Why high blood pressure matters
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called a “silent killer” because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until serious damage has been done. It is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and is involved in about half of all strokes(1). Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attacks, kidney disease and dementia(1). Detecting it early gives you time to make lifestyle changes or start treatment and dramatically reduces your risk of a life changing event(2).
Risk factors and prevention
Certain genetic and lifestyle factors make high blood pressure more likely. Age, family history and being of Black African or Caribbean origin raise your risk(1). Lifestyle factors such as eating too much salt, being inactive, carrying extra weight, drinking excessive alcohol and smoking also contribute(1). Health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnoea can raise your blood pressure(1). Managing stress, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly and not smoking can all help keep your numbers in check(2).
How we support you with your blood pressure
Taking control
As a distance selling pharmacy we can’t take your reading in person, but we can still help you “know your numbers.” Here’s how:
• Monitoring at home: You can use your own home blood pressure monitor to check your readings. Once you’ve taken your blood pressure, you can book a telephone or video consultation with one of our pharmacists. We’ll review your results, explain what the numbers mean, offer advice, and help you decide if you need to contact your GP.
• Lifestyle and medication advice: Our pharmacists can advise on healthy habits, weight management, limiting salt and alcohol, stopping smoking and the importance of regular exercise. If your blood pressure remains high, we will work with your GP to arrange medication and monitoring.
• Signposting to in person services: If you can’t access a home monitor or your readings suggest a problem, we’ll help you find a local pharmacy or clinic for an in person check. The NHS recommends everyone aged 40 to 74 has their blood pressure checked at least once every five years(2), and more often if you have risk factors.
Monitoring your blood pressure at home empowers you to see how lifestyle changes affect your numbers and catch potential problems early. You don’t have to leave your home to do this. Contact our customer service team via our website or call us for any queries you may have. We’ll help you stay on top of your health and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
(1) Stroke.org.uk
(2) england.nhs.uk
