Justin Tomlinson MP for North Swindon had his blood pressure tested at a Parliamentary Reception held by The Stroke Association in Westminster to highlight how monitoring blood pressure can help to prevent a stroke.
The reception also provided an opportunity for the charity to highlight the fact that long term support for those that survive a stroke should be a key health issue under the newly formed Government.
Justin Tomlinson MP, commented:
“There is no doubt that blood pressure testing really can save lives. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke – but over 40% of those strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure. Many thousands of people are completely unaware of their own blood pressure levels and those with high blood pressure massively increase their risk of having a stroke.”
The Stroke Association runs an annual Know Your Blood Pressure campaign, alongside key partners such as the Ambulance Service.
Justin Tomlinson MP was pictured having their blood pressure taken by members of the College Of Paramedics and added:
“High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for stroke, yet blood pressure checks are a quick and simple measure that can go a long way to help avoid the 150,000 strokes that happen in the UK every year. This is why I was keen to get mine checked today and will be regularly in the future”.
Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association said:
“Stroke prevention through different ways of health promotion such as blood pressure checking is one of our key calls to action. However it’s also vitally important to remember that there is a life after a stroke for the majority of those unfortunate enough to suffer one. Stroke survivors need long-term support and rehabilitation in their local communities to make their life after a stroke as fulfilling as possible and we are urging the public as well as parliamentarians, like Justin Tomlinson to support us on this”.