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Residents offered free 'life-saving' blood pressure checks

Tuesday, 8 September 2026 09:55

North Yorkshire Council is making blood pressure checks more accessible for residents.

Residents across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to take advantage of free blood pressure checks this week.

More than 50,000 adults in the county are estimated to have high blood pressure without knowing it.

The condition usually has no symptoms but can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and dementia.

North Yorkshire Council is working with local services to make checks more accessible as part of Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers Week, which runs until Sunday 13th September.

Blood pressure monitors can be borrowed free of charge from libraries across the county throughout the year.

The service is available to library members, with residents able to sign up for free if they are not already registered.

Additional checks are also being offered at Active North Yorkshire leisure and wellbeing hubs during Know Your Numbers Week.

Some community pharmacies provide free checks, while residents can also contact their GP.

Cllr Michael Harrison, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, said:

“High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ – no symptoms, just risk.

“It can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause kidney disease, dementia and other illnesses.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of these free and life-saving convenient blood pressure checks.

“It only takes a few minutes and could make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing.”

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