How Do You Check your Blood Pressure For Free?

 

Blood pressure testing is the only way to find out if your blood pressure is high or low. Managing high blood pressure requires an understanding of your results. Continue reading to find out how to get a free blood pressure check in Birmingham.

Types of blood pressure check in Birmingham

The British Heart Foundation has identified five blood pressure ranges:

Normal

Blood pressure readings that are lower than 120/80 mm Hg are deemed normal. If your findings fit into this category, continue to practice heart-healthy habits such as eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Elevated

When blood pressure measurements are regularly 120-129 systolic and lower than 80mm Hg diastolic, it is considered elevated. Individuals who have elevated blood pressure are more likely to acquire high blood pressure unless they take actions to control it.

Stage 1 hypertension

When blood pressure continuously varies from 130-139 systolic and 80-89 mm Hg diastolic, it is classified as hypertension stage 1.  Doctors or pharmacists are likely to advise lifestyle adjustments and may consider adding blood pressure medication at this stage of high blood pressure. This depends on the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) complications like stroke or heart attack.

Stage 2 hypertension

Hypertension Stage two is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater on a regular basis. You are likely to be prescribed a mix of blood pressure medicines and lifestyle adjustments at this phase of high blood pressure.

Hypertensive crisis

This level of hypertension necessitates medical intervention. If your blood pressure suddenly rises above 180/120 mm Hg, wait 5 minutes before taking another reading. If your results continue to be abnormally high, see your doctor right away. You could be having a hypertensive emergency. You can also call NHS 111 to get medical help.

If you have a blood pressure that’s higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you’re having symptoms of organ damage including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, numbness/weakness, back pain, visual changes to your appearance, or difficulty speaking, don’t wait for it to go down on its own. Seek medical help immediately.

Free blood pressure check in Birmingham

If your pharmacist suspects you have high blood pressure, they may recommend 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

ABPM uses a cuff connected to a portable gadget worn on your wrist to monitor your blood pressure over the course of 24 hours.

During this period, you are free to go about your normal routine. You can buy a machine to monitor your blood pressure on your own on a regular basis.

Does the pharmacy offer a free blood pressure check in Birmingham?

A blood pressure test is simple to schedule. You can just call your local pharmacy to schedule an appointment. The checks should be free in most circumstances, so it’s worth pursuing as it could save your life.

How can you lower your blood pressure?

High blood pressure makes you more likely to have a heart attack or a stroke. Discuss the best strategies to lower your blood pressure with your pharmacist or doctor. Here are some ideas:

Lifestyle changes 

There are certain lifestyle adjustments you may do to help lower your blood pressure.  Some of these will help you achieve your goals in a matter of weeks, whilst others take a little longer.

Make an effort to:

– Limit your daily salt consumption to less than 6g (0.2oz), or around a teaspoon – learn how to limit the quantity of salt you use in your diet.
– Eat a low-fat, well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables; learn how to eat more healthily.
– Reduce weight – use the NHS BMI calculator to determine your optimum weight, and seek guidance if you’re overweight.
– Stay active by exercising regularly.
– Drink less alcohol – learn how to drink less by obtaining a drinks diary and taking note of your consumption.
– Limit caffeine intake (found in coffee, cola and tea).
– Quit smoking with the help of a professional.

You can start taking these actions right now  – it doesn’t matter if you’re on blood pressure medication or not.

In fact, if you make these changes early on, you may be able to prevent the need for medications.

High-blood-pressure medications (following your free blood pressure check in Birmingham)

High blood pressure can be managed using a variety of medications.

Many people require a mix of medications to be effective.

– If you’re under 55 years old, an angiotensin-2 receptor blocker or an ACE inhibitor will most likely be recommended.
– If you’re 55 or older, or if you’re of African or Caribbean descent, you’ll almost always be prescribed a calcium channel blocker.

It’s possible that you’ll have to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. If your blood pressure remains controlled for several years, your doctor may be able to reduce or discontinue your treatment.

Book your appointment now to access our hypertension case finding service in Birmingham.

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This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.