Scheduling a GP appointment just for a blood pressure test can often feel inconvenient. Fortunately, there’s good news for residents of England: selected pharmacies now provide free blood pressure checks to those who qualify.

As outlined by the NHS, this initiative caters to individuals over the age of 40 who reside in England and are unaware of having high blood pressure. It’s important to note that if you are already diagnosed with high blood pressure or have had a reading in the past six months, this service isn’t applicable to you.

These blood pressure checks are conducted similarly to traditional methods, where a pharmacist or healthcare assistant places a cuff around your upper arm to measure your blood pressure. Based on the reading, recommendations might include consulting your GP, adopting healthier lifestyle changes, or using a home monitoring device before scheduling another appointment.

The NHS advises, “If you’re registered with a GP surgery, your blood pressure reading will be added to your GP health record. It will not be shared with anyone unless your blood pressure is very high or very low, necessitating urgent medical care.”

High blood pressure is a prevalent issue with potentially severe consequences, such as heart attacks and strokes, if not managed. Its causes can be diverse, influenced by factors like age, ethnicity, and particularly diet, including excessive salt intake.

Though symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and chest pain can occur, high blood pressure often goes unnoticed without any symptoms. Thus, regular blood pressure checks are crucial for early detection and prevention of this silent condition.

If you believe you’re eligible for a complimentary blood pressure check through the scheme, visit the NHS website to locate your nearest participating pharmacy. Simply use the search function to enter your town, city or postcode in England.

Anyone concerned about their blood pressure or related symptoms can also seek advice from their GP or telephone 111 for further guidance.

What constitutes a ‘high’ blood pressure reading?

Blood pressure measurements consist of two figures, with the first typically being higher than the second. According to the Mirror, the NHS states that if you’re under 80, a reading is generally considered high if it is:

• 140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional
• 135/85 or higher when checked at home

For anyone aged 80 and older, a blood pressure reading is typically regarded as high if it falls below the specified threshold: