Tesco has announced a major new health drive with the British Heart Foundation, offering 50,000 free blood pressure checks every week to encourage shoppers to pay closer attention to their heart health.
The campaign comes as the British Heart Foundation warns that as many as eight million people in the UK may be living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure. To help tackle the problem, the charity and supermarket are urging customers to spare just five minutes during their weekly shop and visit a Tesco pharmacy for the quick and simple test.
The initiative has also won the support of British Heart Foundation ambassador and former England goalkeeper David Seaman, famously nicknamed “Safe Hands”.
He said: “As an ambassador for British Heart Foundation, I’m delighted to be supporting this campaign, which makes it quick and easy for people to get their blood pressure checked while they’re out doing their shopping.
“High blood pressure is something I take very seriously personally, and I make sure I have regular check-ups to stay on the safe side.
“The next time you’re in store, take five minutes to pop into the pharmacy and get yours checked too.”
Tom Lye, category director for health and wellness at Tesco, said: “Just as English football was once in the Safe Hands of renowned keeper David Seaman, customers can trust the safe hands of our pharmacists who are there for our customers at over 350 Tesco Pharmacies, no matter the score.”
Professor Bryan Williams OBE, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, said high blood pressure “can gradually damage blood vessels and place you at greater risk of serious illness”.
High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, but the only way of knowing that you are living with the condition is to get tested.
The free blood pressure checks in stores are delievered by trained pharmacy teams in private consulation rooms. You do not need to book an appointment to get the check done.
Prof Williams added: “A quick and simple check can help you get on the front foot with your heart health and identify any risks early. This summer, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to get their blood pressure checked – it could make a big difference to your long-term health.”
The minimum age for a free NHS blood pressure check is 40 years, unless there is a recognised family history of high blood pressure. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure, you can speak to a pharmacist.
