Community blood pressure and health checks

High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attacks and stroke. Around one in three adults have high blood pressure, but many don’t realise it because it often doesn’t have any symptoms until it’s too late.

The Know your Numbers campaign urges everyone, particularly those aged 40 and over, to get a blood pressure (BP) check to find out their numbers and start making healthy lifestyle changes or taking medicines if needed to help bring their blood pressure down.

There are several ways for people to access a BP check, including at a local pharmacy, at a community drop-in event, or at their GP surgery. Some people may also wish to check their BP at home with a home blood pressure monitor.

The Outreach Vaccination and Health team delivered more than 1,250 BP checks at community drop-in events in 2023/24, with almost 150 of those people referred to their GP practice, either due to their blood pressure results or other reasons which came up during health checks.

The team also chat to people about simple changes they can make to their lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, improving their diet or increasing exercise and signposting to further support if needed.

Find out more about the Know Your Numbers campaign in Gloucestershire and how to access a BP check.

In Gloucestershire, prevention and increasing the early identification of high blood pressure and supporting those with a diagnosis to manage their condition are important priorities. That’s why we’re supporting the Know Your Numbers campaign all year round.

Oonagh Wilson, Clinical Lead, Community Outreach Vaccination and Health team, said: “The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked. All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Getting this done is easy and could save your life.”

Dates and locations

Our Community Outreach Vaccination and Health team will be offering health checks at the following locations:

‘Thanks to the team’s persistence, my urgent health condition was identified’

Phil (aged 37) happened to be holidaying in the Cotswolds on the day of their visit. He recalls: “There was an NHS van parked in Stow Market Square offering free blood pressure checks. Despite my initial reservations the team were persistent in checking me. They found that my blood pressure was extremely high.

“Following their advice, I managed to get an urgent appointment with my GP, had blood tests and a 24-hour blood pressure monitor fitted.

“I hadn’t been experiencing any symptoms, so was totally unaware of my underlying health condition.

“Thanks to the team’s persistence, my urgent health condition was identified, and I am now on medication to control it. I am extremely grateful.”