Estimates show that 25,110 people in Southampton are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure – one of the leading causes of premature death and disability in England – but free NHS health checks to pick up on the issue are available at various Southamptoin locations.
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High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, and at least half of all heart attacks and strokes are associated with high blood pressure. It’s a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease, heart failure and cognitive decline. It costs the NHS an estimated £2bn a year, while social care and productivity costs are likely to be much higher.
To help tackle this issue, Public Health at Southampton City Council is piloting a scheme which has seen community pharmacies offering free NHS health checks to eligible local residents. The aim is to get more people that are living with high blood pressure diagnosed and managing the condition effectively. They hope to do this by offering the health check at a trusted and conveniently placed community location.
They are now calling on residents aged over 40 who are not already managing a long-term condition with advice from their GP, and have not had an NHS health check within the last five years, to book up. Checks take twenty minutes, and helpful advice on how to live well and stay healthy is also offered.
A list of pharmacies offering free NHS health checks in Southampton, and further information, is available from this page.