The London Million Hearts and Minds challenge begins in Lambeth

Heart attacks and strokes cause one in four deaths in London. Around 70% of these are preventable, and knowing your blood pressure is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. The new London Million Hearts and Minds Challenge is encouraging Londoners to get their blood pressure checked and take simple steps to look after their heart health.

High blood pressure is the biggest cause of heart attacks and strokes. It’s sometimes called the “silent killer” because it usually has no
symptoms, so you could have it without knowing. An estimated 560,000 Londoners are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.

If you’re aged 40 or over, ask your local pharmacy about getting a free blood pressure check. You don’t need an appointment, it only takes a few minutes, and it could help prevent serious health problems including heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.

Getting checked is particularly important if you’re of Black African, Black Caribbean or south Asian heritage, or are self-employed or in
temporary work, as you may be at higher risk of high blood pressure.

Find out where you can get a free blood pressure check in Lambeth

The Lambeth Together Health and Wellbeing bus’ team of health champions offer blood pressure checks – find out when the bus is stopping near you.

You can also pop into a local pharmacy offering free checks to anyone over 40 who hasn’t already been diagnosed with high blood pressure – find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks.

Read about some of the best lifestyle changes you can adopt today to prevent your risk of heart attack or stroke – tips to protect your heart health.