'KNOW your numbers' is the plea from regional health chiefs.
NHS bosses are urging people aged 40 and over, who don’t currently have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, to get their readings checked at a community pharmacy.
Dr Faisel Baig, regional NHS medical director for primary care, says: "It's important to know your numbers because if your blood pressure is too high it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs – such as the brain, kidneys and eyes – and it creates the biggest risk of cardiovascular disease.
"Early detection of high blood pressure is vital and community pharmacies have a key role, helping to improve patients’ health whilst also supporting general practice teams.
"The blood pressure check will be carried out by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician trained to use monitoring equipment in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. The results will be sent to your GP practice to confirm the diagnosis and for appropriate treatment, if necessary.
"People can call at their NHS pharmacy to request a test, or book an appointment. It’s free and you don’t need to see a GP in advance."
For more details, visit england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/nhs-community-pharmacy-bp-checks-and-hypertension-case-finding-advanced-service
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