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Free blood pressure tests are being held throughout the country on Saturday to raise awareness about the risk of a stroke.
Shoppers at more than 140 New World and Pak'n' Save supermarkets will be offered the tests by St John Ambulance as part of a blood pressure awareness campaign. Rotary Clubs are assisting.
High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for a stroke. As there are no symptoms, most people have no idea anything is wrong.
National MP Jackie Blue MP says 8000 people have a stroke each year, with 2000 dying as a result.
The Stroke Foundation says factors that can cause high blood pressure include, a diet with too much salt, being overweight, smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
