People over 40 encouraged to get their blood pressure checked

This World Hypertension Day and during May Measure Month, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is encouraging people over 40 to get their blood pressure checked. 

The NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check service helps to identify people over the age of 40 who have previously not been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) and if found or suspected, refers them for appropriate management.

It also helps promote healthy behaviours to service users and, where required, allows for ad hoc clinic and ambulatory blood pressure measurements at the request of general practice.

Since October 2021, pharmacies across the North West have provided over 867,000 blood pressure checks, identifying over 93,000 people with high or very high blood pressure. Those patients have been supported to receive appropriate onward care, testing and diagnosis, helping to prevent potential strokes and heart attacks.

Professor Ian Ashworth, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Director of Population Health, said: 

Every year in May, there is a worldwide initiative to increase the number of blood pressure checks called May Measure Month. 

World Hypertension Day is also observed on May 17 every year to raise awareness about hypertension, the risks, and the importance of prevention and control.

It was created to raise awareness about high blood pressure, especially since many people with the condition don’t have enough information about it.

Each year, World Hypertension Day is celebrated with a theme and the theme for 2025 is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!”

For more information visit: www.happy-hearts.co.uk or to find your nearest local pharmacy that offers this service, visit the NHS website.