Blood Pressure Testing Service - Know your numbers
Book a FREE Blood Pressure Check at your local Medicare Chemist
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
Hypertension - more commonly known as high blood pressure - is a serious condition where your heart has to consistently work harder to pump blood around your body.
People with high blood pressure that is not controlled with medication are at an increased risk of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, heart disease and kidney failure due to the extra strain on the body’s organs.
The British Heart Foundation estimates that high blood pressure causes over 50% of heart attacks and strokes.
High blood pressure is when your reading is 140/90 or higher over a number of weeks, even when you’re resting.
Why use the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of premature death in England. Hypertension is the biggest risk factor for CVD and is one of the top five risk factors for all premature deaths and disability in England. Early detection, and subsequent treatment, of hypertension is vital in reducing the risk of CVD via the subsequent treatments available from your GP. An estimated 5.5 million people have undiagnosed hypertension across the country. Medicare Chemists is offering the Hypertension Case Finding Service on behalf of the NHS to help early detection.
Is the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service Suitable for me?
Patients eligible for this service are;
• If you are aged 40 years or older and you do not currently have a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
• If you are under 40 and have a recognised family history of high blood pressure
• If you have been referred by your GP for the measurement of blood pressure.
How long will this take?
A pharmacist will measure your blood pressure in a private consultation room which will take between 10 - 15 minutes. If the reading is high, they may offer you an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device to wear. This can automatically measure your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24 hour period, allowing for a more detailed view of your blood pressure.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is checked with a device made of a cuff, which goes around your arm, a pump, which inflates the cuff to temporarily restrict circulation, and a dial or digital display to report your blood pressure.
When your blood pressure is measured, it is written down as two numbers.
The first (or top number) is the systolic, taken when the heart beats and forces blood through the arteries, and the second (or bottom figure) is the diastolic pressure, taken between heartbeats, or while your heart is at rest. Your doctor will be looking at both of those numbers when they decide whether or not treatment is needed to manage your blood pressure.
How would I know if I have high or low blood pressure?
Most people don’t have any symptoms of high blood pressure. Having your blood pressure checked is the only way to find out.
People with low blood pressure will often feel dizzy or lightheaded, particularly if they stand up suddenly.
The NHS recommends that healthy adults who are over 40 should have a blood pressure check every 5 years. People who are at increased risk of high blood pressure should have checks once a year.
If you’re diagnosed with high or low blood pressure, then your pharmacist will be able to discuss with you if there are any lifestyle or diet changes that could help your blood pressure or overall heart risk.
Where is this service available?
The service is available in all our 8 branches across Huddersfield and Holmfirth.
How will the Blood Pressure Check Service help me?
The Hypertension Case Finding Service will give you the opportunity to understand what your blood pressure reading is and whether it is in the low, normal or high range. Our pharmacists will then be able to advise you accordingly on ways to manage your blood pressure, and where required can refer you back to your GP.
Benefits
• Confidential: Speak to our Pharmacist in a private consultation room
• Accessible: This service is available in all our branches across Huddersfield
• Free: This is an NHS service and is free of charge to eligible patients
