Sometimes, lifestyle changes around a better diet or more exercise will help. High blood pressure is serious but can be treated. Find out where you can get your check through one of our Blood Pressure Check Vans: /big-blood-pressure-check-vansĪ blood pressure check is quick and painless. The Stroke Foundation provides thousands of free blood pressure checks to New Zealanders across the country every year. High blood pressure is when it is consistently around or over 140/90. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 (said as 'one-twenty over eighty') or lower.
It often involves a cuff being placed around your arm and inflated - it feels tight but doesn't hurt. Your doctor will be able to carry one out for you, as well as some chemists. Recent research estimates a third of these people don't know it as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.Ī blood pressure check is quick and painless. One in five New Zealanders experience high blood pressure. A person with high blood pressure is up to seven times more likely to have a stroke than someone with normal or low blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one modifiable risk factor for stroke. It puts too much pressure and stress on the walls of blood vessels and increases the risk of both bleeds and blood clots. Getting regular blood pressure checks can be your best defence against stroke.
