West Midlands community pharmacies are urging people to come forward and get a free NHS blood pressure check to help identify hidden risks of stroke and heart attacks.

This World Stroke Day (29 October) data shows that over the last six months, community pharmacies in the West Midlands have identified more than 43,000 people with high blood pressure who are now getting their condition managed and their risk of serious illness reduced.

Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure (hypertension) which rarely has noticeable symptoms but if untreated, it increases your risk of stroke. Stroke is the largest cause of disability in the UK and the fourth biggest killer. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is one of the leading causes of death in England.

Church View Pharmacy in Halesowen Road, Cradley Heath has seen over 2800 people for blood pressure checks since January this year. Pharmacist, Tehlil Mahmood, said “This World Stroke Day, we are talking to our customers about the free blood pressure check service we offer to see if they are eligible. It’s quick and easy to do. We have received lots of positive feedback from patients who told us they were happy with the privacy our consultation room offers and that they could get their results straight away.”

The NHS community pharmacy blood pressure check service has been positively received, delivering more than a million checks nationally in the last year. It allows people to keep on top of their risk of cardiovascular disease without the need for a GP appointment.

The NHS community pharmacy blood pressure service is for anyone

• over the age of 40
• who has not previously been identified as having hypertension or a related condition; and
• has not had their blood pressure measured by a health professional within the previous six months.

It is recommended that all adults aged 40 or over have their blood pressure tested at least every five years.

Richard Seal, Regional Chief Pharmacist NHS England Midlands said “In August our community pharmacies in the Midlands carried out more than 46,000 blood pressure checks. We are really pleased how pharmacies have taken up the opportunities to offer these checks and help protect the health of local people.

“Checking your blood pressure is quick, simple and painless and can prevent you having a heart attack, stroke or detect other diseases.

“800,000 people in the Midlands are estimated to be living with undetected or untreated hypertension and the only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have a blood pressure check.

“Don’t wait until it’s too late, pop in and speak to your community pharmacist. If you have access to a blood pressure monitor you can test yourself at home, or you can get it checked for free at your GP surgery, at many workplaces, or as part of your NHS Health Check.”

The NHS online blood pressure tool can help you understand what your numbers mean and advise on any action you need to take.

If you have a recent blood pressure reading use the NHS Check your blood pressure tool to understand what your reading means. You’ll also get information about what to do next.

Other ways to reduce your risk of stroke include:

• quitting smoking
• eating a balanced diet
• exercise
• cutting down on alcohol

For more information visit:

• Watch this short video to see the service in action.
• Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks – NHS
• Check your blood pressure reading – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Stroke and Hypertension | World Stroke Organization