NHS Hypertension Service
Free NHS blood pressure checks for adults, helping you catch high blood pressure early and protect your heart. Where needed, we can also arrange 24-hour monitoring.
Take control of your heart health
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
It often causes no noticeable symptoms, which means the only reliable way to know whether your blood pressure is high is to have it checked.
Procters Pharmacy offers free NHS blood pressure checks to eligible patients. The service is quick, confidential and available at all Procters Pharmacy branches.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries remains consistently too high.
When left untreated, high blood pressure can place additional strain on your heart, blood vessels and other organs. Over time, it may increase your risk of:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Kidney disease
- Vascular dementia
- Eyesight problems
- Other cardiovascular conditions
High blood pressure is sometimes described as a silent condition because most people do not experience clear symptoms.
Regular screening can help identify a potential problem before it leads to more serious complications.
Who is at risk of high blood pressure?
Anyone can develop hypertension, but your risk may be higher if you:
- Are aged 40 or over
- Have a family history of high blood pressure
- Eat a diet high in salt
- Are overweight
- Do not exercise regularly
- Smoke
- Regularly drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol
- Experience long-term stress
- Have poor sleep habits
- Are of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage
Even when you feel well, it is worth knowing your blood pressure reading.
You can also use the NHS BMI calculator to learn more about your weight and general health.
Who is eligible for a free NHS blood pressure check?
The NHS Blood Pressure Check Service is generally available to:
- Adults aged 40 or over who have not previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure
- Adults aged 35 to 39 where the pharmacist considers a check appropriate
- People under 40 with a recognised family history of hypertension, at the pharmacist’s discretion
- Patients referred by their GP for a blood pressure check
Eligibility may depend on your personal circumstances and whether you are already receiving regular blood pressure monitoring.
Speak to the Procters Pharmacy team if you are unsure whether you qualify.
Who may not be eligible?
The NHS service may not be suitable for:
- People under 40 who do not have a family history of hypertension
- People who already receive regular blood pressure monitoring from a healthcare professional
- People who are unable to provide consent for the check
Our pharmacy team can explain the eligibility criteria and advise you on the most appropriate next step.
How the NHS blood pressure service works
The service is simple, quick and carried out by a trained member of the Procters Pharmacy team.
Visit your local Procters Pharmacy
We accept walk-in appointments. Before starting, we will explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
Have your blood pressure measured
We will measure your blood pressure using a clinically validated monitor. The check only takes a few minutes and is carried out in a private consultation area.
If your result falls within a healthy range, no further action may be required. If it is higher than expected, we will explain what happens next.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Where appropriate, you may be offered ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, also known as ABPM. This involves wearing a small portable monitor for approximately 24 hours.
The device takes several readings during your normal daily activities and while you sleep. These readings provide a more detailed picture of your blood pressure and can help determine whether further assessment is needed.
Review and referral
When the monitoring period is complete, we will review your results.
Where your readings remain high, we may refer you to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional for further investigation, advice or treatment.
The aim is to identify high blood pressure early and help reduce your risk of future health complications.
Why choose Procters Pharmacy?
- Free NHS checks for eligible patients
- Convenient appointments at your local pharmacy
- Walk-in availability at participating branches
- Private and confidential consultations
- Clinically validated blood pressure monitors
- Ambulatory monitoring where appropriate
- Clear advice about your results and next steps
- Referral to your GP when further assessment is needed
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-in checks are available at all Procters Pharmacy branches. Contact your local pharmacy before visiting if you would like to confirm availability.
Does it cost anything?
No. The NHS Hypertension Service is completely free.
How long does a blood pressure check take?
The initial pharmacy check usually takes only a few minutes. Please allow additional time for the pharmacist to explain your result and discuss any recommended next steps.
Will the check hurt?
No. A cuff is placed around your upper arm and briefly inflates to take the measurement. You may feel some pressure, but the check should not be painful.
What is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring uses a portable device to take several readings over approximately 24 hours. It can provide a more accurate understanding of your blood pressure than a single reading taken in the pharmacy.
Can I use this service if I already have high blood pressure?
The NHS screening service is primarily intended to identify people who may have undiagnosed hypertension. People already diagnosed with high blood pressure or receiving regular monitoring may not be eligible. Speak to our team for advice based on your circumstances.
What happens if my blood pressure is high?
A single high reading does not always mean you have hypertension. Depending on your result, we may repeat the measurement, offer ambulatory monitoring or refer you to your GP for further assessment.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Your check will be carried out discreetly, and your health information will be handled confidentially in accordance with NHS and data protection requirements.
Know your numbers
Knowing your blood pressure is an important step towards protecting your heart and long-term health. Come in for a free NHS blood pressure check at a Procters Pharmacy today, or speak to the team at your local branch to find out whether you are eligible.