A NEW blood pressure monitor loan scheme has been launched by Hillingdon Council to make it easier for residents to keep on top of their health and wellbeing.  

In partnership with the NHS, the monitors will be available to borrow free of charge from three Hillingdon libraries.  

The initiative began during Heart Month, the British Heart Foundation’s annual campaign to educate residents about vital life-saving skills and how to spot the signs of heart disease.  

It is estimated that more than 43,000 adults in Hillingdon suffer from undiagnosed hyper-tension, also known as high blood pressure.

In many cases, there are no symptoms, but it can lead to more serious health problems like cardiovascular disease or strokes. 

Eligible adult residents over 18, library members and most Hillingdon registered patients can borrow the kits for two weeks to carry out regular blood pressure checks at home and gather data for their doctor to assess.  

The kits will be available for loan from Botwell Green, Ruislip Manor and Uxbridge libraries.

Once readings have been recorded for seven consecutive days, residents can take a copy of the results to their surgery, or to any of the libraries participating in the scheme, so the data can be uploaded and reviewed by a doctor or nurse. 

To mark Heart Month, the council is hosting a range of events and activities in libraries, designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle and a healthier heart. See discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/heart-month-events. 

For details of the monitor loan scheme, go to www.hillingdon.gov.uk/blood-pressure-kits