HEART failure and high blood pressure rates are on the increase in Warrington, according to new figures.

Statistics released by Public Health England have shown that 1,684 people in the town were living with heart failure in 2016/17 - affecting 829 in every 100,000 residents.

This is an increase of more than 17 per cent since 2009/10, when data was first recorded.

And 224 people were admitted to hospital in Warrington due to heart failure last year.

Meanwhile, 28,427 patients on doctors’ books in the town had high blood pressure in 2016/17 - accounting for 14 per cent of people in Warrington.

This figure has increase nearly six per cent since 2009/10.

And GPs have no records of blood pressure readings from the past five years for almost one in 10 patients over the age of 45.

All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.

A Warrington Borough Council spokesman said: “Having high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms, but it puts you at increased risk of heart disease and strokes.

“Having a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, doing regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight will all help to control your blood pressure.

“We want to encourage people to get their blood pressure checked, and they can do so at a variety of venues across the borough.

“Testing is available at local pharmacies, at the Wellpoint health kiosk and at a range of community events.

“If anyone is particularly worried about their blood pressure they should contact their GP practice.”

The Wellpoint health kiosk - where residents can check their own blood pressure - will be located at Orford Community Hub on Festival Avenue from Saturday, June 2, before moving to Fearnhead Cross Centre on Saturday, June 16.