Islanders urged to get heart health checked
BBCCardiologists from Jersey hospital are encouraging islanders to get their heart health checked.
It comes after Health and Care Jersey offered free and accessible heart screenings to people on Tuesday and Wednesday.
There were about 160 visitors to two screening sites located in St Helier and the hospital entrance, said the team.
Heart conditions affect about one in three people in Jersey, with heart attacks the most common single cause of death in the island, said the Government of Jersey.
The team's tests were non-invasive and checked for high blood pressure and heart rate.
Unhealthy heart
The team's tests were non-invasive and checked for high blood pressure and heart rate.
Dr Brian Wang, cardiology clinical fellow, said anyone concerned about their heart health should speak to their GP.
He said blood pressure could change throughout the day but continually high numbers should be reported.
"If your blood pressure is high or if you have a high heart rate, these are some of the things that can potentially point towards an unhealthy heart," he said.
"Individuals can very easily buy a blood pressure monitor from any good pharmacy or chemist on the high street and get it checked at home themselves."
The key signs of heart failure include fighting for breath, feeling fatigued and fluid retention (swollen legs).
Risk factors for heart failure include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, poorly controlled blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.
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