Free blood pressure checks in Mallow

“WE must stop this silent killer in its tracks.”

That’s the message from the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF), which has urged people in North Cork to avail take up the offer of a free blood pressure check at their mobile heath unit which will be in Mallow next Wednesday.

The unit will be parked up at the Le Chéile Family Resource Centre from 10am - 4pm.

An IHF spokesperson said early detection was a “powerful tool” in the fight against high blood pressure, which is the leading cause of stroke, heart disease, premature death and disability in Ireland today.

It is estimated that there are as many as one million people living in Ireland suffering from it.

“Those most at risk of high blood pressure are aged 45 years and over. Almost two-thirds of people over the age of fifty in Ireland have high blood pressure, while 41% of those who do have it not taking adequate medication,” said the spokesperson.

According to the IHF awareness of high blood pressure in Ireland is low compared to other countries, with the Foundation saying that it is has never been easier to find out about condition and seek treatment.

“Just think, ten minutes of your day will arm you with the knowledge you need to cut down the risk of strike, heart disease and even death,” said the spokesperson.

“High blood pressure can also be detected in younger people, but the only way to find out the you have it is to get checked. That is why we are calling on people from the age of 30 upwards to avail of this free service when it visits Mallow next week.”

For more information about the IHF Mobile Health Unit visit www.irishheart.ie.