Why is this important?
Around 5.5million people in England have undiagnosed high blood pressure, a condition that doesn't usually cause you to feel unwell but can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and some types of dementia. Early detection and treatment can help people live longer, healthier lives.
High blood pressure is only diagnosed if there are several blood pressure readings that are high, taken on different occasions, and when a person is relaxed.
A high blood pressure doesn't always cause symptoms (meaning you might not feel anything unusual), however can cause symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. Having your blood pressure checked regularly allows you and your healthcare team to keep an eye on the condition and make lifestyle or medication changes to control your blood pressure and reduce your health risk.
This service aims to ensure that people who are at risk of or have had a previous high blood pressure reading are followed up and managed appropriately.
There are a few options available to arrange your blood pressure check:
- Using a blood pressure monitor that you already own - for a recommended list of approved BP machines, please see the British Heart Foundation website
- Attending a community pharmacy
- Receiving a home blood pressure monitor
- Attending your GP practice