NHS Blood Pressure Service
Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure (hypertension). The British Heart Foundation estimates that high blood pressure causes over 50% of heart attacks and strokes. This is usually an invisible condition. If you are over 40, our free blood pressure check through our NHS Blood pressure service will reveal whether you have it or not.
- Free service available if you meet the NHS criteria
- Over 40 yrs old
- Not currently taking any blood pressure medication
- Under 40 but have a recognised family history of hypertension
- You have been referred to us by your GP, for a BP check
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension rarely has obvious symptoms. Some indicative symptoms prior to our NHS Blood pressure service include:
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness.
- Headaches
High blood pressure risk
If blood pressure stays too high for too long, it can damage your body. Not only does high blood pressure have dangerous consequences like heart attacks and strokes, but also possible consequences include heart failure, vascular dementia and kidney disease.
Around five million UK adults – almost 10% – have high blood pressure without knowing it. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of premature death in England. A check-up is the only way to see if there is a problem. It will also show if you have low blood pressure (or hypotension) which can cause dizziness, fainting and general weakness.
Our free Blood Pressure Service allows you to get your blood pressure checked without needing to see a GP.
NHS Blood Pressure Service
One of our qualified healthcare team will carry out the free blood pressure check. If high blood pressure is detected we may ask you to wear a monitor for 24 hrs for a better blood pressure reading and have a follow-up appointment.
This service gives you the opportunity to know your blood pressure reading and whether it is in the low, normal or high range.
Treatment
Our healthcare professionals will then be able to advise you accordingly on ways to manage your blood pressure. When required, we can refer you back to your GP to investigate the cause of high blood pressure and explore treatment options such as blood pressure tablets.
Book an NH blood pressure service appointment today
Pharmacy+Health provides consultation appointments for NHS blood pressure checks for individuals who are over 40 and meet certain criteria. Our pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who will supervise this service, provide advice and recommend the most suitable next steps for you.
Simply select Book an Appointment, choose the pharmacy where you’d like to be seen quickly and conveniently, and mark it in your calendar!
How it works
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Frequently Asked Questions
You should have a blood pressure test if you’re worried about your blood pressure at any time or are in any of the higher risk groups. It can show how healthy you are overall, and whether your heart and blood vessels are in good shape.
If it’s not treated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Our trained staff will measure your blood pressure during a consultation in our private room. Blood pressure machine types vary, though measurement often requires a cuff to be wrapped around your upper arm and inflated until it’s tight. This can feel uncomfortable for a few seconds.
We will explain your result to you and, if needed, offer a more thorough 24hr test. If necessary, we can refer you to a GP or for emergency admission.
Being overweight, eating too much salt and not doing enough exercise are all possible causes of hypertension. Drinking too much alcohol or coffee, smoking and poor sleep are also linked to high blood pressure.
Those over 65 or who have a relative with high blood pressure are more likely to have it themselves. People of black African or black Caribbean descent or who live in a deprived area also tend to be more at risk.
If you are over 40 and not currently diagnosed, book an appointment here or pop into your local branch. If you meet the NHS criteria, we will check your blood pressure when it suits you.
During your appointment, our qualified health professionals will ask about any symptoms you are experiencing and answer any other questions you may have.