People urged to check their blood pressure on World Stroke Day

People are being urged to have their blood pressure checked in order to reduce the risk of stroke.

That is the message from the Irish Heart Foundation to mark World Stroke Day, which takes place globally today.

Research shows that only 7% of us know that stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and affects one in six people here in Ireland.

Free blood pressure checkpoints have been mounted nationwide today to mark the day.

Caroline Cullen, communications manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, explains what the initiative is all about.

"The Irish Heart Foundation and Covidien are encouraging people to take two minutes to have their blood pressure checked today on World Stroke Day to reduce the risk of stroke," she said.

"In fact, together we're providing free blood pressure checks around the country for about 1,000 members of the public".

"These checks are going to take place in Galway, Dundalk, Dublin, Limerick and Cork" she added.

Free blood pressure check locations:

CORK - Mahon Point Shopping Centre (10am - 6pm)

DUBLIN - South King St (beside Stephen's Green (9am - 7pm)

DUBLIN - The Merrion Centre (10am - 6pm)

GALWAY - Eyre Square Shopping Centre (10am - 6pm)

LIMERICK - Crescent Shopping Centre (10am - 6pm)

LOUTH - Marshes Shopping Centre (10am - 6pm)