Numbers initiative has been designed by Public Health Isle of Man to raise awareness of the links between a high reading and conditions including strokes and heart disease.
The week-long campaign is being run at several pharmacies island-wide and western and southern wellbeing partnerships.
Manx Care consultant cardiologist Lakshman Paudyal said high blood pressure was “often symptomless” so regular checks were “essential” to monitor changes.
The campaign also allows adults of any age to take their own readings, find out what the results mean, and receive advice on lowering high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes and is sometimes described as a “silent killer”.
The healthy range is between 90 over 60mmHg and 120 over 80mmHg, while high blood pressure is considered to be from 140/90mmHg or more according to Public Health Isle of Man.
Locations
Ballasalla: Costains on Main Road, and Kingsley Muti on Balthane Industrial Estate
Castletown: Clear Pharmacy branches on Malew Street and The Parade
Douglas: Clear Pharmacy branches on Castle Street, Cushag Road, Woodbourne Road, Hailwood Court, and in the Tesco store on Victoria Road
Onchan: Clear Pharmacy on Village Walk
Peel: Western Wellbeing Centre on Derby Road, and Clear Pharmacy on Michael Street
Port Erin: Southern Wellbeing Centre at Thie Rosien on Station Road, and Clear Pharmacy branches in Darnills Complex on Station Road, and Church Road
Port St Mary: Clear Pharmacy, in Helmshore House on Bay View Road
Ramsey: Clear Pharmacy branches on Parliament Street, St Pauls Square, and in the Tesco store on Bowring Road
Dr Paudyal said it was recommended with those over 40 should have their pressure checked every year, with those younger checked every three years.
However, he said those who already had a diagnosis of high blood pressure “may need more frequent blood pressure checks, as advised by their doctor”.
The campaign runs until 14 September.
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