GORDON HENDERSON MP

4th April 2011
MP puts the pressure on

Local MP, Gordon Henderson, is lending his support to The Stroke Association’s Know Your Blood Pressure campaign and is urging the people of Sittingbourne and Sheppey to get their blood pressure checked in a bid to raise awareness of the dangerous link between high blood pressure and stroke.

Mr Henderson had his blood pressure tested at a Parliamentary Know Your Blood Pressure event hosted by The Stroke Association. With annual Know Your Blood Pressure day fast approaching on the 9th April this was just one of hundreds of events which are taking place across the UK throughout the year to encourage the public to get their blood pressure checked in order to reduce their risk of stroke.

Every year 150,000 people will have a stroke in the UK, however it is estimated that 40% of these could be prevented by controlling high blood pressure.

Mr Henderson commented: “I’m delighted to be supporting The Stroke Association’s Know Your Blood Pressure campaign. Thousands of strokes could be prevented every year if more people took steps to control their blood pressure. Having your blood pressure taken is a quick and painless measure and it’s one that could save your life. I’d strongly urge everyone to visit The Stroke Association’s website at www.stroke.org.uk/kybp to find out more about the campaign.”

Over the last year more than 20,500 people have had their blood pressures taken at Know Your Blood Pressure events throughout the UK. Over 40% of people were recorded as having high blood pressure.

Kate Allan, Know Your Blood Pressure Coordinator for The Stroke Association said: “High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke, but it is a condition which can be controlled through medication and healthy lifestyle changes. There is no doubt that blood pressure testing really can save lives. There are millions of people walking around with high blood pressure who are simply unaware that they may be at risk of having a stroke. Getting your blood pressure checked could be the first step in reducing your risk.”

To find out if there is a Know Your Blood Pressure event near you, please go to www.stroke.org.uk/kybp or email [email protected].