All adults are at risk of high blood pressure. Many people don't experience any symptoms, so a check-up is the only way to see if there is a problem.

 

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At Greywell pharmacy we offer Blood pressure checks, which allows us to quickly check if your blood pressure is high or low, so understanding & knowing your blood pressure can ultimately save your life.

 

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If you're over 40, you can have this test done as part of an NHS Health Check,

which is offered to adults in England aged 40 to 74 every 5 years.

 

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What is blood pressure?

In simple terms blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries – the vessels that carry your blood from your heart to your brain & around your body. You need a certain amount of pressure to get the blood moving round your body.

 

Naturally this can go up and down throughout the day, depending on what you are doing, & also your lifestyle, however if it’s consistently high even if your resting, then it’s a sign for you to take action.

 

 

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (or hypertension) happens when your blood moves at a higher pressure than normal, often there are no noticeable symptoms, however when left untreated, it can increase your risk of health problem including heart attack and strokes.

 

 

What is Low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure (or hypotension) happens when your blood moves at a lower pressure than normal often there are no noticeable symptoms, but cause dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, & general weakness, this can lead to those injuring themselves by failing over

 

As a general guide:

• High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you're over the age of 80)

• Low blood pressure is anything less than 90/60mmHg

• Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg

 

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How is my blood pressure checked?

At Greywell pharmacy, one of our fully trained pharmacy team with take your blood pressure in the privacy of our consultation room, to ensure an accurate reading, it is important to wear loose-fitting clothes where the sleeve can be pushed up easily. This is so that you can fit the cuff around your arm.

 

When you come in:

 

• You will be seated comfortably on a chair; it is important to be relaxed with your feet firmly on the floor.

• We will ask you to rest your arm, remember not to clench your arm, we will place the blood pressure cuff around the upper part of the arm, which is wrapped securely in place.

• We will press the button on the monitor which will inflate the cuff, after couple seconds this will automatically deflate

• The reading will then show on the monitor, where we will keep a note of this.

 

 

How long does it take?

Generally, the check should take no longer than 15min however it may take longer while we discuss & explain to you about your results and offer any help and advice you need to help ensure you can manage your blood pressure & answer any questions if your unclear or you have concerns, & when appropriate, we may refer you to your GP.

 

 

Do I need to book?

You don’t need to book, you can simply pop into our pharmacy for a blood pressure check, alternatively you can book an appointment if you wish for some reassurance.

 

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What causes high blood pressure?

There are many different factors which can cause high blood pressure, such as:

• A diet in high salt, fat, or cholesterol.

• Any medication you are taking which could have an effect.

• Physical activity.

• Being overweight.

• Stress & lifestyle.

• Excessive smoking or consuming alcohol or caffeine

• have a relative with high blood pressure

• Older age, the older you get, you are more likely to have high blood pressure.

• You're of Asian or African-Caribbean descent

 

 

Can I prevent high blood pressure?

There are some small lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the risk of high blood pressure:

 

• If your overweight, it is important to check your body mass index (BMI) which measures your height and weight, this can give you an idea if your weight is correct for your height, and to help you to maintain a healthy weight.

• Eating healthy such as lowering your salt intake.

• Staying active 

• Reduce your alcohol consumption as well as trying to stop smoking

 

During your blood pressure check and depending on your result we can go through your lifestyle and also your current medications you may be taking to help you manage it better.

 

Whether your worried about yourself or for someone else, you can check whenever, If you're over 40, you can have this test done as part of an NHS Health Check, which is offered to adults in England aged 40 to 74 every 5 years.

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Get in touch to find out more about getting your Blood Pressure checked