New service for people with high blood pressure
PA MediaA new NHS support programme will be available from October for people living with high blood pressure.
People living in parts of Northampton and Wellingborough will be able to access the Northamptonshire High Blood Pressure Support Programme, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The programme aims to reach people who may face barriers accessing traditional healthcare services.
Dr Azhar Ali, clinical lead for the programme at the NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, said the scheme would give practical and "flexible support" for people to manage their blood pressure "in ways that fit around their lives".
"By working closely with local communities and primary care teams, we hope to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and empower more people to take control of their cardiovascular health," he added.
Eligible patients will be aged 18-69 and will have uncontrolled high blood pressure recorded in their GP records.
People will be contacted by participating GP practices by text message inviting them to take part.
Local voluntary, community and faith organisations would play a key role, the NHS said.
High blood pressure remains the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the UK, according to the NHS.
It is linked to about half of all strokes and heart attacks, contributing to approximately 80,000 deaths each year.
Judy O'Sullivan, director of health innovation programmes at the BHF, said over 136,000 people were recorded as having high blood pressure in Northamptonshire.
"It is so important that every one of these people has equal access to the care and advice they need to get this dangerous risk factor under control."
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