Mark Hunter MP urges people in Cheadle to get their blood pressure tested and avoid a stroke

6.22.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th May 2007

Mark raising awareness of Stroke by having his blood pressure taken

Mark Hunter, has joined the Stroke Association and Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) in its campaign for better blood pressure awareness. Mr Hunter had his blood pressure tested last week in Westminster to highlight how monitoring blood pressure can help to prevent a stroke.

The Stroke Association urges the public to get their blood pressure tested and avoid being a statistic of the UK's third biggest killer. The call comes as the charity reveals figures that show nearly a quarter of people in the UK are unknowingly suffering from undiagnosed high blood pressure - the single biggest risk factor for stroke.

According to research compiled by the Stroke Association in April 2005, 24.6% of people in the North West have undiagnosed high blood pressure, slightly above the national average of 23.8%. The figures also revealed that this risk varies greatly across the country.

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle, and a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Stroke, commented: "We all lead busy lives but getting your blood pressure checked, either by your GP, or at an organized event such as Stroke Association/ RIBI testing days is quick, simple and could change your life for the better. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke - that's 150,000 every year. But over 40% of those strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure. Take action, get tested and change your lifestyle - you may prevent a stroke".

Working in partnership with Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) The Stroke Association has launched a blood pressure campaign with a series of testing days across the country. Testing days offer free blood pressure checks, and advice on stroke and its prevention to people of all ages. Stroke does not discriminate and can happen to anyone at any time.

High blood pressure is referred to as a 'silent killer' for good reason. 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure¹ with many more unaware they have the condition. Most people can be treated effectively and benefit greatly by making small but significant lifestyle changes. Cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking, reducing stress levels and leading a healthier lifestyle can all help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.

To request further information on blood pressure call 0845 30 33 100 or e-mail info@stroke.org

Contact Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland on 01789 765 411 for information on your nearest Rotary Club testing day or visit www.rotary-ribi.org.uk