Free blood pressure loan scheme for residents starts

Residents can check the monitors out for up to three weeks

Cardiff residents can now borrow monitors across the city to check their blood pressure. 

The devices, validated by the British and Irish Hypertension Society, can be taken home for three-weeks from hubs and libraries.

Customers can use a library card to borrow the monitor just like taking out books and other resources.

The new city-wide loan scheme  is the part of an ongoing health and wellbeing initiative from the Hubs and Libraries service, working in partnership with Cardiff and Vale Local Public Health Team and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "Many people can feel agitated when having their blood pressure taken in a healthcare setting, which can affect the accuracy of their reading. 

“By borrowing a device from their local library or hub, customers can carry out the monitoring in the comfort of their own home and take action to improve their own health."

High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes. Blood pressure medication and lifestyle changes can help people stay healthy, according to the NHS. 

Residents can sign up for a library card at their local hub or library.