Cheshire East residents are being urged to check their blood pressure.

Know Your Numbers! Week is the UK's largest blood pressure testing and awareness campaign, running from September 7 to 13.

Led by Blood Pressure UK, the initiative aims to increase awareness of high blood pressure, a condition that often has no symptoms and can contribute to heart attacks, strokes and other serious health conditions if left unmanaged.

To support the campaign, Everybody Health and Leisure is reminding residents that self-screening blood pressure machines are available at multiple community and leisure centre locations across the borough.

"Many people can have high blood pressure without experiencing any symptoms, which is why routine checks are so important," said Gavin McKeith, health referral lead at Everybody Health and Leisure.

"Giving people convenient access to self-screening equipment can help identify potential issues earlier and encourage individuals to seek appropriate advice and support where needed.

"Following a 12-week exercise programme, 58% of customers on our cardiac, cancer, and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes who had high blood pressure at the start reduced their blood pressure to within the recommended range and were no longer classified as hypertensive. This demonstrates the significant positive impact that regular exercise can have on overall health."

Free self-screening blood pressure machines are available at leisure centres and community venues throughout Cheshire East (Credit: Supplied)

advertisement

Adults aged 18 and over can access free, walk-in blood pressure checks without an appointment at the following leisure centres and community venues throughout Cheshire East.

• Crewe Lifestyle Centre
• Shavington Leisure Centre
• Nantwich Leisure Centre
• Knutsford Leisure Centre
• Holmes Chapel Community Centre
• Congleton Leisure Centre
• Wilmslow Leisure Centre
• Macclesfield Leisure Centre
• Sandbach Leisure Centre
• Poynton Leisure Centre

High blood pressure affects around one-third of people in the UK, yet many are unaware they have the condition because it rarely presents symptoms.

According to NHS guidance, blood pressure is generally considered high at 140/90 mmHg or above when measured by a healthcare professional, or 135/85 mmHg or above when measured at home.

Early identification can help individuals access appropriate support and reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other related conditions.

The self-screening programme reflects a broader focus on preventative health and community-based health monitoring.

Alongside the blood pressure machines, information will be available to help users understand their readings, learn why regular checks matter and identify next steps if a result is higher than expected.

___________________________________________

Nub News is proud to be partnered with Everybody Health & Leisure.

Support from local organisations such as them helps us keep our local news free and easy-to-read.

If you own a local business and would like to sponsor us, get in touch at [email protected].