More and more Barnsley residents are taking free blood pressure tests as part of a new campaign focusing on heart health.

The ‘How’s Thi Ticker?’ campaign is continuing through December, and residents are being encouraged to visit Goldthorpe Library on Tuesday 6 December to get checked.

So far across the sessions, more than 1,500 blood pressure checks have been completed, with 62% of people examined not having a previous diagnosis of high blood pressure.

Of those tested so far, 32% were referred to their local pharmacy and 6% were advised to contact their GP about their test results.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, lower-income families are being forced to make cutbacks, prioritising household necessities, such as water and heating, over nutritious, healthy meals.

Foods high in Omega 3, such as salmon, are often cited as being good for heart health, however over the past twelve months, according to the Office for National Statistics, the average UK price of salmon per kg has increased by more than 26%, far exceeding the current rate of inflation.

Removing heart-healthy staples, such as salmon, from a typical diet can have devastating impacts on long-term blood-pressure health.

In 2021 alone, more than 4,000 people in England and Wales, aged between 25 and 65, died from heart related causes.

Dr Ceryl Harwood, chair of the Barnsley Heart Health Alliance, said: “Many people often do not know they have high blood pressure as they have no symptoms and may not have been tested. Identifying and treating people with high blood pressure is an important way to keep our community healthy.”

Local businesses in Barnsley are being encouraged to come forward to run sessions for their staff by emailing KayeMann3@barnsley.gov.uk.

Further details about upcoming blood pressure check sessions can be found by looking at Barnsley Council’s social media channels.