NHS Sussex launches drive for blood pressure checks

As part of Know Your Numbers Week, free blood pressure checks will be available at community pharmacies

NHS Sussex is encouraging adults aged 40 and over to get their blood pressure checked.

It comes as health and care partners across Sussex have joined the national Know Your Numbers Week campaign, organised annually by Blood Pressure UK.

Free blood pressure checks are available at community pharmacies in Sussex, while a patient participation event will also take place on Tuesday.

Dr Suneeta Kochhar, clinical lead for cardiovascular disease prevention at NHS Sussex, said raised blood pressure was "the largest cause of the life expectancy gap between the least and most deprived areas in Sussex".

NHS Sussex said those with high blood pressure readings could be promptly referred to their GP for effective management.

In Sussex, 33,750 people have blood pressure readings in the at-risk range.

Free blood pressure checks at community pharmacies are available for Know Your Numbers Week between 2 and 8 September.

GP practices and primary care networks have also been reaching out to patients.

Registered patients will be able to learn about high blood pressure and see demonstrations of home monitoring during a patient participation group event hosted by Deans and Central Brighton primary care network on Tuesday.