Half of people screened have health problems

A SHOCKING 50% of people screened for raised blood pressure or high cholesterol during the National Ploughing Championships were advised to see their GP within 24 hours because their health was deemed to be seriously at risk.

Around 300 people who attended the championships in Tullow, Co Carlow, this week took part in a Pfizer Health Check.

Heart disease and smoking are two leading causes of death in Ireland, claiming more than 18,000 lives a year. “Many people don't know their blood pressure of cholesterol level,” said Ryan Quigley, of Pfizer Healthcare Ireland.