Get your blood pressure checked at North Devon’s ‘big Tesco’ this Heart Month

Shoppers visiting Barnstaple’s ‘big Tesco’ are being invited to get their health checked out while they shop.

The Tesco Extra store is offering free blood pressure checks at its pharmacy and appropriate advice as part of a nationwide campaign in partnership with the British Heart Foundation.

The has been launched in February to mark its status as national Heart Month and the store on Barnstaple Retail Park in Station Road is offering both free walk-in and a pre-booked 10‑minute blood pressure check, carried out in private consultation rooms.

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Staff will explain the results clearly and if a raised reading is detected, guide customers towards the appropriate next steps or support.

All Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy staff undergo specialist Let’s Talk training to help them speak to the public with sensitivity about heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. But because high blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, the only way to know is to get tested. When found early, high blood pressure can be managed, helping to protect long‑term health.

The wider Tesco Health Charity Partnership with the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK was launched in 2018. Until March 1, customers can also choose to round up their shop to the nearest £1, to raise money for the Health Charity Partnership.

Tom Lye, category director for health and wellness at Tesco, said: “We want looking after your health to feel as simple as going into Tesco to do a shop.

“Our pharmacy teams are here to offer a quick, friendly blood pressure check – no fuss, no appointment needed. A few minutes in store can help to give peace of mind or get you support early if it’s needed.”

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Professor Bryan Williams OBE, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, added: “High blood pressure affects roughly one in three adults, yet many people remain unaware they have it because it usually presents no obvious signs.

“When it goes undetected, it can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is why it’s so important for as many people as possible to get their blood pressure checked.

“Although high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems if ignored, the positive news is that it can be managed. Small lifestyle changes like being more active and reducing foods high in fat, salt and sugar can have a real impact - medication is also available when needed.

“Getting your blood pressure checked at a community location like your local Tesco is quick, straightforward and could be one of the most vital steps you take to protect your heart and overall health. Know your numbers this Heart Month.”