Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.
The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked. Getting your blood pressure checked is easy and can save your life.
- Home BP Monitoring: Machines are available to purchase from the pharmacy from about £25. You should use properly tested (clinically validated) machine that tests your blood pressure at your upper arm. A list of clinically validated home blood pressure monitors is available here: https://bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/for-home-use/
- NHS BP Check Service: If you are aged 40 or over, or you have a risk of high blood pressure (because of family history or being overweight) you can get a FREE blood pressure check in the pharmacy. Depending on your results, your pharmacist may suggest you wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours to get an accurate reading of your blood pressure changes thorough the day and refer you to your GP for an appointment.
- GP Referral: Your GP may tell you to get your blood pressure checked, for example as part of their monitoring for a medical condition or a medication you take. Your pharmacist will be happy to take readings for you for free or advise you on buying a machine for home use.
This service is available in the following pharmacies.
Monarch Pharmacy - Canley Branch
42 Prior Deram Walk, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8FT
Monarch Pharmacy - Radford Branch
318 Radford Road, Radford, Coventry, CV6 3AA