Thursday February 14th is a notable day in the diary for more than one reason this year; as well as being the most romantic day of the year, the date also marks LloydsPharmacy National Heart Health Day 2019. People around Ireland are encouraged to drop in to their local LloydsPharmacy and avail of the FREE Blood Pressure measurement services and heart health advice this Valentine’s Day.
High blood pressure is estimated to affect almost one million people in Ireland[1] and is a major risk factor for heart disease and the biggest risk factor for stroke. In 2018 more than 1 in 10 people were referred to their GP with irregular blood pressure following four screening drive days in LloydsPharmacy nationwide. LloydsPharmacy have invested in intensive heart health staff training so expert teams can offer customers an increased level of care, including lifestyle guidance and blood pressure monitoring, across all 90 stores nationwide. This National Heart Health Day Lloyds Pharmacy is encouraging the Irish public to visit their local LloydsPharmacy to avail of the service.
LloydsPharmacy are now offering a new Mini Heart Health Check service for €15 in five of their pharmacies; Blackrock, Laois, Kilbarrack SC, Castletroy Shopping Centre and Northside Shopping Centre. This service is a one to one individualised consultation with a follow up visit 8-12 weeks later to monitor progress and offer further advice/action as needed. The individual measurements taken are BMI, BP and vascular age. Vascular Age is measured using a Cardiovascular Age Machine which uses Pulse Wave Velocity to assess cardiovascular risk, arterial stiffness and blood pressure. A person’s vascular age can increase due to a range of factors, including biological age, genetic influence, lifestyle and disease, and measuring it can convince people that arterial and vascular aging is of concern to them, this will increase understanding and adherence to therapy, thereby contributing to cardiovascular prevention: the earlier, the better!
The Irish Heart Foundation is LloydsPharmacy nominated charity of the year and in advance of LloydsPharmacy National Heart Health Day, Tim Collins, CEO of the Irish Heart Foundation, said “Heart disease remains one of Ireland’s biggest killers and almost 10,000 lives are lost to it every year. 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. This is why it’s so important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, which can be managed by making lifestyle changes and with medication, if necessary.”
Visit your local LloydsPharmacy to avail of the free heart health services on offer. Blood Pressure and BMI measuring services are provided on a regular basis and pharmacists encourage continuous tracking in pharmacy. Many LloydsPharmacy stores are open late at night and at the weekend meaning services are available at a time that suits you.
