Blood Pressure Check in Eastwood | Free NHS Checks Available

Eastwood Health Pharmacy

Blood Pressure Check

Cardiovascular disease is sadly still one of the biggest causes of early death in the UK, impacting around 7 million people and contributing to 1.6 million disability-adjusted life years. A major contributor to cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure (hypertension), and it's estimated that approximately 5.5 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed hypertension. Early detection of hypertension is important in preventing serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke.

We provide free blood pressure checks here at Eastwood Health Pharmacy. It only takes a few minutes, and you can either book an appointment or just walk in to get you BP checked. We work closely with the NHS to offer free blood pressure checks at our pharmacy, helping to spot and manage high blood pressure in our local community.

Eastwood Health Pharmacy

Blood Pressure Check

We provide free blood pressure checks here at Eastwood Health Pharmacy. It only takes a few minutes, and you can either book an appointment or just walk in to get you BP checked. We work closely with the NHS to offer free blood pressure checks at our pharmacy, helping to spot and manage high blood pressure in our local community.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the pressure of the blood flowing through your arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this can put extra strain on your heart and increase the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks or strokes. The thing is, you probably won’t feel any different if your blood pressure is high. There usually aren’t any obvious signs or symptoms, which is why a lot of people don’t even know they have it. The only way to find out is to get it checked. It’s a good idea to have your blood pressure checked regularly, either at your GP surgery or at your local pharmacy, like ours where we offer free blood pressure checks. It’s quick, easy, and could help catch a problem before it becomes something more serious.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Knowing what can increase your risk is a good first step. Small changes in your daily routine can really help in the long run. There isn’t always one clear reason why someone gets high blood pressure, but there are a few things that can raise your risk. You might be more likely to have it if you:

Eat a lot of salty foods and not enough fresh fruit and veg
Don’t move around much or get regular exercise
Drink too much alcohol or rely on caffeine a lot
Don’t sleep well or don’t get enough sleep
Have family members with high blood pressure
Are carrying extra weight
Are over 65 years old
Smoke frequently

How to Lower your Blood Pressure?

There are simple everyday changes that can really help lower your blood pressure, or stop it from becoming a problem in the first place. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and even small steps can make a difference. Here’s what can help

Try to move more often; even something as simple as a daily walk can help
Cut back on salty foods, and drink enough water throughout the day
Add more fibre to your meals with foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (aim for five portions a day)
If you’re above a healthy weight, shedding a few pounds can take some of the strain off your heart
If you smoke, consider options for quitting. It’s one of the most impactful steps you can take for your health
Try to cut back on alcohol and drinks high in caffeine.
Make sleep a priority; your body needs proper rest to function well.

What to Expect at Your Blood Pressure Check

If you’re thinking about getting your blood pressure checked, don’t worry it’s quick, simple, and we’ll talk you through every step when you arrive. Here’s a quick idea of what happens when you come in.

Step 1

A trained healthcare professional will wrap a cuff around your upper arm, the cuff gently tightens for a few moments while it takes a reading. It might feel snug for a bit, but it’s nothing to worry about and only lasts a few seconds.

Step 2

Once the test is done, there will be a numerical reading on the electronic device. We’ll note these down and look at how they compare to the healthy range for someone of your age and gender. If anything looks outside the normal range, we’ll explain what it means and what steps might come next.

Step 3

We are able to provide helpful advice on managing your blood pressure, including tips on exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes. If your results suggest something more serious, we may recommend you speak with your GP to explore the best treatment options.

How Eastwood Health Can Help?

We offer free NHS blood pressure checks to patients here at Eastwood Health pharmacy in Nottingham. It’s a simple way to find out if you might be at risk of high blood pressure, and we’re here to help you take the next steps if needed.

You don’t have to book an appointment, you can just walk in whenever it suits you. The check usually takes about 10 minutes with one of our trained pharmacists. If you’re over 40, the NHS recommends getting your blood pressure checked every five years. And if you’re at higher risk of heart problems, it’s best to check it once a year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE