NHS Blood Pressure Checking Service

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High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no symptoms but can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. 

Thames Pharmacy offers a free NHS blood pressure check to help you understand your numbers and take action early.

• Adults who are 40 years old or over, who do not have a current diagnosis of hypertension;
• Patients, by exception, under the age of 40 who request the service because they have a recognised family history of hypertension may be provided the service at the pharmacy staff’s discretion;
• Patients between 35 and 39 years old who are approached about or request the service may be tested at the pharmacy staff’s discretion; and
• Adults, with or without a prior diagnosis of hypertension specified by a general practice for the measurement of blood pressure (clinic and ambulatory blood pressure checks). This process should be agreed locally with general practices.

1. Initial blood pressure reading
   A trained member of our pharmacy team will measure your blood pressure in our private consultation room.
    
2. Understanding your result
   We explain what your reading means and give personalised advice on how to keep your heart healthy.
    
3. Ambulatory BP Monitoring (ABPM) if needed
   If your reading is high, we will offer a 24-hour ABPM device to get a more accurate picture of your blood pressure throughout the day. This is also free under the NHS for eligible patients.
    
4. GP communication
   We send your results directly to your GP so they can update your medical record and arrange any follow-up needed.
    

• High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms 
• Early detection greatly reduces risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and other complications 
• A simple check could have a major impact on your long-term health