Free blood pressure tests will be available from more than 140 New World and Pak `n' Save supermarkets all around the country on Saturday, May 14. The tests are part of a nationwide blood pressure awareness campaign.

The Stroke foundation, which is carrying out the tests in co-operation with St. John Ambulances and the Rotary Club, said that high blood pressure was the single most cause of stroke, a medical emergency affecting 8,000 and killing 2,000 New Zealand residents every year.

Since high blood pressure does not have any symptoms, some people might not be aware of their increased risk of stroke. Eating too much salt, being overweight and consuming too much alcohol are risk factors causing blood pressure to rise. For those diagnosed, eating healthy and working out regularly can help lower blood pressure. Drug therapies are also available.

Mark Vivian, CEO of the Stroke Foundation, said, "This is a great opportunity for people to have a quick, painless check. We all lead busy lives and it can be hard to make the time for something as simple as a blood pressure check, but it could end up saving our lives".