'Stroke Roadshow' comes Exmouth.

EXMOUTH residents can get their blood pressure checked free of charge this Saturday, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about stokes.

EXMOUTH residents can get their blood pressure checked free of charge this Saturday, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about stokes.

On Saturday April 18 2009 the South Western Ambulance Service and the Stroke Association are working in partnership to help combat high blood pressure, the single biggest risk factor for stroke.

And they are organising a 'Know Your Blood Pressure' event in Exmouth where members of the public can have their blood pressure checked for free by a health professional.

It is part of a series events held from 10am until 4pm throughout the region.

A spokesman for the Trust said: "Many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure, as there are often no symptoms.

"Approximately 34 per cent of people have high blood pressure - and it is estimated that 40 per cent of stokes that are caused by a blood clot could be prevented by the timely identification and treatment of high blood pressure."

Ambulance clinicians will also be checking everyone's pulse to screen for a trial fibrillation, an abnormal irregular heart rhythm that may increase the risk of experiencing a stroke.

The location of the event is to be determined, but for more information contact the Trust on: (01392) 261500.