Residents are being urged to visit a free blood pressure test as part of a campaign to reduce the number of stroke patients.

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and the Stoke Association have teamed up to help people in Borehamwood take a moment to get their blood pressure tested.

There will be a free blood pressure test at Number 96 Shenley Road on April 23 to raise awareness of the link between high blood pressure and strokes.

Borehamwood and Elstree Rotary Club representative David Clout said: “Having a stroke can be devastating but people can reduce their risk significantly by paying attention to their blood pressure.

“Rotary is proud to support the Stroke Association’s Know Your Blood Pressure campaign because it is both simple and effective.

“The test takes a moment to do and potentially, it could save your life. Last year we held 1,680 events around the country and this year we are keen to reach even more people.”

More than half of all strokes can be caused by high blood pressure.

As well as having a blood pressure check, people in Borehamwood will also receive advice on steps to keep it under control and reduce their stroke risk.

Alexis Wieroniey, deputy director of policy and influencing at the Stroke Association, said: “Having a regular blood pressure check is so important.

“Estimates suggest there could be almost seven million people with high blood pressure who are undiagnosed and at risk of having a stroke.

“Many people have high blood pressure without realising it because it often has no symptoms.

“High blood pressure is far more common than you would think and it can be deadly but it is treatable.

“With events like this, together we can conquer strokes.”