Blood pressure check

Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, and most of them do not know it. It rarely causes symptoms, but over time it quietly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. The good news is that it is easy to find and straightforward to treat, and a check at Benson Pharmacy is free on the NHS.

Who it is for

• Adults aged 40 and over who have not had their blood pressure checked in the last year
• Anyone whose GP has asked them to have a reading taken
• People under 40 with a family history of high blood pressure, or who are overweight, smoke or have diabetes, can ask us too

If you already take blood pressure medicine and are monitored by your GP, this check is not for you, but we are always happy to talk through your readings.

What happens at your appointment

Your pharmacist takes your reading with an automatic cuff on your upper arm while you sit quietly. It takes a few minutes and does not hurt. We tell you your numbers straight away, explain what they mean, and talk about anything you can do to keep them healthy.

If your reading is raised, we may offer you a 24-hour monitor to wear at home. It takes readings automatically through the day and night, which gives a much truer picture than a single reading in a pharmacy. With your consent we share the results with your GP so any treatment is based on good information.

Good to know

• Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before your check, as all of them push the reading up for a while
• Wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily
• Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. Readings of 140/90 or above are considered high
• Walking more, eating less salt, drinking less alcohol and keeping to a healthy weight all bring blood pressure down

How to book

Book online at a time that suits you, call us on 01491 838686, or pop in and we will find a time with you. Appointments are in our private consultation room.