NHS Hypertension Case Finding
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but doubles your risk of heart attack and stroke. The NHS Hypertension Case Finding Service lets adults aged forty and over (or younger if at higher risk) drop in to Davyhulme Pharmacy in Urmston for a free check, no appointment needed.
A pharmacist or trained technician takes a single in-pharmacy reading using a validated electronic monitor. The cuff goes round your upper arm, you sit quietly for five minutes first, and the whole thing takes about ten minutes. If the reading is high or borderline, we lend you a monitor to take home for a week (ABPM) so we get a true picture rather than a one-off white-coat number.
A reading of 135/85 mmHg or higher at home suggests hypertension and needs GP follow-up. Anything over 180/120 mmHg needs same-day medical attention. The pharmacist explains your numbers, writes them down and, with your permission, sends a copy to your GP.
We also use the appointment to talk about the things that really shift blood pressure: salt, alcohol, weight, smoking, sleep apnoea and physical activity. No lectures, just practical pointers tailored to your life in Urmston.
Free on the NHS for adults aged forty and over without a current hypertension diagnosis, or younger adults considered at higher risk (family history, South Asian or African heritage, diabetes, overweight).
No. Pop in any time during opening hours and ask for a blood pressure check at the counter.
Usually seven days, with readings taken twice a day. We then download the results and discuss them with you.
No. The pharmacy service is for detection only. If readings are high we refer you to your GP, who decides on treatment.