Shock stroke figures revealed in Joyce's stroke prevention tour - Summer tour reveals one third high or borderline blood pressure readings

Shock stroke figures revealed in Joyce's stroke prevention tour
Summer tour reveals one third high or borderline blood pressure readings

A THIRD of people blood-pressure tested during Joyce Watson AM's stroke prevention summer roadshow had high or borderline readings.

The tour ends with an event at the National Assembly for Wales today (Tuesday September 22), where all Assembly Members and Assembly staff will be invited to get tested.

Joyce Watson AM started the campaign in July to test the blood pressure of 1,000 people in a summer tour highlighting the risk of stroke. She worked in conjunction with the Stroke Association and Community Pharmacy Wales, which represents pharmacies. Many pharmacies are able to offer blood pressure testing without patients having to go to their GPs.

Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and it is estimated that many people are suffering from undiagnosed high blood pressure - the single biggest risk factor for stroke. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke and a quarter of all strokes occur in people of working age. Ensuring blood pressure is normal can help to prevent stroke.

A total of 793 people were tested at locations throughout mid and west Wales including council offices, pharmacies, tourist attractions, summer shows and a newspaper office. Of these, 170 or 21.4 per cent had borderline readings and 99 or 12.5 per cent were found to have high blood pressure readings. People with high readings were advised to contact their GPs, and those with borderline high readings were advised to have the test carried out regularly.

Joyce has called on the Assembly Government to introduce a regular Wales-wide blood-pressure campaign using workplaces and other accessible sites.

Joyce said: "There are clearly a substantial number of people who are walking around with high blood pressure and are completely unaware of it. This is a major risk factor for stroke, yet it can be controlled, and strokes can be prevented.

"I am delighted that so many people have come forward to be tested, and that we have raised awareness of this issue. This Assembly event, with the Stroke Association's other events, should take us over our target of 1,000 people tested.

"I want there to be a more co-ordinated approach to testing people so that my campaign becomes a Welsh Assembly initiative to tackle this problem. I will be seeking a meeting with the health minister to talk about this issue."

Joyce has submitted the findings from her tour to the Assembly Health committee inquiry into stroke services in Wales.

Trish Hughes at the Stroke Association added: "40% of strokes are avoidable and high blood pressure is one of the main causes of stroke. This simple, short test gives a good indication of people's risk, so they can go to their GPs and seek further advice and treatment.

"People can also reduce their risk of stroke by taking more exercise and reducing alcohol and salt.

"It's important we take our message out to people, and we've been pleased to work with Joyce this summer to spread the word around Wales."
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