New funding, which is part of a plan to increase access to primary care, means an extra 2.5 million blood pressure checks will take place in community pharmacies.

Visits to other locations such as clubs and hairdressers are part of the same scheme.

It is estimated that local checks, delivered by mobile teams, prevent more than 1,350 "cardiovascular events" including heart attacks and strokes each year.

NHS figures show high street pharmacies delivered 149,865 blood pressure checks to the over 40s in May this year - more than double the 58,345 delivered in 2022.

People are being urged to take up the offer because high blood pressure may lead to serious health problems.

It can "significantly increase your risk of having a heart attack and stroke", said John Maingay from the British Heart Foundation.

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He added: "But it can be difficult to know you have it unless you check because it doesn't usually have any obvious symptoms."

As a sign of the urgency of the problem, the Health Foundation estimates 9.1 million people will be living with a major illness by 2040 - 2.5 million more than in 2019.

David Webb, chief pharmaceutical officer for England, praised the "innovation of local teams, going into the heart of communities".

He added: "It has never been more important to put in place preventative measures like easy to access blood pressure checks that can pick up the early signs and risks" of heart disease.

Mr Maingay said: "We urge everyone to take up a free blood pressure check in your neighbourhood - it's quick, easy, and could help save your life."