NHS offers blood pressure checks in some pharmacies for people over 40

Selected pharmacies in England are offering free NHS blood pressure checks to people aged over 40 who do not already have recent monitoring; readings for those registered with a GP are recorded in the GP health record.

NHS pharmacy blood pressure checks are being offered at selected locations in England for people aged over 40 who do not already know they have high blood pressure. The service excludes people who already have a diagnosis of high blood pressure or who have had monitoring in the past six months. A pharmacist or healthcare assistant typically takes an upper-arm reading and the result is recorded. Readings for people registered with a GP are added to the GP health record. Key facts: - Selected pharmacies in England offer free blood pressure checks to people aged over 40 who do not already know they have high blood pressure. - People who already have high blood pressure or who have had it monitored in the past six months are not eligible for this service. - A pharmacist or healthcare assistant usually places a cuff on the upper arm to take a reading. - If registered with a GP, the NHS says the reading will be added to the GP health record and will not be shared unless readings are very high or very low and urgent help is needed. - High blood pressure can have no obvious symptoms and is influenced by factors such as age, ethnic background, and diet including salt intake; it is linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. - The NHS website lists participating pharmacies by town, city or postcode in England, and the article reports NHS advice that people who are worried are advised to consult a GP or call 111. Summary: The programme is intended to identify undiagnosed high blood pressure among people over 40 by offering checks in community pharmacies, with results recorded in GP records when applicable. If readings indicate concern, the article reports the NHS may advise follow-up with a GP, offer lifestyle guidance, or provide a home monitor before further review.