UP to 270,000 people in Yorkshire & Humber are unaware they are living with high blood pressure, according to new estimates from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).#

If untreated, high blood pressure can significantly raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s also associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia.

High blood pressure, often referred to as a silent killer, does not usually have any symptoms, meaning that many people are unaware they are living with one of the risk factors most commonly associated with heart attacks and strokes.

However, if detected the condition can be easily treated by a combination of simple lifestyle changes and medication, depending on the individual.

The BHF is urging people to get their blood pressure tested, whether at home, in a pharmacy, or a GP surgery.

The BHF is currently funding £1.5m worth of community projects across the country which aim to reach and test people who are most at-risk of high blood pressure in everyday settings.

Events in Bradford district:

Wednesday, May 22 - 9-11:30am, Thornbury Medical Centre BD3 7HZ

Thursday, May 23 - 11am-3pm, Cartwright Hall Paralympic Exhibition BD9 4NS

Friday, May 24 - 12 noon to 3pm, Jamiyat Tabligh Ul Islam Haworth Rd BD9 6LL

Wednesday, May 29 -10am-12 noon, Westfield House DWP BD1 3BE

Friday, May 31- 12 noon to 3pm, Jamiyat Tabligh Ul Islam Victor St BD9 4RB

The BHF also has a partnership with Rowlands Pharmacies, where people can drop in any time to have their blood pressure taken.