Raising awareness of stroke

NINEWELLS Hospital is staging a purple-themed display for stroke awareness.

The hospital’s Health Shop will host a display and information stand as part of the Stroke Association’s “Make May Purple” campaign.

Three “Know Your Blood Pressure” events will be held at t he shop with staff from NHS Tayside’s Stroke Managed Clinical Network (MCN) offering free pulse and blood pressure tests and explaining the results.

Tracey Gellatly, MCN coordinator for stroke, said: “High blood pressure puts a strain on your blood vessels, including the arteries to your brain.

“The pressure can damage the lining of an artery allowing blood clots to form which may then block flow to the brain leading to a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) also known as a mini stroke.

“You can have high blood pressure without any symptoms so it i s hard to know if you have it without testing.

“If you know your blood pressure, it allows you to take control and reduce the risk of stroke.

“We would encourage people to know what their normal pulse and blood pressure is by taking the opportunity t o have it checked at t hese free events.”

Free blood pressure tests will take place tomorrow, Thursday May 18 and Thursday May 25, all from 1pm-4pm.

All are welcome attend. to