A simple pharmacy blood pressure check can save lives
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. A pharmacy blood pressure check can detect problems early and help prevent serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.
Understanding your blood pressure and knowing your numbers is an important step in protecting your heart health. Allan, 75, from Southend-on-Sea, knows how a quick and simple check can make a life-changing difference.
A routine visit led to an urgent discovery
In September 2024, Allan visited his local pharmacy to buy cold and flu medicine as he felt unwell. These were his only symptoms.
While I was at the pharmacy, the assistant asked if I wanted to see the pharmacist as she thought I sounded throaty. The pharmacist gave me a quick check-up and did a pharmacy blood pressure check. He told me to go to A&E immediately as my blood pressure reading was over 200.
Allan’s son took him straight to Southend Hospital, where Allan stayed for more than two days while doctors assessed and treated him.
Receiving treatment and learning to manage his blood pressure
During his hospital stay, Allan had scans and spoke with several specialists. Doctors diagnosed him with high blood pressure and prescribed medication to help manage it.
I had several MRI scans and spoke to various doctors while I was there. After leaving hospital, I had to record my blood pressure readings for a week and send them to my GP practice. My medicine dose was increased after they reviewed the readings.
When I was first told I had high blood pressure, I felt rather vulnerable. However, taking my prescribed medicine every day helps reassure me that I’m managing my blood pressure. It’s important to always take medicine as advised and to speak to your GP if you have any concerns.
GPs and practice pharmacists can review your medicines if you have side effects or feel they are not working effectively. Community pharmacists can also provide advice through the New Medicines Service for certain conditions, including high blood pressure.
Why a pharmacy blood pressure check is so important
For Allan, having a pharmacy blood pressure check made a significant difference to his health and wellbeing.
The blood pressure test at the pharmacy might have saved my life. Normally, I would have said not to worry when they asked if I wanted to see the pharmacist, but something made me say yes. I am grateful for the pharmacy staff and all the medical professionals who have helped me.
High blood pressure rarely causes noticeable symptoms. Regular checks help identify problems early, allowing treatment to begin before serious complications develop.
Where you can get a free blood pressure check
You can get a free pharmacy blood pressure check if you are aged 40 or over. This service is quick, simple and available at many local pharmacies.
You can also check your blood pressure through:
- An NHS Health Check (for adults aged 40 to 74 without an existing condition)
- Your GP practice
- GP surgery blood pressure pods (available in some locations)
- The Essex County Council blood pressure monitor loan scheme
- Using a blood pressure monitor at home
Take control of your heart health
Knowing your blood pressure numbers helps you take control of your health. Early detection allows you to make lifestyle changes or start treatment that can protect your heart and prevent serious illness.
If you have not had your blood pressure checked recently, consider visiting your local pharmacy or speaking to your GP.