People across Cavan and Monaghan have been urged to have their blood pressure checked as part of a new campaign to drive awareness of its dangers.
The Irish Heart Foundation's 'Before Damage is Done' initiative highlights the link between high blood pressure and heart disease and stroke.
The 'silent killer' affects two out of three over-50s - but because it is symptomless, half do not know they have it. Previous research shows Ireland has one of the lowest rates of awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure in Europe.
Caitriona Pollard Health is the Check Manager at the Irish Heart Foundation. Speaking to Northern Sound, she has called on adults living across Cavan and Monaghan, especially those aged over 50, to have their blood pressure checked with a GP or local pharmacy.
"The only way of finding out is to get it checked with your GP or local pharmacy as you will, most likely, have no symptoms,” she said.
"It is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease and stroke but there are many factors that affect your risk.”
