THE link between high blood pressure and strokes will be highlighted at a Know Your Blood Pressure event on Saturday.

The event, which is being organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix (provisional) in the Brunel Centre, is a national campaign in partnership with The Stroke Association and the ambulance service.

It will take place from 9am until 5.30pm, offering the public a free blood pressure monitoring service with information and advice on stroke-related issues.

Last year, more than 30,000 people in the UK had their blood pressure taken at a Know Your Blood Pressure event and more than 4,000 were diagnosed with high blood pressure.

David Coe, president of Swindon Phoenix said: “Over the years, this event may have prevented thousands of people from having a stroke.

“It may be quite worrying to discover you could be at risk of a stroke but once it is highlighted, it’s possible to make changes which will reduce that risk.

“The team will welcome any query, even if it is just for a chat, and help you find out how strokes can be prevented through simple lifestyle choices. Regular exercise, healthy eating and giving up smoking can all help to regulate blood pressure.”