In a bid to conquer stroke, residents in Cardiff are invited to free blood pressure testing by students from Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, organised by the Stroke Association and City of Cardiff Rotaract on Saturday 21/11/15.
High blood pressure remains the single biggest risk factor for stroke, contributing to over half (54%) of strokes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Residents in Cardiff can get their blood pressure checked, and receive information and advice on steps to keep it under control.
In 2014, Rotary GBI and Stroke Association organised over 400 events across the UK. In the same year, Rotary GBI was honoured with a Special Recognition Award by Stroke Association for their long-term support of the Know Your Blood Pressure campaign. Dr James Logan, Channel 4’s own TV Doctor, presented the Life After Stroke Award to Rotary GBI at a prestigious awards ceremony hosted by Baroness Karren Brady.
Charles Pope of City of Cardiff Rotaract said:
“Rotary’s long term support for the Know Your Blood Pressure campaign has reached hundreds of thousands of people in the last decade, potentially saving many lives. The ideal blood pressure is 120/80 but we know a significant number of people have readings above that and a quarter have dangerously high blood pressure with readings over 140/90. It is for these reasons that I’m delighted to bring students from the School of Medicine to Cardiff City Centre this Saturday.”
Laura McGuinness, who leads on stroke prevention at the Stroke Association said: “High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer because it doesn’t present symptoms and many people have no idea their health may be at risk. Over 9 million people in the UK are currently registered with high blood pressure but estimates suggest there could be up to almost 7 million people who are currently undiagnosed and at risk.
“Getting your blood pressure checked is easy and quick. We hope to see many people from Wales at our events; it’s a simple way to reducing your risk of having a stroke.”
