One in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure, with one in two strokes and heart attacks being the result of high blood pressure.

Across Cheshire & Merseyside about 650,000 people are thought to have high blood pressure, including over 260,000 people who don't yet know they are affected.

The theme of Know Your Numbers week this year is ‘Make the time, ease your pressure’. It’s asking people to encourage their friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to measure their blood pressure at home as the first step to preventing heart attacks and strokes.

You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you're out and about.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. If left untreated it can increase the risk of developing health problems including heart attacks and strokes, angina, heart failure, kidney failure and narrowed leg arteries.

Knowing your numbers means people can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if needed to bring blood pressure down to a healthy level.

It is never too early or too late to check your blood pressure and see if it is under control – Blood pressure is very important no matter what your age is.

Blood pressure tests can be carried out at a number of places; at GP surgeries, some pharmacies as part of  an NHS health check (offered to adults aged 40-74 years) or at home using a home blood pressure monitor.

This September, as part of Know Your Numbers week, LiveWire is running sessions that include getting your blood pressure checked, with lifestyle advice given dependent on results, along with ECGs to check heart rhythm.

Residents can attend the following sessions:

• Thursday 7 September, Penketh Community Centre, 9am – 12pm
• Friday 8 September, Westy Community Centre, 11am – 2pm

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “A number of factors can increase the risk of high blood pressure, including eating too much salt, not eating enough fruit and vegetables, being overweight, smoking and not being active. This is why it is important to try to live a healthy lifestyle.

“Knowing your numbers is a really important step to take, and I would urge residents, especially those who are over 40 to ensure they measure their blood pressure and do so regularly. It’s a great idea to invest in a blood pressure monitor that you can use at home to keep on top of your numbers.

“And if you would like to find out more about your blood pressure and get specific advice, drop into one of the many sessions taking place across Warrington for know your numbers week.”

For more information visit the NHS website or Blood Pressure UK.