Home › free blood pressure check

free blood pressure check

Understanding and Managing Your Blood Pressure

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
free blood pressure checks

Free Blood Pressure Checks

At Knights Pharmacy, we believe in empowering you to take control of your health and well-being. One crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed is blood pressure. Today, we dive into the world of blood pressure and explore how understanding it and getting the support that you need can lead to healthier, happier lives.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers: systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number). A normal blood pressure reading is generally around 120/80 mmHg.

However, maintaining healthy blood pressure is not just about the numbers. It’s about ensuring that your cardiovascular system is functioning optimally, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other related complications.

Why is Blood Pressure Important?

Think of blood pressure as the silent guardian of your cardiovascular health. When it’s within the normal range, your heart and arteries work harmoniously to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. But when blood pressure rises, it can lead to serious health issues.

High blood pressure (hypertension) often goes unnoticed until it causes significant damage. This is why regular blood pressure checks are crucial. At Knights Pharmacy, we offer free blood pressure checks, making it easy for you to stay on top of your cardiovascular health.

 

blood pressure checks

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

Understanding the risk factors for high blood pressure is the first step towards prevention. While some factors, like age and family history, are beyond our control, many can be managed through lifestyle changes. Here are some common risk factors:

  • Unhealthy Diet: A diet high in sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol can contribute to high blood pressure. Our team can provide advice on making healthier food choices.
  • Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles are a significant contributor to high blood pressure. We can guide you on incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine.
  • Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure. If you’re struggling to quit, our team can provide support and resources.
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol in moderation is key. Our team can offer guidance on responsible drinking habits.
  • Stress: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure. Learning stress management techniques can make a significant difference.

How Knights Pharmacy Can Help

At Knights Pharmacy, we’re not just a pharmacy – we’re your health partners. Our team is dedicated to supporting you on your journey to better health, and that includes managing your blood pressure. Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Free Blood Pressure Checks: Take advantage of our free blood pressure checks. Visit any of our branches across the United Kingdom to get your blood pressure monitored regularly.
  • Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable pharmacists are here to answer your questions and provide personalised advice on managing your blood pressure. Whether it’s about medication, lifestyle changes, or general health tips, we’ve got you covered.
  • Medication Management: If prescribed medication is part of your blood pressure management plan, we can assist in ensuring you take it correctly and monitor for any potential side effects.
  • Lifestyle Guidance: Making positive lifestyle changes is crucial in managing blood pressure. Our team can guide you on adopting a heart-healthy diet, incorporating regular exercise, and managing stress.
  • Support for Quitting Smoking: If you’re looking to quit smoking, we offer resources, support, and products to help you on your journey to a smoke-free life.

blood pressure checks

Encouragement for Change

Embarking on a journey to better health can be challenging, but it’s a journey worth taking. The team at Knights Pharmacy is here to walk beside you every step of the way. We encourage you to prioritise your cardiovascular health and make the necessary changes to manage your blood pressure effectively.

Remember, small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements. Whether it’s choosing a salad over fries or taking a brisk walk after dinner, these actions add up and contribute to a healthier you.

Book Your Free Blood Pressure Check

Your health is your most valuable asset, and managing your blood pressure is a vital part of maintaining it. At Knights Pharmacy, we’re committed to making the process easy and accessible. Take advantage of our free blood pressure checks, seek our expert advice, and let us be your partner in health.

Together, we can ensure that you not only understand your blood pressure but also take proactive steps towards a healthier, happier life. Visit any of our branches across the United Kingdom, and let’s work towards a future where you’re in control of your well-being.

Loading...

This blog was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

Take Control of Your Health: Get Your Blood Pressure Checked for Free

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Only a blood pressure test can determine whether your blood pressure is low or high. Understanding your results is crucial for controlling high blood pressure. Keep reading to find out where to get a free blood pressure check in the West Midlands.

What are the types of blood pressure?

The British Heart Foundation has identified five blood pressure ranges. These include:

Normal

Blood pressure levels that are lower than 120/80 mm Hg are considered normal. If your results fall into this category, keep up your heart-healthy routines of eating a balanced diet and working out frequently.

Elevated

Consider elevated blood pressure when readings consistently fall between 120 and 129 systolic and are less than 80 mm Hg diastolic If they don’t take steps to control it, those with elevated levels are more prone to develop high blood pressure.

Stage 1 Hypertension

Stage 1 hypertension is defined as blood pressure that consistently ranges between 130 and 139 systolic as well as 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors or pharmacists will probably suggest lifestyle changes and may perhaps think about adding blood pressure medication. This will usually be determined by the risk of getting Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), such as a heart attack or stroke.

Stage 2 hypertension

Diagnose yourself with Stage 2 hypertension if your blood pressure consistently registers at 140/90 mm Hg or higher This may require a combination of taking blood pressure medications and making lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive Crisis

Medical intervention is required for this severity of hypertension. Wait five minutes before taking a second reading if your blood pressure unexpectedly goes above 180/120 mm Hg. See your doctor right away if your results continue to be excessively high. You could be experiencing a hypertensive emergency. To receive emergency care, you can also dial NHS 111.

Don’t wait for your blood pressure to drop on its own if it is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of organ damage such as chest pain, back pain, difficulty breathing, numbness or weakness, visual changes, or difficulty speaking. Get medical care right away.

free blood pressure check in West Midlands

Where can I get a free blood pressure check in the West Midlands?

Arranging a blood pressure check is easy. Simply schedule an appointment with your general practitioner, practice nurse, or pharmacy. You can get them in a number of other places as well. It is worthwhile to look around because the checks should often be free.

  • Your doctor’s surgery
  • Your local pharmacy
  • NHS Health Checks
  • Some workplaces
  • Some gyms and health clubs
  • Local community health events
  • Well man clinics for men

If you have recently checked your blood pressure outside of a hospital or doctor’s office and the reading was high, it is important to schedule a visit with your GP as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the better your chances are of getting an accurate diagnosis and effectively managing your hypertension.

What is the hypertension Case Finding service?

The Hypertension Case Finding Service is an Advanced Service to support the NHS Long Term Plan ambitions for preventing cardiovascular disease.

This service is made up of 2 stages:

Stage 1 involves identifying those at risk of hypertension and providing them with blood pressure monitoring (clinic check).

Stage 2: Conduct 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring when necessary for a diagnosis of hypertension. Share the results with the patient’s doctor.

Knights Pharmacy Branch

Where can I get a free blood pressure check in the West Midlands?

Visit or book an appointment with your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch to get your free blood pressure check in the West Midlands. Get in touch with us for more information. You can also shop for home health monitoring devices online at Chemist.net.

Shop Online

Loading...

This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor