Pressure is on for MP

Jim Dobbin - Heywood & Middleton MP

Jim Dobbin MP for Heywood and Middleton, Castleton, Norden and Bamford had his blood pressure tested at a Parliamentary “Know your blood pressure day” held by The Stroke Association in Westminster yesterday to highlight how monitoring blood pressure can help to prevent a stroke.

Jim Dobbin MP for Heywood & Middleton constituency, commented: “Stroke is the leading cause of severe disability and the third biggest killer in the UK. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke and their consequences can be devastating.

High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for stroke. Blood pressure checks are a quick and simple measure that can go a long way to help avoid the 150,000 strokes that happen in the UK every year. This is why I was keen to get mine checked today and will be regularly in the future”.

Working in partnership with Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) The Stroke Association recently launched a blood pressure campaign with a series of testing days held across the country in public places such as supermarkets, libraries and shopping centres.

Jim added: “Awareness events like the one I attended today are a great way for people to have their blood pressure checked but free tests are also available in GP surgeries, from many pharmacies, gyms and leisure centres and in workplaces that have occupational health teams.

"I encourage anyone who hasn’t had their blood pressure monitored recently to do so.”

Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association said: “There is no doubt that blood pressure testing really can save lives.

"Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke – that’s 150,000 every year.

"But over 40% of those strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure. We also know that many thousands of people are completely unaware of their own blood pressure levels. Many of those people have no idea that they have high blood pressure and that their risk of having a stroke is massively increased.

"High blood pressure can be reduced through medication and controlled by changes in diet and lifestyle. Take action, get tested and change your lifestyle - you may prevent a stroke.”