NHS blood pressure check
The NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service offers free blood pressure checks to help identify people who may have high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes known as the “silent killer”. Early detection can help prevent serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and dementia.
The service is quick, simple, confidential, and available at participating community pharmacies across England.
You may be eligible if you:
A trained member of the pharmacy team will:
The check is painless and usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
If your reading is higher than expected, the pharmacist may:
You may be offered:
Refer You to Your GP
Provide Lifestyle Advice
Eat a Healthy Diet
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing excess weight can significantly reduce blood pressure.
Be Physically Active
Aim for at least: 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming
Stop Smoking
Stopping smoking improves circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Drink within recommended guidelines and include alcohol-free days each week.
Stress management techniques may include:
Get Good Quality Sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night.
Take Prescribed Medication
If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as directed and attend regular reviews.
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms but increases the risk of:
Use the NHS online tool to enter your blood pressure reading and understand what it means:
NHS Blood Pressure Reading Checker.
For more information about high blood pressure, symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention:
NHS High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Information.
