Hillingdon Council and The Confederation, Hillingdon CIC are working in partnership to host a series of events next month to promote heart health and encourage residents to get their blood pressure checked.
Part of the British Heart Foundation's Heart Month annual national campaign, these sessions aim to educate residents on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of heart disease and provide advice on living a healthier lifestyle.
They will include talks at the council’s libraries about diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol to help residents take preventative action that will reduce their risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
The Confederation works with healthcare providers to improve outcomes for patients. Regularly checking your blood pressure is important, as often people with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms but it can lead to more serious health problems like cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Static onsite blood pressure monitors are available at Uxbridge, Botwell Green and Ruislip Manor libraries for instant checks and results.
Cllr Jane Palmer, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: "Through our partnership with The Confederation, Hillingdon CIC, we’re making it easier for people to take control of their health and spot potential problems early.
"This Heart Month, we're providing health sessions with local clinicians in our libraries. Untreated high blood pressure can be a silent killer. Identifying and treating it can significantly reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, so I’d encourage you to get your blood pressure checked today.”
Dr Ritu Prasad GP, Chair and Clinical Director, The Confederation Hillingdon CIC, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Hillingdon Council as part of Heart Month. Working together allows us to bring vital health checks, (such as blood pressure monitoring) closer to our community.
“Prevention and early detection are powerful tools, and this partnership strengthens our ability to save lives, by raising the public awareness of their importance. Collaboration is key, and together we can make a real, lasting difference to the heart health of Hillingdon residents.”
Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks for people aged 40 or over. Find out more about getting a test at www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/blood-pressure-test/
For a full list of Heart Month events in the borough, visit discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/heart-month
