Silent Signals: Reduce Stroke And Heart Failure Risk Via Screening

Prof Eva Gerdts (University of Bergen, Norway) underscores the importance of early blood pressure screening to prevent stroke and heart failure. Hypertension remains the leading cardiovascular risk factor, yet annual checks from age 40 – ideally with devices that also record pulse – are often overlooked. Prof Gerdts highlights that early treatment can cut stroke risk by up to 70% and substantially lower heart failure risk. She advises clinicians to take patient-reported high readings or irregular rhythms seriously, confirm with ECG and standardised blood pressure measurement, and refer promptly when needed.