Medical staff took the fight against what they describe as a “silent killer” to Aberdeen city centre.
High blood pressure is the UK’s third biggest risk for all disease, only behind smoking and poor diet.
It can put people at major risk of stroke, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications. And it is thought around a quarter of adults in Scotland suffer from it.
NHS Grampian staff were offering free blood pressure checks last week in the Trinity Centre.
Cardiovascular specialist nurse Alison Phinn said: “Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have high blood pressure as it has no symptoms. It is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’.
“It is estimated that only half of those people know they have high blood pressure.
“By having a simple blood pressure measurement, many of these individuals could avoid long term health issues or even death.
“As part of this campaign, we are holding blood pressure measurement checks in May for the public to have their blood pressure checked and receive advice on lifestyle changes which can help to reduce their blood pressure.”
The effort is part of May Measurement Month – a global campaign from The International Society of Hypertension which is aimed at improving world health through raised awareness around blood pressure.