NHS Blood Pressure Check

When to book an NHS blood pressure check

High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, which is why it is called the silent killer. A check is the only reliable way to know your levels. Book a free NHS blood pressure check if you are:

• Aged 40 or over, or have not been checked in the last five years
• Overweight, inactive, or eat a high-salt diet
• A smoker or a heavy drinker
• Living with diabetes or chronic kidney disease
• Of African or Caribbean descent
• Related to someone with hypertension or heart disease

Occasional headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds are not reliable signs, so do not wait for symptoms before getting checked.

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls. It is measured as systolic pressure (when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (when it rests). A healthy reading sits between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. The NHS defines high blood pressure as a reading consistently at or above 140/90 mmHg.

Left untreated, hypertension raises the risk of heart attack and heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, vascular dementia, peripheral arterial disease and damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.

What happens during your blood pressure check

• You rest comfortably for a few minutes before the reading is taken
• An inflatable cuff on your upper arm records your systolic and diastolic readings
• Your pharmacist explains what the numbers mean
• You get advice on when to check again, or a referral to your GP if the reading is raised

The check takes under ten minutes, is completely free and needs no appointment at most branches.

Understanding your results

• Low - below 90/60 mmHg. Not usually dangerous, but can cause dizziness or fainting
• Normal - 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg. Keep up regular checks
• Slightly raised - 120/80 to 140/90 mmHg. Pre-hypertension, and a signal to make lifestyle changes
• High - 140/90 mmHg or above. Further monitoring and possibly treatment

How to lower your blood pressure

NHS guidance recommends cutting salt to under 6g a day, eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, doing at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, reducing caffeine and managing stress. If you already take blood pressure medication, regular monitoring shows whether it is working, and our New Medicine Service can help you settle into a new treatment.

Find a free blood pressure check near you

Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy. Walk-in availability at most branches, NHS-trained pharmacists, a private consultation area, and no charge.