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New Zealanders are being offered free blood pressure checks in an effort to raise awareness about how to lower the risk of suffering a stroke.
The Stroke Foundation and Lions International are behind the free tests as part of Stroke Awareness Week which runs from September 8-14.
Foundation chief executive Mark Vivian says too many New Zealanders are clueless about the state of their blood pressure despite it being the biggest contributor to strokes.
"The bottom line is know your blood pressure and if it needs management, do so immediately. It could make all the difference to your future quality and length of life."
The free checks will be offered at pharmacies around the country on Saturday. A full list of locations is available on the foundation website .
About 7,600 people have a stroke each year (20 a day), resulting in more than 2000 deaths.
Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and stress can cause high blood pressure. The risk also increases as a person ages.
Maori, Pacific Island and some Asian communities are more likely to suffer a stroke at a younger age than those of European origin.
