Free blood pressure and cholesterol testing over the next three months will take place thanks to a partnership between the Department of Health's community nurses and the Phoenix Stores.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are leading causes of heart disease, Bermuda's number one killer. Both risks are controllable and thus testing can be extremely useful.

The most desirable cholesterol level for people over the age of 20 is less than 200 mg/dL (milligrammes of cholesterol per decilitre of blood) according to the National Cholesterol Education Programme in the US. People with this level only need get checked every five years. However for those who have borderline high ( 200-239 mg/dL) or high (more than 240 mg/dL) levels, re-tests are recommended.

High blood pressure is normally defined as pressure greater than 140/90. In order to control blood pressure, regular checks are recommended.

Chief nursing officer Gaylia Landry said blood pressure testing is especially important because it has " virtually no noticeable side effects in its early stage".

"Sadly, very often the first sign of high blood pressure is a heart attack, stroke or kidney problem and this is what we want to avoid," she said.

Both tests can be completed within 15 minutes during the free testing at the Phoenix Centre, the Collectors Hill Apothecary and Clarendon Pharmacy. Registered nurses will conduct the tests on site.

Pauline Girling of the Phoenix Stores said that 47 percent of those who took part in the same testing programme run between last August and November, found they had elevated blood pressure and 43 percent discovered they had either borderline or high cholesterol levels.

To find the time and venue for testing in each of the three pharmacies call the Phoenix Stores at 295-3838.