We are supporting the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS on a new campaign encouraging all adults aged 40 and over who are eligible to get a blood pressure check for free at at their nearest pharmacy.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the second biggest killer in England, causing a quarter of all deaths – around one death every four minutes – and since the pandemic, deaths from CVD have been increasing.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, the biggest risk factor in CVD, is often undiagnosed as it can have no symptoms. It is estimated that there are 4.2 million people in England who are currently walking around with undiagnosed hypertension. 

Yet many of these deaths are preventable because it can be easily managed.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a blood pressure test, which is a free, simple, non-invasive procedure and can be completed in a private space at a participating pharmacy. Once diagnosed, it can be easily treated with prescription medicine, lifestyle changes such as exercise  and diet or reducing alcohol and smoking. 

Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks near you by searching “pharmacy blood pressure check” or clicking below: 

NHS pharmacy location tool