NHSA woman says it is a “miracle” she is still alive after not realising she was having a heart attack until her optician informed her during an eye test.
Norma Booth, from Stockport in Greater Manchester, initially “dismissed” that she had high blood pressure as she had thought it was “always low” after previous readings, according to her optician Gohar Majid.
She had booked the optician’s appointment after feeling dizzy when he suggested he check her blood pressure – introduced as part of an NHS pilot.
Ms Booth said that during her symptoms, she had felt “detached from reality”.
She added: “I thought when you had a heart attack, you fell on the floor and would be screaming in agony and someone would be doing ‘Stayin’ Alive’ [chest compressions] on your chest.
“But it was like in slow motion.”
High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – can cause blurred vision and headaches and eventually lead to heart attacks or strokes. However lifestyle changes and medication can help, according to the NHS.
‘A life-saver’
Blood pressure tests have been introduced as part of routine eye tests at some high street opticians in Greater Manchester in an NHS pilot taking place in four areas nationally.
Mr Majid said it was a “common misconception” for people to expect their blood pressure to remain low.
“They assume it’ll be the same so we’re not surprised when people say to us ‘I’ve not had my blood pressure done for a while’ and expect it to be in the normal range.”
Ms Booth said: “If somebody says do you want your blood pressure tested, do it. It’s telling you what is wrong with your body.
“It’s a miracle – absolutely a life-saver.”