What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is written as two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg.
The first, higher number is the systolic reading: the pressure when your heart pushes blood out. The second, lower number is the diastolic reading: the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Blood pressure can vary during the day, and one reading does not diagnose hypertension. NHS and NICE guidance uses repeat measurements, home monitoring or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring where appropriate to help confirm whether blood pressure is persistently raised.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
A healthcare professional interprets readings in context. The table is a general guide based on NHS information for clinic readings; it is not a diagnosis.
| Reading | General guide |
|---|---|
| Ideal blood pressure | Usually considered below 120/80 mmHg. |
| High blood pressure | A clinic reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher may need further assessment and confirmation. |
| Very high reading with symptoms | Seek urgent medical advice if you feel unwell or have concerning symptoms; call 999 in a medical emergency. |
Why Does High Blood Pressure Matter?
Persistently high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia. It is important to remember that risk is influenced by several factors, not just one blood pressure reading.
Checking blood pressure is a practical way to spot a possible issue early. If further assessment is needed, the appropriate NHS pathway can help make sure you receive the right follow-up.
You Can't Always Feel High Blood Pressure
Many people with hypertension feel completely well. That is why a blood pressure check can be valuable, especially if you have not had it measured recently. Ask our pharmacy team whether a check may be appropriate for you.
Ask About a Blood Pressure CheckCan I Get My Blood Pressure Checked at the Pharmacy?
The NHS Community Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Service helps eligible patients access blood pressure checks at participating community pharmacies. Eligibility and arrangements are set by the current NHS service specification and can change.
At Clocktower Pharmacy, our team can check whether the NHS service is appropriate for you. If you are not eligible for the NHS pathway, speak to the pharmacy about available options.
What Happens During a Blood Pressure Check?
- 1
Speak to our pharmacy team
We will check whether the NHS service is appropriate for you.
- 2
Blood pressure measurement
Your blood pressure is measured using appropriate equipment.
- 3
Review the result
We explain what happens next based on the result and the relevant NHS pathway.
- 4
Further monitoring if appropriate
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) may be offered or advised depending on the result and current service criteria.
- 5
Appropriate follow-up
Where required, results may be referred or communicated for further clinical assessment in line with the NHS service.
What Is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)?
ABPM involves wearing a portable blood pressure monitor that takes readings periodically over an extended period while you continue normal daily activities. It can provide more useful information than relying on one measurement alone.
ABPM may be offered where appropriate under the NHS service pathway. It is not needed for every patient.
Who Should Think About Getting Checked?
Blood pressure checks can be worthwhile for people who have not had a measurement recently or who have been advised by a healthcare professional to have one. The pharmacy team can explain whether an NHS blood pressure check may be appropriate for you under current service criteria.
What Can Affect Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is influenced by a range of factors. NHS information includes:
- Diet, including salt intake
- Physical activity and body weight
- Smoking and alcohol
- Age and family history
- Certain health conditions
High blood pressure is not simply caused by lifestyle. If you are concerned about your blood pressure, an appropriate assessment is the best next step.
What If My Reading Is High?
One raised reading does not necessarily mean that you have hypertension. Depending on the result and your circumstances, repeat measurements, ABPM, home monitoring or further medical assessment may be appropriate.
The pharmacy team will follow the relevant clinical pathway and explain the next step. Do not change or stop prescribed blood pressure medication based on website information or a single reading.
If you have a severely abnormal reading and feel unwell, or have concerning symptoms such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, weakness on one side of the body, or trouble speaking, seek urgent medical help. Call 999 for a medical emergency; use NHS 111 for urgent advice when it is not an emergency.
Blood Pressure Checks in Ormskirk
Clocktower Pharmacy is conveniently located in Ormskirk town centre. Eligible patients may be able to access NHS hypertension case-finding, with ABPM where appropriate under the service, alongside other NHS pharmacy services.
The Clocktower Pharmacy38 Burscough StreetOrmskirkL39 2ES01695 574118