Campaign aims to get 10,000 Cornwall residents to check their blood pressure

A major partnership is launching a public health communication campaign across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly this September encouraging at least 10,000 people to get their blood pressure checked over the next 12 months, and for those with high blood pressure to make small changes in their lifestyle to reduce their risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Spearheading the campaign is a dedicated team of health professionals from across the county, who each have their own reasons to champion this life saving message.  

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly head of clinical quality, Sam Collier, says she’s been ‘on a mission to live’ since having a stroke aged 42 due to high blood pressure. “I’d had reminders to go for my annual health check, but with two teenage children, a full-time job and a busy life I felt like I didn’t have time to even make an appointment. I didn’t prioritise my health and I almost died as a result.” 

Sam contacted her doctor suffering with severe headaches, after a consultation she was immediately referred to the emergency department where a scan confirmed she’d had a stroke.  

“I remember that I could regularly hear my own heartbeat in my ears, but I just ignored it. After my stroke I was so scared. I had to take a year off work, I needed a walking stick as I lost my balance, my speech was affected as I just couldn’t get my words out. I also had stroke fatigue and was exhausted, I had memory loss, I was forgetful and had to stop driving.” 

Thankfully, 11 years later Sam has made a full recovery. She’s completely changed her lifestyle, lost weight and even ran the London Marathon this year. As part of this year’s Know Your Numbers campaign, Sam is urging people to have their blood pressure checked. 

“It could have prevented me from having a stroke. I’d urge everyone to get checked and I wholeheartedly support this campaign,” she said.  

NHS Cornwall’s chief medical officer, Dr Chris Reid, said: “We’re on a mission to make blood pressure checks as routine as brushing your teeth. By encouraging 10,000 people in Cornwall to ‘know their numbers’, we can help prevent avoidable strokes and heart disease and save lives.” 

Partnering in the campaign alongside NHS Cornwall is Healthy Cornwall, Public Health, Cornwall library services and Integrated community Stroke Service. 

Gareth Walsh, public health practitioner for Cornwall Council, said: “Do you Know Your Numbers? We want people to be as familiar with their blood pressure numbers as they are with their height or weight. An ideal blood pressure is under 120/80 and with so many opportunities to get checked – including at local pharmacies - it’s the ideal time to find out what yours is. You can even take out a blood pressure monitor at many libraries now, just like you’d take out a book, and check your numbers at home. 

“The best way to keep blood pressure down is to live an active, happy and healthy life. Healthy Cornwall has lots of ways to help you do this so why not check out our website here Home - Healthy Cornwall.” 

Amit Dhulkotia, GP and NHS Cornwall clinical lead for long term conditions, said: “Sam’s story is such an important message of prevention and highlights how taking action to get checked could save your life. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 30% of deaths in women each year, more than twice as many deaths in women yearly as all forms of cancer combined. High blood pressure is the number 1 risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women.” 

Amanda Fidelis, NHS Cornwall senior clinical pharmacist, said: “It’s free to visit your local pharmacist for a blood pressure check. If your reading is high, they can refer you to your GP within 24 hours. It’s easy, quick and available at all pharmacies in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.” 

Why it’s important  

The Integrated Community Stroke Service has been attending events across Cornwall over the past 12 months and found that 1 in 3 people had high blood pressure, many of whom didn’t realise.  

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.  

Over time high blood pressure can lead to several serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vascular dementia, diabetes and many other conditions.  

Men and women aged 40-60 are particularly at risk and are being encouraged to book in for their annual health checks with their GP. You can also loan out a home blood pressure monitor from libraries or buy your own if preferred. 

The Know Your Numbers + Take Action campaign will promote: 

• Free blood pressure checks at participating pharmacies, libraries, events, and pop-up clinics. Visit the NHS Cornwall Know Your Numbers website page for a full list of events and places to get checked.  

• Home blood pressure monitors can be loaned from libraries. You can reserve one online. 

• Educational resources and support to help people understand and manage their blood pressure. Including simple steps people can take over time to improve their health and wellbeing. Head to the Know Your Number page on the NHS Cornwall website for more information. 

The campaign is part of a broader effort to reduce health inequalities in Cornwall and to promote proactive, preventative healthcare.