An estimated 88,000 people across mid and south Essex are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, we're encouraging people to get checked. Our local pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks.

High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and dementia.

The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked.

Why checking your blood pressure matters

✔ High blood pressure usually has no warning signs
✔ Early detection reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke
✔ Treatment and lifestyle changes can lower your risk
✔ A quick check could protect your long-term health


Who should have their blood pressure checked?

  • Adults aged 40 and over should have their blood pressure checked regularly
  • People with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart problems may need more frequent checks
  • Anyone with a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease should be monitored

You can check your blood pressure:

✔ at your GP practice
✔ at many local pharmacies
✔ using a home blood pressure monitor


What is a healthy reading?

  • Normal: around 120/80 mmHg
  • High: 140/90 mmHg or higher (clinic reading)
  • Very high: 180/120 mmHg or higher — seek urgent medical advice


👉 Learn more about high blood pressure:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/

👉 Check your blood pressure at a local pharmacy:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/check-your-blood-pressure/

👉 Healthy lifestyle advice to reduce blood pressure:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/reduce-high-blood-pressure/


Remember

Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular checks are essential. If you have been asked to monitor your blood pressure at home, please record your readings and share them with the practice.

Taking a minute to check your blood pressure today could help prevent serious health problems in the future.