Tesco is set to offer up to half a million free blood pressure checks this Valentines Day as millions of Brits are deprioritising routine health checks.
The leading retailer has partnered with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), following findings that 50% of Brits are more likely to prioritise the health of their loved ones over their own health.
Tesco’s research also found that only 30% of men and a third of women attend a routine medical check at least once a year and over one in three adults say they haven’t had their blood pressure checked in the last 12 months.
This comes as routine checks are the most simple and effective way of spotting high blood pressure which is associated with around 50% of heart attacks and strokes.
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The NHS estimates that over the next five years, blood pressure checks at local pharmacies could prevent 5,000 heart attacks, over 8,000 strokes and save over 4,000 lives.
As the BHF estimates that as many as five million adults are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, Tesco is encouraging more people to routinely check this at its network of in-store pharmacies.
Based on NHS analysis, these appointments could help detect thousands of cases of high blood pressure and prevent hundreds of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
“Reducing high blood pressure is one of the biggest changes people can make to reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes, but most people don’t realise that they can get their blood pressure checked for free, without an appointment, at an in-store Tesco pharmacy,” Tesco CEO UK and ROI, Jason Tarry said.
“71% of people told us that supporting the health of their loved ones is a top priority. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there’s no better way to show your loved ones that you care than by encouraging them to take easy measures to look after themselves.”
British Heart Foundation chief executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths added: “Every week in the UK, around 4,000 people are admitted to hospital for a heart attack or stroke, with treatable high blood pressure contributing to many of these life-threatening events.
“This means the opportunity for a free blood pressure check could be one of the most valuable deals on offer when doing your weekly shop. It’s quick, easy and could even save your life.”
“At a time when the health service is under incredible strain, making blood pressure checks and health information readily available in places like Tesco supermarkets has the potential to help millions of people improve their health and prevent countless heart attacks and strokes.”
