Cardiovascular health

Identifying medical conditions can significantly improve your health. High blood pressure (BP), atrial fibrillation (AF), and high cholesterol can be managed with the help of your GP.

'How's your heart' checks have been designed as a quick and easy way for you to check on your wellbeing without scheduling a visit to the doctor (information recorded at 'How's your heart' events may be shared with GPs to help manage test outcomes).

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor of cardiovascular disease and cases are rising.

More than 30% of people with high blood pressure don’t know they have the condition.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often faster than normal heartbeat which is a risk factor for stroke. AF can often be picked up when you have your blood pressure taken.

To help improve the health of residents and identify people with these conditions who aren’t aware, the Active North Tyneside team offers quick, free and painless blood pressure and AF checks at various venues in North Tyneside, without the need for an appointment.

The next 'How's your heart?' events for BP and AF are taking place on:​

• Wednesday 8 January, 9.30am-12pm at Wallsend Community Hub and Library
• Tuesday 21 January, 10-12pm at Oxford Centre
• Monday 27 January, 11am-2pm at Whitley Bay Library
• Wednesday 29 January, 10am-1pm at North Shields Community Hub and Library

Exclusion criteria (such as an existing medical condition or being on some medications) applies. If you are registered at Wellspring Medical Practice you are not eligible for a BP/AF health check at 'How's your heart' events. If you are not eligible, you can access testing at some local pharmacies (details below).