Free blood tests carried out on more than 70,000 people at over 150 places in Britain have revealed that more than half had high cholesterol, and two thirds had high blood pressure.
Glasgow and Huddersfield had the worst results, with cholesterol levels being higher than average and more than 80 per cent recording high blood pressure. Residents of Brighton and Banbury came out with the best results with much lower levels of both.
The roadshow tests, carried out as part of 'Testing the Nation's Hearts' campaign with backing from the Department of Health, showed that the average cholesterol level for men was 5.07mmol/l (millimoles per litre), and for women was 5.29mmol/l, which is above the recommended level of 5mmol/l.
Cardiologist Alan Rees said: 'Cholesterol and blood pressure are key risk factors for maintaining a healthy heart. All too often, people are unaware they may be building up heart problems. Of the 70,000 people tested, the average age was just under 52. Young people need to think about their blood pressure and cholesterol levels at an earlier age to prevent heart problems further down the line.'
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