Photo: Chris, a Pharmacist at Riverside Pharmacy in Sleaford carrying out a Blood Pressure check.

We are encouraging Lincolnshire residents to take stock of their blood pressure in a push to improve the public’s awareness during national Know Your Numbers week (2-8 September 2024).

The pressures of everyday life may make it difficult to prioritise measuring your blood pressure. However, did you know that getting a blood pressure check is the first step to preventing heart attacks and strokes?

Around a third of people in the UK have high blood pressure but usually it has no symptoms until it’s too late, which is why it’s known as ‘the silent killer’. Knowing your numbers means you can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start appropriate medication needed to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level. So, the power is in your hands to check your blood pressure to see if it’s under control.

Your blood pressure is very important no matter your age and elevated blood pressure is not simply a part of growing old. You can take steps to know your numbers and lower them if it’s high no matter how young or old you are. So why not power up and make a start today?

Chris, a Pharmacist at Riverside Pharmacy in Sleaford is encouraging people aged 40 or over to have their blood pressure checked as part of the NHS Health Check. “Hypertension or raised blood pressure is typically asymptomatic. That means one would not normally be aware that their blood pressure is high until something drastically goes wrong with their health. Detecting raised blood pressure is important in the prevention of cardiovascular events.

“At the Riverside Pharmacy, Sleaford we we offer free blood pressure checks with or without an appointment. If you are 40 or over, and not taking blood pressure medication, pay us a visit and staff will be delighted to check your blood pressure numbers.”

You can visit your Local Community Pharmacy for a free blood pressure check if you are:

• aged 40 years or over.
• Not already diagnosed with high blood pressure
• Have not had your blood pressure checked in the last 6 months

What are you waiting for?  Use the NHS Postcode search tool to find a local pharmacy near you offering free blood pressure checks.  

If you are not eligible for a blood pressure check in your local pharmacy, you can arrange an appointment with your GP practice to have your blood pressure.

Blood Pressure UK has a wealth of information on understanding and managing your blood pressure including tips on how to lower your blood pressure holistically using diet and exercise.

You have the power to successfully manage your blood pressure – but you must know your numbers first. Get checked to beat ‘the silent killer’.