Many people don’t know they’ve got high blood pressure until they have a heart attack or stroke.
It also increases your risk of conditions such as heart failure and kidney disease.
This is why it’s so important to
- Measure your pressure
- Know your numbers and
- Act on the advice
How to check your blood pressure
There are lots of ways you can get your blood pressure checked and you can even check it yourself.
You could find a local pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks. Many GP surgeries also have blood pressure machines available to use in waiting areas.
You could also borrow a blood pressure monitor from any Suffolk library or use the self-service SiSU machine at Lowestoft Library, Clapham Road South, Lowestoft, NR32 1DR.
You can also have your blood pressure checked as part of your free NHS Health Check.
Adults in England aged 40 to 74 without pre-existing conditions are entitled to an NHS Health Check every 5 years. This check is used to spot early signs and risk of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, dementia and type 2 diabetes. If you haven’t been invited for a Health Check, please contact your GP surgery to book one.
Know your numbers
Check what your blood pressure reading means and what action to take by using the NHS online blood pressure check tool.
It is normal for blood pressure to fluctuate depending on what you are doing and how you are feeling.
One high reading does not always lead to a diagnosis of high blood pressure. If you have a high reading, please try to take your blood pressure a further two times allowing a minute’s rest in between, as the first one is usually higher than the others.
However, please do contact your GP practice and consider lifestyle changes if your readings are consistently in the high range, even if you are already on medication for high blood pressure.
Learn more
You may find the following links useful for more information:
