Blood pressure tests at Boots

BOOTS stores are offering free blood pressure checks for people over 40.

The vital tests are now available in

650 stores nationwide, with follow-up 24-hour blood-pressure monitoring also offered if patients need it.

Free blood pressure tests have been available in some pharmacies since the end of last year, but the service has not been available everywhere. Boots says its move will make the tests more accessible to everyone.

Roughly 4.3million Britons have undiagnosed high blood pressure, according to the UK Health Security Agency. The problem is thought to contribute to some 75,000 deaths a year.

Boots says its new service will help reach the Government’s target of preventing 150,000 heart attacks and strokes over the next ten years.