Cornwall libraries offer blood pressure monitors

Cornwall Council said people could borrow a machine for up to three weeks at a time

People can borrow blood pressure monitors for free from libraries across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall Council has said.

The authority said anyone with a library card could borrow a machine for up to three weeks at a time.

The scheme has been launched as part of Know Your Numbers Week, a national campaign which encourages people to check their blood pressure at home.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: "This initiative is another wonderful example of how the libraries are evolving to support local communities."

'Serious problems'

She said: "We’ve successfully trialled this scheme at some of our libraries and I’m delighted to see it rolled out across Cornwall."

The council said people have been advised to record their blood pressure over a seven-day period and then send the readings to their GP surgery.

It said the surgery would then review the results and let people know if there were any concerns.

Andy Virr, portfolio holder for Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: "Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.

"If left untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes so it’s really important to know your numbers.

"Lifestyle changes and blood pressure medicines can reduce high blood pressure but the key is identifying any problems early."