Getting a blood pressure check

Do you ever stop to think about your blood pressure? 

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often has no symptoms. In fact, the first sign could be as serious as a heart attack or stroke. 

High blood pressure is very common, with as many as 5 million adults in the UK having undiagnosed high blood pressure (see the Brtish Heart Foundation website). Early detection is key and by knowing your blood pressure numbers you can take the next steps to improve your own health and wellbeing. 

Where to get your blood pressure checked 

• You can borrow a blood pressure monitor free of charge for up to three weeks from your local library. The monitors come with a guide on how to measure blood pressure, interpret the results and a diary to log them. They are an easy way to check your blood pressure in the comfort of your own home.  
• Our Wellbeing teams offer blood pressure checks for eligible clients.  The following groups are not eligible:
  
  • Individuals registered with a GP outside of West Sussex. 
  • Pregnant women.
    
• If you are aged between 40 and 74 years old, with no pre-existing conditions, you can have a free NHS Health Check which includes blood pressure measurement. The check takes around 30-minutes and will tell you your level of cardiovascular risk and what you can do to ensure it stays low. To find NHS Health Check providers near you, visit our NHS Health Check page. 
• Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks to people aged 40 or over who live in England. Find a pharmacy offering this service on the NHS website. 
• You can buy a monitor to check your blood pressure at home, see the British Heart Foundation website for recommendations.  

Local events

The Prevention and Assessment Team will be offering free blood pressure checks and pulse checks on the following days:

• Tuesday 15th September 
  The Pavillions in the Park, Hurst Road, Horsham RH12 2DF
  From: 10.00 - 14.00
  (Horsham Wellbeing will also be attending) 
• Wednesday 16th September
  Holmbush Shopping centre (in foyer)
  Upper Shoreham Rd, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 6TD
  From: 10.00 - 13:00

Feel free to go along along and have a chat.

Simple changes can help reduce high blood pressure, like eating healthily and avoiding too much salt. Get in touch with your local Wellbeing team for advice about stopping smoking, staying a healthy weight, being active and drinking within recommended limits.