Dubbo Delroy Chemmart Pharmacy is offering locals free blood pressure checks to help identify those at risk of a stroke.

The free checks at Delroy Chemmart Pharmacy are supporting Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check on Wednesday, May 6.

Delroy Chemmart Pharmacy, pharmacist Michael Dawoud said high blood pressure could cause a lot of serious problems that could be unavoidable.

“People need to monitor their blood pressure. “It only takes a minute and is non-invasive,” he said.

Mr Dawoud said high blood pressure doesn’t present a lot of symptoms.

“The only real way of knowing what’s going on is to get your blood pressure checked.”

Mr Dawoud said many of Delroy Chemmart Pharmacy’s customers had high blood pressure.

“One of the common things we dispense are blood pressure tablets,” he said.

National Stroke Foundation New South Wales Executive Officer Greg Cantwell said Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check was about getting people to take five minutes out of their day to have a blood pressure check and find out more about stroke.

“Some of the biggest risk factors for stroke are things that we actually have control over. Things like high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise all increase your risk of stroke.

Of all these risk factors, high blood pressure is the highest and most modifiable risk factor for stroke.

“Last year alone, residents of the Parkes electorate suffered more than 380 strokes. It is vital we reduce that number by helping people become more aware of their stroke risk and what they can do to lower it.

“I encourage all Dubbo locals to get involved in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check by getting a check at their local Chemmart or Know Your Numbers Pharmacy - it’s quick, free, simple and may save your life,” Mr Cantwell said.