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NHS

Free NHS blood pressure check — five minutes.

Free NHS blood pressure checks for adults aged 40 and over — part of the NHS Health Check programme. Spotting high blood pressure early dramatically cuts your risk of heart attack and stroke. Results and lifestyle advice on the day.

Cost
Free NHS
Duration
15 min
Eligibility
Adults 40+
Results
On the day
Call 01256322973
NHS Blood Pressure Service at Brighton Hill PharmacyNHS
Free NHS

Blood pressure check

Five minutes today might save you five years of trouble.

Why it matters

What we check — and why

High BP rarely has symptoms. The only way to know is to measure.

Resting BPBoth armsWe take a reading in both arms (the higher one counts) after 5 minutes of seated rest.
Heart rateIncludedA quick check of pulse and rhythm — useful alongside the BP number.
Immediate resultSame dayWe tell you what the numbers mean before you leave the pharmacy.
Lifestyle advicePersonalisedDiet, exercise, salt, alcohol — practical changes that actually move the numbers.
Smoking & weightOptionalWant a chat about quitting smoking or weight management? We can plug you in.
GP referralIf neededIf your reading is high, we write to your GP same day to organise next steps.
Ambulatory checkTake-homeHigher-end? We can lend you a 24-hour BP monitor to confirm before treatment.
Annual follow-upFreeOnce a year while you're 40+ — we'll remind you when it's due.

How it works

Three steps. Five minutes start to finish.

  1. 01

    Quick eligibility check

    We confirm you're 40+, not currently treated for high BP, and haven't been checked in the last year.

  2. 02

    Measurement

    Two readings, both arms, after a brief rest. We take an average.

  3. 03

    Result + advice

    We talk through what the numbers mean and either reassure you or organise next steps.

Good to know

Questions, answered.

Is the blood pressure check really free?

Yes — completely free if you're 40+ and haven't had one in the last year, as part of the NHS Health Check programme.

How should I prepare?

Avoid caffeine for 30 minutes beforehand, rest seated for 5 minutes before the reading, and wear a short-sleeved top or one with loose sleeves.

What if my reading is high?

We may take a second reading after a rest, or lend you a 24-hour ambulatory monitor to confirm. If it's persistently high, we'll refer you to your GP the same day.

How often should I be checked?

Adults 40+ should have BP checked at least every 5 years; annually if you have additional risk factors (overweight, family history, diabetes). We'll advise.

I'm already on BP medication — can you check it?

Yes, though that's slightly different and covered by your GP's review schedule. We can still take a one-off reading if you'd like reassurance between visits.

How long does the check take?

About 15 minutes, including a short chat about your result and what it means.

Do I need an appointment?

You can book online or call us, or ask at the counter and we'll check when a pharmacist is free.

Can I check my blood pressure at home?

Yes. A validated home monitor is a good way to keep track between checks. Read our guide to home blood pressure monitoring.

Appointments

When did you last check? Book a 5-minute slot.

Free for adults 40+ · Immediate results · Lifestyle advice included

01256322973Prescriptions