Blood Pressure Check
A free blood pressure check for adults aged 40 and over, with 24-hour monitoring where needed.
High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and it almost never causes symptoms. Around five million people in the UK have it without knowing. A check takes minutes, and knowing your numbers lets you act on them — with lifestyle changes, or medicine if needed — before anything goes wrong.
This is the NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service. It is free.
Who it is for
You can use this service if you are 40 or over, have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and are not already having regular checks with your GP. We may also be able to see you if:
- You are 35 to 39 and have not had a recent check.
- You are under 40 with a family history of high blood pressure.
- Your GP has asked you to have your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy.
How it works
We are an NHS distance selling pharmacy, so this check is not done at our counter — a pharmacist comes to your home. Home visits are currently only available within the Harrow area. Book a time, and they will take your blood pressure and pulse properly, go through your general health and any risk factors, and explain what the numbers mean. It takes around fifteen minutes.
If your reading is raised, the next step is usually a 24-hour monitor — a small cuff worn for a day, which gives a far more reliable picture than a single reading. The pharmacist will fit it, show you how it works, and arrange to collect it and go through the results. If your blood pressure is very high, they will advise you to see your GP promptly.
About high blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. When it stays too high, the heart works harder and the vessels are under strain — which is why it drives heart attacks and strokes.
The risk rises with age, and is higher if you have diabetes or a family history. Salt, being overweight, alcohol, lack of exercise and stress all push it up. Because it rarely causes symptoms, the only way to know is to check.
What it costs
Nothing. This is a free NHS service for anyone who is eligible.