Blood Pressure Screening

Health Advice
Am I at risk?
Am I at risk?

With many of us unaware that we may have high blood pressure it’s important to understand the risks and how we can reduce them. Read More

What are the symptoms?
What are the symptoms?

High blood pressure rarely has any symptoms. Read More

Travelling with high blood pressure?
Travelling with high blood pressure?

If you take medication for high blood pressure, don’t let it ruin your holiday Read More

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is likely to affect at least one in seven of us at some time in our lives. The pressure under which the heart pu ...Read

Hypotension

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure. The pressure with which the blood is pumped around the circulation varies between indi ...Read

Hypertension

In the UK, about 1 in 5 adults has persistent high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The condition puts strain on the heart and arte ...Read

It’s estimated that more than one in three adults living in the UK have high blood pressure. Of these, only 20% are diagnosed and treated.

How can I check my blood pressure?
Today’s digital monitors make measuring blood pressure quick and easy. Your local pharmacy offers a confidential service undertaken by specially trained staff who, in the comfort of a private consultation room, will check your readings and provide practical advice on your lifestyle.

What readings are taken?
We measure the force at which blood travels through the arteries when it is pumped by the heart. Pharmacy staff will look at systolic pressure (the force of blood in arteries as your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (force of blood in the arteries as your heart relaxes).

A consistent is a systolic reading above 140mmHg or diastolic reading above 90mmHg is considered high blood pressure.

Your results will be explained to you and the Pharmacist will offer advice on how to reduce or maintain your blood pressure levels. If the reading is high it will be re-checked and, if appropriate, you may be referred to your GP.

Where can I be tested?
Our online Pharmacy finder will help you find the most convenient store location by showing those stores offering the service near your postcode be that home or work.

My results are high, what do I do?
The Pharmacist will take time to explain the result to you offering lifestyle advice on how to reduce or maintain your blood pressure levels. They may recommend that you return to the pharmacy to be re-checked at regular intervals and, if appropriate, advise you of your readings to discuss suitable treatment with your GP.

How often should I check my blood pressure?
Every adult should have their pressure checked at least every five years but more often than that is better. If you have had a high reading before, or have a blood pressure that is between 135/85 and 140/90 you should get yourself checked at least every year.

Can I check myself at home?
Yes. Your Pharmacy can advise you of the best equipment for you to purchase, demonstrating how you use it and when to test yourself. Home monitoring can help you feel more comfortable and in control but it’s important you keep clear and accurate records for they may affect the way your GP decides upon treatment.

What lifestyle changes should I make?
We’re all individuals so your Pharmacist will recommend what’s best for you. As a guide the following steps will add benefit to your health over time:

• Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables each day – 5 portions are recommended
• Reduce your intake of salt, saturated fat and sugar.
• Do more exercise or physical activities
• Watch your weight
• Limit your alcohol intake

How much exercise is needed to lower my blood pressure?
30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week would be of benefit. This means doing something that makes you slightly out of breath and warm - a brisk walk, swimming or gardening for example.

If you’re not used to physical activity you should speak to a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise programme. Remember that it’s important to increase activities gradually. You can be active for 15 minutes twice a day or for ten minutes three times a day if you wish.

What’s a reasonable amount of Alcohol?
The government recommends no more that 2 units of alcohol a day for women and 3 units a day for men. Women should have no more than 14 units a week and men should not exceed 21 units. One unit is equal to a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer or cider, or one measure of spirits.

Omron Healthcare

OMRON Healthcare

Omron is aspiring to help people realise a healthy, happy and comfortable life. Today there is a growing awareness of preventative care and Omron's mission is to make a contribution to prevent and treat lifestyle diseases. Omron offer a wide variety of Healthcare products designed and made to the highest standards ensuring long lasting accuracy and reliability. And with over 100,000,000 blood pressure monitors sold Omron has established itself as the first choice for healthcare professionals.

pharmacy search

Enter your postcode to find your nearest All About Health Pharmacy and see the services they offer.

For pharmacies in the Channel Islands, please click here.