Real life story - Blood pressure

This recently refurbished, busy city centre pharmacy specialises in mobility aids, sports nutrition and health supplements. Its blood pressure and cholesterol screening services are also becoming popular with customers, most of whom work in the local area.

"We've only just started doing the screening services, and the blood pressure testing has really taken off," says pharmacist Shauneen McKenna.

Sixty-nine-year-old Mary McCartney works at a nearby restaurant, and has just had her blood pressure and cholesterol tested at the pharmacy. A year ago Mary was diagnosed with high cholesterol, for which she has been taking prescription medicines. But according to Mary her blood pressure has always been normal. However, Mary is concerned about the headaches she's been getting during the past few months - especially as she has never suffered from headaches before.

"I hadn't realised I could get my blood pressure and cholesterol tested at this pharmacy," says Mary. "But it's very handy, as it saves me going to my GP's surgery - which is quite a distance from where I live."

A simple, five-minute test showed Mary's cholesterol had reduced to an almost normal level. However her blood pressure had jumped up since the last time she had it taken by her GP.

"I'm quite shocked about my blood pressure being so high, though it may explain why I've been getting headaches," says Mary. "The pharmacist has referred me to my GP for further tests, but I'll definitely come back to the pharmacy to get my blood pressure taken on a regular basis now, as it's so convenient."