FREE NHS Blood Pressure Checking Service
Patients eligible for this service:
• If you are aged 40 years or older and you do not currently have a diagnosis of hypertension.
• If you are under 40 and have a recognised family history of hypertension.*
• If you have been referred by your GP for the measurement of blood pressure.
*This is at the healthcare professional's discretion.
A blood pressure test checks if your blood pressure is healthy, or if it's high or low.
Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it's pumped around your body.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually a problem, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people.
High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it's not treated.
Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save your life.