Adults are being encouraged to get their blood pressure checked as part of May Measurement Month - a global initiative that aims to test 25 million people for potential high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and premature death. However, it rarely carries any signs or symptoms. In fact, a person can look and feel well even if they have it.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked by a health professional, such as a GP or pharmacist.

It affects 30-40% of people in Ireland, with 62% of those over the age of 45 estimated to have it. However, almost half of these are unaware that they have it.

May Measurement Month is organised by the International Society of Hypertension and the World Hypertension League, and is supported by Boots Ireland. This year's initiative is particularly focusing on people who have not had their blood pressure checked in the last year.

According to Dr Eamon Dolan, a stroke physician at Connolly Hospital in Dublin and chair of the Irish Heart Foundation's Council on Blood Pressure, not enough people get their blood pressure checked routinely.

"High blood pressure is the leading cardiovascular risk factor for attributable deaths and events such as stroke, yet it can be managed effectively once diagnosed in most people. We hope that by encouraging everyone to #checkyourpressure this month we can increase awareness of the risks associated with high blood pressure, and help people to start managing their condition more effectively," he commented.

As part of this initiative, Boots pharmacies are offering free blood pressure checks to people nationwide, with pharmacists on hand to offer heart health advice and support.