Free blood pressure checks coming to Ballymena as charity warns 120,000 people may not know they are at risk

Hundreds of thousands of people across Northern Ireland could be living with dangerously high blood pressure without realising it — and a free health event coming to Ballymena aims to change that before lives are put at risk.

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) has launched a public awareness campaign highlighting what it describes as the hidden danger of undetected high blood pressure, a condition linked to one in every two heart attacks and strokes.

As part of the initiative, free blood pressure checks will be offered at selected MACE stores, including a pop-up event at MACE Ballymena on Wednesday 10 June from 1pm to 4pm.

The charity says the checks are designed to give people an easy and convenient opportunity to monitor their health, particularly those who may not routinely visit their GP or pharmacy.

‘The Silent Killer’ affecting thousands unnoticed

According to NICHS, more than 299,800 people in Northern Ireland — around 20% of the adult population — already have a diagnosis of high blood pressure.

However, the charity believes around 120,000 additional people may also be living with the condition unknowingly.

Fidelma Carter, Head of Public Health at NICHS, warned that high blood pressure often develops without any obvious symptoms.

“Undetected high blood pressure is often known as ‘The Silent Killer’ due to the fact it rarely causes any physical symptoms or warning signs and is often only discovered after someone suffers a stroke or heart attack,” she said.

“The only way to know what your blood pressure is, and if it is high, is to have it measured and we are delighted to be working with our corporate partner MACE to give the public an opportunity to access free blood pressure checks.”

The campaign comes amid growing concern around preventable cardiovascular illness and the pressure it places on both families and health services across Northern Ireland.

Free checks available in Ballymena next month

NICHS health promotion staff will visit MACE Ballymena, located on Crebilly Road, on Wednesday 10 June between 1pm and 4pm to carry out the free checks for members of the public.

The charity says the process only takes a few minutes but could potentially identify serious health concerns early enough for treatment or lifestyle changes to make a significant difference.

Fidelma Carter said the aim is to make health checks easier to access in everyday community settings.

“We want to provide people with a convenient opportunity to get their blood pressure checked. A blood pressure check is simple and only takes a few minutes, but it really could help save your life,” she said.

For many people, high blood pressure remains undetected for years until a major medical emergency occurs.

Health experts warn that unmanaged blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and other serious long-term health complications.

Other ways to get checked

NICHS is also encouraging anyone unable to attend the Ballymena pop-up event to explore other options for monitoring their blood pressure.

The charity says people can:

• Make an appointment with their GP practice

• Visit a local pharmacy offering blood pressure monitoring

• Consider buying a home blood pressure monitor if possible

Fidelma Carter acknowledged that securing GP appointments can sometimes be difficult and said home monitoring may help people keep track of their health more regularly.

Long-running partnership with MACE

MACE says the latest initiative forms part of its long-standing partnership with NICHS, which is now entering its tenth year.

Diane Anthony from MACE said the retailer was proud to support a campaign focused on early detection and prevention.

“We are delighted to play our part in supporting NICHS’s blood pressure awareness campaign and to welcome our charity partner to our stores to deliver blood pressure checks,” she said.

“We are very proud of our long-term partnership with NICHS, which is entering its tenth year, and this latest initiative is extremely worthwhile and could save lives. We would encourage our shoppers to pop in and avail of the service.”

NICHS says around 600,000 people in Northern Ireland are currently living with a chest, heart or stroke condition.

Established in 1946, the charity delivers prevention services, supports research and campaigns for improved public health support across Northern Ireland.

Further information about the blood pressure awareness campaign and upcoming pop-up checks is available at: www.nichs.org.uk/highbloodpressure