Free Blood Pressure Checks

 

What is our blood pressure checks service?

The blood pressure checks service is designed to help with early detection and treatment of hypertension to help avoid serious health complications.

Similar to a normal blood pressure test, one of our pharmacists will start by measuring your blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is higher than140/ 90mmHg, you will be offered 24-hour blood pressure monitoring known as ABPM.

 

Who is eligible for the service?

You can use this FREE service if you are:

• An adult over the age of 40 who has not previously been diagnosed with hypertension 
• An adult under the age of 40 who has a recognised family history of hypertension  
• You are aged between 35 and 39 and have been assessed as eligible for the service by our pharmacist  
• You have been referred by your GP for a blood pressure check or ambulatory blood pressure measurement 

Your likelihood of getting high blood pressure increases with age, which is why this service is completely free for anyone over 40. If you are eligible, make sure to visit our pharmacy for a free blood pressure check.

If you do not match any of the above criteria you can still have your blood pressure checked with our private service for a nominal fee. 

 

What happens during the blood pressure check service?

Our pharmacist will invite you to a face-to-face consultation and your blood pressure measurement will be taken 

Our pharmacist will discuss your results and explain next steps

You will be given a copy of your results to take home

If your blood pressure is higher than140/ 90mmHg, you will be offered 24-hour blood pressure monitoring known as ABPM.

 

What is Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)?

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring is (ABPM) is when your blood pressure will be tested every 30 minutes by wearing a portable device on your waist for the duration of 24 hours. It will give your pharmacist and GP a clear picture of how your blood pressure changes over the day.

 

Next steps

If your blood pressure is found to be high, you’ll be invited for ABPM (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring).

This will involve you using an ABPM monitor to further assess your blood pressure.

Our pharmacist will show you how to wear the monitoring device and will book you in for a follow up appointment to discuss the blood pressure reading and to take you through your next steps.

In most cases you’ll be given the ABPM monitor there and then to take away for 24 hours or you will be booked for another appointment.

 

Your ABPM results

Once your results have been interpreted, your pharmacist will advise you of the next steps. This may include lifestyle advice, referral to another healthcare provider. You will be given a record of your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABPM?

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) measures blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period.

 

When should ABPM be used?

If your readings fall within high blood pressure - higher than 140/90mmHg, you will be offered ABPM.

 

How is ABPM performed?

Your pharmacist will provide you with the loan of a device to enable 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

They will fit the device and explain how it works.

 

How does ABPM record blood pressure?

The ABPM will record all readings throughout the 24-hour period and calculate an average.

Your pharmacist will interpret the readings during your follow up appointment.

 

Am I at risk of high blood pressure?

You may be more at risk of high blood pressure if: 

• you are aged 40 or over
• you have a family history of hypertension
• you drink too much alcohol or smoke
• you have an unbalanced diet or irregular exercise routine
• you are of black African or black Caribbean descent. 
  

Although it’s important to note that high blood pressure generally doesn’t have a specific cause and can be due to a number of factors.

 

How long does the blood pressure check take?

Checking your blood pressure will only take a couple minutes while the cuff inflates, measures your blood pressure and deflates.

The appointment itself – including measuring your blood pressure, looking at your results and deciding next steps – will typically take around 15-20 minutes in total.

Our pharmacy team will take the time to answer any questions, ensuring you don’t feel rushed.

 

What if my blood pressure is low?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is generally a reading of less than 90/60 mmHg and you may experience the following symptoms: 

• dizziness,
• nausea,
• blurred vision,
• fainting,
• confusion.

To treat low blood pressure, your GP may recommend a change in medication (if that is the cause), wearing support stockings or if necessary, medication to increase blood pressure.

 

What if my blood pressure is high?

If your blood pressure is too high, your GP or pharmacist will offer support and advice on the best options for you, which may include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding too much salt or losing weight. You can also be prescribed medication for high blood pressure but this is typically only if: 

• your blood pressure is very high,
• you’re at higher risk of problems related to high blood pressure, e.g. heart attack or stroke,
• your blood pressure remains high after making lifestyle changes.

 

When should I have my blood pressure checked?

If you’re worried about your blood pressure, you should have a blood pressure test, regardless of your age or how high risk you are.

The NHS also recommends that all adults over 40 years old check their blood pressure at least once every 5 years.

If you are at high risk of developing high blood pressure, you may need more frequent checks.

 

I’ve already been diagnosed with hypertension, what support can I get?

NHS Blood Pressure Checks are not for those who already have high blood pressure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, you can ask your GP or one of our team for advice on how to manage it and the treatment options available to you.

 

Will I be started on blood pressure tablets?

Not immediately, no. A single high reading of blood pressure is not typically enough for a high blood pressure diagnosis.

If you have a high reading, your blood pressure will be monitored and you may be asked about factors that can increase it, such as your family history and lifestyle.

If your lifestyle is the issue, you will be advised to make changes to that first before being prescribed blood pressure tablets.

 

What should I wear for a blood pressure check?

When measuring your blood pressure, a cuff will go around your upper arm. Therefore, it’s a good idea to wear a loose fitting top with sleeves you can easily roll without feeling too tight.

 

Book your blood pressure check today

Monitoring your blood pressure is important, especially if you’re at risk of developing hypertension. Here at Palmers Pharmacy, we offer free NHS blood pressure checks for those who are eligible.