AN Inverclyde consultant is helping to lead a bid to combat 'Scotland's silent killer' - and hopes to recruit local people for research studies.

Linsay McCallum, a consultant physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, says high blood pressure is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes but rarely causes symptoms, so public awareness of it is poor.

She is urging people to get checked out at two upcoming free events in Greenock.

The 35-year-old mum-of-two from Wemyss Bay said: "High blood pressure can also lead to other complications including heart failure, kidney failure, visual problems and dementia.

"Many people do not even know they have it.

"It is treatable with lifestyle changes and medication."

Just last week, the condition made headlines as urgent calls were made for the Scottish Government to set up a high blood pressure task force.

Dr McCallum, who is also a researcher at the University of Glasgow believes there are many people throughout the area who don't realise they have high blood pressure.

She said: "I don't want to spark panic but I want to raise awareness as there are things people can do to lower their blood pressure, such as lifestyle changes or medication.

"It's important that people get checked out.

"A lot of the local pharmacies can check blood pressure and some of the pharmacists can prescribe medication too.

"You can also use home blood pressure monitors too which are helpful.

"I'll also be offering blood pressure checks and cardiovascular health advice at the Broomhill Community Hub on February 14 and 21 between 9am and 4pm, so I would encourage people to come along."

Dr McCallum is involved in groundbreaking research into the condition.

She said: "One of the trials is looking at choosing the right drugs for people of different ethnicities based upon their genetic markers.

"The other involves trying to use genetic markers to choose the right drug for the patient.

"It's about streamlining the drugs we have now in the most efficient and effective manner, rather than a trial and error approach."

Dr McCallum who lives with husband David and their two children Martha, four, and Harry, six, is inviting local people with high blood pressure to take part in their studies.

Anyone with high blood pressure who would like to take part should phone 0141 232 7600 or email hayley.king@ggc.scot.nhs.uk