Chronic care · 2 min read
Free NHS Blood Pressure Check, explained
Who's eligible, what to expect, and why a five-minute appointment matters.
Did you know one in three UK adults has high blood pressure, and half of them don't know it? It earned the name "the silent killer" because there are no symptoms until something goes very wrong.
Who's eligible for a free check
The NHS funds a free blood pressure check at any community pharmacy if you're:
- Aged 40 or over
- Not currently on BP medication
- Haven't had a check in the last 12 months
You don't need an appointment, you don't need to be registered with us, and the whole thing takes about 5 minutes.
What we do
You sit down, we put a cuff on, take a reading, and discuss the result with you on the spot. If it's high, we'll either:
- Repeat the reading after a short rest
- Lend you a 24-hour ambulatory monitor to confirm at home
- Refer you straight to your GP with the results
Why it matters
Catching high BP early adds years to your life — heart attack, stroke and kidney disease risk all drop dramatically once it's under control. Most people who need treatment do well on a single daily tablet.
Pop in any time during opening hours. If you're under 40 but worried — perhaps because of family history — we'll do a private check for £10.