Blood pressure testing day on January 23rd 2014

As part of RTE’s Operation Transformation, GPs from the Irish Medical Organisation and volunteers from the Irish Heart Foundation are organising to screen members of the public for blood pressure free of charge in various locations across the country on Thursday, 23rd January.

The public screening sessions will take place in nine locations around the country. IMO GPs and IHF volunteers will be providing a free testing service on the day from 9 am – 12 noon. Members of the public who will have completed a risk assessment form will receive a free blood pressure assessment and general guidance.

Dr Ray Walley of the IMO said; “Research has indicated that around 30-40% of people in Ireland have high blood pressure but many don't know they have it. So this screening day will help us to promote the importance of watching blood pressure generally and, hopefully, give us a chance to screen thousands of members of the public. Adults should be getting their blood pressure checked at least every five years. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure and peripheral arterial disease in Ireland and the only way to find out if someone has high blood pressure is to have it checked.

Radio coverage with the John Murray show will broadcast on the day, and test centre footage will feature on the Operation Transformation show on the 28th/29th of January.

Ends