Blood pressure concerns at clinic
Almost half of Sunderland residents who attended a free blood pressure clinic were referred to a GP for further consultation.
This follows research from the Stroke Association indicating a lack of knowledge about the dangers of high blood pressure, which has been dubbed a ‘silent killer’.
The Bridges Vision Express store held a ‘Know your blood pressure’ event in partnership with the Stroke Association.
The initiative wasaimed at raise awareness of the dangers of increased blood pressure, which has no obvious symptoms.
Statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) demonstrate that approximately 6,117 people within the Sunderland CCG (clinical commissioning group) area are survivors of stroke, which represents approximately 2.16% of the local populace.
Pn the day, Stroke Association family and carer support co-ordinators Rebecca Girvan and Hannah Parrington, carried out a health test and provided information.
As a direct result of the tests, 40% of residents were advised to see a GP for a follow up consultation.
Vision Express store manager Ian Laing said: “This is a really important event many people were surprised that early warning signs of stroke can be picked up by our trained Vision Express optometrists through a simple eye test.
“There is a significant link between sight problems and stroke, with over half of stroke survivors suffering from ongoing visual issues.”
More information can found at www.stroke.org. uk and for Vision Express at www.visionexpress.com/ know-your-blood-pressure/