Tesco Pharmacy Free NHS Blood Pressure Checks For Eligible Patients

NHS Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service

Having high blood pressure on its own rarely causes symptoms. That's why up to 5 million adults in the UK, as many as 1 in 11 of us, have high blood pressure without even knowing it.

The NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service is free of charge to eligible patients. It's designed to support the early detection and treatment of hypertension and to help people avoid serious health complications.

Our pharmacist or pharmacy technician will measure your blood pressure. If the results show that your blood pressure may be high, you'll be offered 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (known as ABPM).

Why should I get my blood pressure checked?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition which can be controlled to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular disease. The British Heart Foundation estimates that around half of all heart attacks and strokes in the UK are associated with high blood pressure. Early detection by checking your blood pressure could help you reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Who is eligible for the free service?

You'll be eligible for the free NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service, if you are:

- aged 40 and over and have not been previously diagnosed with hypertension

- an adult under the age of 40 who has a recognised family history of high blood pressure

- someone who's been referred by your GP for a blood pressure check or ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM).

How does the service work?

You'll have a face-to-face consultation with our pharmacist/pharmacy technician in a private consultation room. They'll take your blood pressure measurement and talk you through the results. If high blood pressure is indicated, you'll be offered an ambulatory blood pressure monitor to take home, to carry out further 24-hour monitoring. At different stages of the service, the pharmacist will be able to refer you directly to your GP, if any issues with your blood pressure are identified.

How long will my appointment take?

The initial blood pressure check will take around 10 minutes.

How will I benefit from this service?

If you've not had your blood pressure checked, you may be 1 of the 5 million adults in the UK who have high blood pressure without knowing it. The British Heart Foundation estimates that around half of all heart attacks and strokes in the UK are associated with high blood pressure. Our pharmacist will be able to give you advice on managing your blood pressure, and will also be able to refer you to your GP, if needed.