Do you know your numbers? Get blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy

You can simply walk into your local pharmacy for a blood pressure check without needing to see a GP

As Know Your Numbers! Week (2-8 September) kicks off, the NHS England is encouraging people in the East Midlands to get their blood pressure checked to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

The residents can get their blood pressure checked at several places, including their local pharmacies.

The initiative, part of a global campaign, highlights the crucial role of monitoring blood pressure, especially for those aged 40 and over.  It is recommended that all adults aged 40 or over have their blood pressure tested at least every five years.

High blood pressure or hypertension affects about a third of adults in the UK and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is one of the leading causes of death in England.

This condition often has no noticeable symptoms, but if untreated, it can result in serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Local pharmacies play a crucial role in this health campaign, enabling individuals to monitor their risk of cardiovascular disease without needing an appointment.

The NHS community pharmacy blood pressure check service has delivered more than a million checks nationally in the past year.

In the West Midlands alone, community pharmacies have identified over 33,000 individuals with high blood pressure in the last six months. These people are now having their blood pressure managed, reducing their risk of heart disease.

Kerry Hall, Pharmacy Manager at Rowlands Pharmacy in Bolsover, Derbyshire, praised the initiative: “Know your numbers week is a great opportunity to encourage our patients to come forward for the free blood pressure check service we provide.”

She noted that Rowlands Pharmacy has completed over 450 blood pressure checks for their patients and is committed to continuing this vital service.

Richard Seal, Regional Chief Pharmacist at NHS England Midlands, emphasised the importance of regular checks: “Knowing your blood pressure numbers can save your life. Checking your blood pressure is quick, simple and painless and can prevent you from having a heart attack, stroke or detect other diseases.”

An estimated 800,000 people in the Midlands are living with undetected or untreated hypertension, Seal noted, highlighting that “the only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have a blood pressure check.”

Seal said: “Don’t wait until it’s too late, pop in and speak to your community pharmacist.”

For those who cannot visit a pharmacy, blood pressure checks are also available at GP surgeries, many workplaces, and as part of NHS Health Checks.

The NHS online blood pressure tool is also available to help individuals understand their numbers and take necessary actions.

This Know Your Numbers! Week, take a moment to check your blood pressure and take a proactive step towards a healthier future.

Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks here.