Tesco and British Heart Foundation Launch Free Blood Pressure Checks in Staffordshire
Residents across Staffordshire are being strongly encouraged to take a proactive step towards safeguarding their heart health by availing of a complimentary blood pressure test during their shopping trips. In a significant community health initiative, Tesco has joined forces with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to promote wellness this Heart Month, inviting individuals to visit Tesco pharmacies for a swift and amiable blood pressure assessment.
Latest estimates from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities reveal a concerning statistic: approximately 1 in 11 people in Staffordshire are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. This condition is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, yet it often presents no noticeable symptoms, making regular testing crucial for early detection and management.
Convenient Health Checks at Tesco Pharmacies
Tom Lye, category director for Health and Wellness at Tesco, emphasised the initiative's accessibility: "We aim to make health maintenance as straightforward as a routine shopping trip. Our pharmacy teams provide quick, friendly blood pressure checks without any fuss or need for appointments. Just a few minutes in store can offer peace of mind or facilitate early support if necessary."
Tesco pharmacy teams offer these free checks on a walk-in basis or by pre-booking, with each session lasting about 10 minutes and conducted in private consultation rooms. Staff will clearly explain the results and, if elevated readings are detected, guide customers toward appropriate next steps or support services.
Specialist Training and Broader Campaign Efforts
All Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy personnel have undergone specialist Let's Talk training, equipping them to discuss heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes with sensitivity. This latest campaign, launched during Heart Month, builds on the ongoing partnership between Tesco and the BHF, encouraging the public to incorporate blood pressure checks into their daily routines.
Beyond in-store tests, Tesco Magazine and the Tesco Real Food website are featuring heart-healthy recipes, including dishes low in salt and saturated fat, to help customers cook confidently at home. The wider Tesco Health Charity Partnership, which includes the BHF, Cancer Research UK, and Diabetes UK, was established in 2018 on the principle that small actions can lead to significant health improvements. Until March 1, customers can also choose to round up their purchases to the nearest pound to support this partnership.
Expert Insights on Hypertension Management
Professor Bryan Williams OBE, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, highlighted the importance of awareness: "High blood pressure affects around one in three adults, yet many remain unaware due to its lack of obvious signs. Undetected, it significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, underscoring the need for widespread testing. While it can lead to serious health issues if ignored, the good news is that it is manageable through lifestyle changes like increased activity and reduced intake of high-fat, salty, and sugary foods, along with medication when required."
He added: "Getting checked at a community location like your local Tesco is quick, straightforward, and could be a vital step in protecting your heart and overall health. Know your numbers this Heart Month."
A free blood pressure test at your nearest Tesco pharmacy takes approximately 10 minutes, with colleagues providing guidance on interpreting the results to empower individuals in their health journey.
