Free Blood Pressure & Pulse Checks

Each year, the Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit provides up to 10,000 free blood pressure checks to communities around Ireland.

64% of people over 50 years old in Ireland have high blood pressure which is a leading cause of strokeheart disease and heart attacks.

The Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit travels around the country offering free heart health checks to members of the public. During a heart health check our expert nurses will check your blood pressure and your pulse and provide heart health information and lifestyle advice.

A pulse check could help detect atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heartbeat which can lead to heart damage or a stroke however you would be advised by our nurses to see your GP for more tests before a diagnosis is made. The good news is that with early diagnosis, atrial fibrillation is treatable. We would encourage people to have a regular pulse check or to learn how to do this themselves.

FREE Blood Pressure and Pulse Checks March

Find out when the Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit will be visiting your area.

Check the Schedule

6 Tips to reduce your blood pressure

  1. Know your blood pressure: Get your blood pressure checked and know your number. A healthy blood pressure is 120/80.
  2. Regular physical exercise: Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity every day
  3. Keep to a healthy weight: For some people, losing weight is all they need to do to get their blood pressure down to a normal level
  4. Eat a healthy balanced diet: Add more vegetables and fruit to your diet and cut down on salt consumption
  5. Drink less alcohol: If you drink alcohol, stick within the recommended limits
  6. Take your medicines as prescribed. Don’t stop taking your medication without consulting with your GP first.

The ‘silent killer’ that affects almost one million people in Ireland

High blood pressure or hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke, heart attack and other serious heart conditions .

High blood pressure is predicted to affect more than 1.2 million people in Ireland by 2020 and often goes undetected as many of those who suffer from high blood pressure often feel fine,” warned, Marese Damery, Health Check Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation.

Research has shown that only half of people with high blood pressure are aware that they have the condition and we would advise all adults over the age of 30 to have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Booking the MHU for your Community  

To book the MHU for your community please contact Hannah Maher on 087 3480432 or email healthchecks@irishheart.ie.

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