MARRABOOR Pharmacy pharmacist Jarred Kiel is urging people to “show your heart some love” and to keep on top of their blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force that keeps blood moving through the arteries once it has been pumped by the heart.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is where that blood pressure is permanently higher than normal.
Mr Kiel said checking blood pressure is crucial to your overall health.
“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease,” he said.
“Blood-pressure readings can indicate how hard the heart is working and is an essential part of a general health assessment.
“Many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, so it’s important to check your measurements regularly.”
In 2017-18 based on data collected by the National Health Survey, an estimated 34 per cent of adults had high blood pressure – this included 23 per cent who had uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Marraboor Pharmacy is offering a blood-pressure test service to its customers.
“At Marraboor Pharmacy, we can help with blood-pressure measurements,” Mr Kiel said.
“Our pharmacists and pharmacy assistants can measure in store and advise on measurements.
“We offer this service to those who are curious about their numbers, but we can also check those who have been diagnosed with hypertension and are on medication.
“We can help you understand if your medications are working effectively.”
It is also possible to do blood-pressure tests at home, and Mr Kiel is more than happy to show customers how.
“For those diagnosed with high blood pressure, we often recommend our customers to do blood-pressure readings at home,” he said.
“If needed, our staff are happy to help set up and teach our customers how to properly use a blood-pressure monitor at home and interpret the numbers.
“Many lifestyle factors can contribute to your risk of developing high blood pressure – for more information on hypertension, come see the staff.”
