Podiatrist helps spot high blood pressure in CLCH patients during Heart Health Month
February is Heart Awareness Month – a national campaign that reminds us how important it is to look after our hearts. It shines a light on the risks of heart disease, encourages people to check their blood pressure, and promotes small lifestyle changes that can make a big difference.
At Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH), staff across services have been supporting the campaign in different ways. One great example comes from podiatrist Sarah Finucane, who found a simple but effective way to make heart health part of her everyday clinics.
In the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, Sarah began offering routine blood pressure checks to patients attending podiatry appointments. She also spoke to them about the link between heart health, blood circulation and foot health. Each patient received their blood pressure reading on a colour-coded leaflet to help them understand their results.
In just the first two days, Sarah checked the blood pressure of 10 patients. Three of them had readings that needed further investigation or referral. One patient required extra follow-up, which Sarah arranged with a community pharmacist to make sure they received the right advice quickly. With patients’ consent, she also contacted GPs where needed so treatment could be reviewed without delay.
Sarah has continued offering blood pressure checks throughout the campaign, following Trust guidance to escalate any concerns. Her approach has helped identify patients who may not have realised they were at risk of high blood pressure.
Speaking about the initiative, Sarah said:
“It’s easy to think we can only make a difference in big ways, but small actions in everyday clinics can have a real impact. As podiatrists, we see our patients regularly and build strong relationships. That puts us in a good position to support their overall health. High blood pressure often doesn’t cause symptoms — many people feel completely well. The only way to spot it is to check. Being part of Heart Awareness Month has helped me feel connected to colleagues across CLCH, and it’s already helped patients who might not otherwise have had their blood pressure tested.”
Sarah’s work shows that improving heart health is everyone’s responsibility. You don’t have to work in a cardiac team to help prevent heart disease. By taking simple steps, clinicians across CLCH can play an important role in spotting risks early and supporting patients to stay well.
