Almost one in three adults who attended a national blood pressure roadshow organised by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) last year, were advised to see their GP about their results, the foundation has revealed.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause silent damage to the blood vessels and heart, as there are few symptoms and the only way you can find out you have it is by having it measured. If left untreated, the damage progresses over time and can cause a range of problems, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke and heart failure.

Last September and October, the IHF's roadshow, ‘Down with Blood Pressure' travelled the country and almost 4,500 adults had their blood pressure checked, ranging in age from 30 to 69.

Of these, 30% were advised to attend their doctor because of a high blood pressure reading.

"Thanks to our nurses delivering free blood pressure checks all around the country, 1,200 adults have now been alerted that they may have hypertension, which they need to manage with their doctor using a combination of lifestyle changes and possibly medication," explained IHF medical director, Dr Angie Brown.

She noted that as many as half of people with high blood pressure are unaware they have it.

"Because high blood pressure carries no symptoms, the only way to know you have it is to get it checked. This January, make a healthy start by having a blood pressure check with your doctor or at your local pharmacist and take positive steps to reduce your risk by being a healthy weight, being active and consuming less salt, less calories and less alcohol," Dr Brown said.

Meanwhile, she reminded people that if they are prescribed blood pressure medication, this ‘works best in combination with lifestyle changes'.

For more information on blood pressure, speak to an IHF nurse on the foundation's helpline at 1890 432 787.