Lifesaving blood pressure checks at every chemist
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The NHS believes it will be so effective, every 10 checks will detect one case of high blood pressure. It is hoped 3,700 strokes and 2,500 heart attacks could be prevented over the next five years, saving around 2,000 lives. NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: “More high street checks will mean more rapid detection of killer conditions and quicker treatment for patients who need it.
“Pharmacies are in the heart of communities so they are ideally placed. If you are worried about your health, please do get tested, it could save your life.”
High blood pressure, known as hypertension, can lead to heart and circulatory diseases, kidney and sight failure and vascular dementia.
It is often called a “silent killer” because it rarely causes symptoms until more serious health problems occur. Around five million UK people are thought to have undiagnosed high blood pressure.
People over 40 are advised to get their blood pressure checked at least every five years – but easily accessible pharmacy tests could help catch thousands more undiagnosed cases.
Pharmacists will offer the tests to those showing symptoms that could be linked to high blood pressure. They will record readings and offer advice, or refer patients to local services and treatment.
Health minister Lord Bethell said: “Pharmacists are the first port of call for minor conditions. These new clinics will go a long way to helping prevent heart disease.”
The roll-out is part of the 2021-22 contract between pharmacies and the NHS. Pharmacists will also advise smokers recently discharged from hospital, who can receive support sessions over 12 weeks.
NHS England says cardiovascular disease claims 136,000 lives a year and high blood pressure is linked to about half of heart attacks and strokes.
Its chief pharmaceutical officer, Dr Keith Ridge, said: “With this new service being rolled out across the country, pharmacy teams will have a vital new role in delivering life-saving blood-pressure checks in our communities.”
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