Machine will offer free health checks at library

Dr Jeptepkeny Ronoh trying out the new machine at Lowestoft Library which is part of a drive to treat more people with undiagnosed high blood pressure

People are being urged to take advantage of a new machine based in a library offering free blood pressure checks.

Organisers said the machine at Lowestoft Library, in Suffolk, provided quick, free health checks in the centre of town.

In the first two weeks, nearly 140 people have used it with 11% assessed with high blood pressure and encouraged to take action.

The Lowestoft Healthy Hearts project is a collaboration between health partners, including Suffolk County Council, Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and East Suffolk Council.

The new campaign is calling on Lowestoft people to get their blood pressure checked

Organisers of the campaign said an estimated 1 in 4 adults in the UK had high blood pressure, but only half were aware of it and there were often no obvious symptoms.

If left untreated, they said this could lead to a heart attack, kidney failure, vascular dementia or stroke.

Data showed Lowestoft had higher diagnosis rates of high blood pressure compared with neighbouring areas and above average hospital admissions and premature deaths for cardiovascular disease.

Suffolk County Cllr Steve Wiles, cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: "High blood pressure is a serious condition, sometimes referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as the symptoms are often invisible. That’s why it’s so important to check your blood pressure regularly.

"I am delighted to support this important project which highlights the opportunities for people to get a quick, easy check that could prove to be a lifesaver."

Dr Jeptepkeny Ronoh, consultant in public health medicine and assistant director of public health at Suffolk County Council, said: "You can just walk in, follow the instructions and it's very easy for the machine to take your blood pressure and you can even choose what language you would like on the screen."

East Suffolk Council's leader Caroline Topping, from the Green Party, said: "I have just sat on it and had my blood pressure and heart rate checked and apparently I'm not likely to have a heart attack within the next ten years which is great."

Cllr Jan Candy, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for Community Health, said: "I would urge as many people as possible to take the opportunity for a free walk-in test at Lowestoft Library. It could be the most important check-out you make."

Organisers said if people had concerns about blood pressure and would like to have a GP or nurse check it, they would need to make an appointment.

Home monitoring kits may be available in discussion with your GP or other health professional and many community pharmacies will also offer blood pressure checks.