Health check finds teacher's silent heart attack

Blood pressure checks carried out at a Staffordshire school during a training session found a teacher was having a silent heart attack.

Community First Responder Mary Donnington, from Uttoxeter, was talking to staff at Picknalls First School about CPR and defibrillation when she took the measurements.

One person's blood pressure was so concerning Ms Donnington advised them to seek immediate medical attention and it was later confirmed they were having the heart attack.

She was also shocked to discover 28 out of 30 of staff members were unaware they had elevated readings.

As a result of her visit, Ms Dorrington has provided blood pressure monitors for every other local school in the community.

"Everyone should know their numbers as early detection and action can make all the difference - whether it's regular monitoring or seeking medical advice, we can prevent potentially deadly outcomes," she added.

The Uttoxeter school's headteacher, Anne Tapp, said: "Mary has changed our morning routine."

"Instead of heading straight for a cup of tea, staff now check their blood pressure first.

"Healthier staff means a better learning environment for the children in our care."

High blood pressure - also called hypertension - can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes, according to the NHS.

Lifestyle changes or medication can help keep it under control.

A silent heart attack is a heart attack that has no symptoms, the British Heart Foundation said.

They are often only diagnosed weeks, months or years afterwards.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.