NHS Hypertension Screening Service in Manchester
Everest Pharmacy is proud to offer an NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service as part of our commitment to promoting good health and wellbeing in our community. With a team of highly skilled pharmacists and state-of-the-art equipment, we provide accurate and reliable blood pressure screening to help you stay on top of your health.
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” — it typically causes no symptoms, yet it is one of the leading causes of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease in the UK. The only way to know if you have it is to get checked.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It is very common — around 1 in 3 adults in the UK have it — yet many are completely unaware because there are usually no noticeable symptoms.
If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions including:
- Heart attack and coronary heart disease
- Stroke — the leading cause of adult disability in the UK
- Heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Vascular dementia
- Peripheral arterial disease
Did you know? Over 5 million people in England are estimated to have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Regular screening is the only reliable way to detect it early — and early detection can save lives.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Reading
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers — for example, 130/80 mmHg. The first (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats; the second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats.
| Reading | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Below 120/80 | Ideal | Healthy blood pressure |
| 120–129 / 80–84 | Normal | Within a healthy range |
| 130–139 / 85–89 | High-Normal | Lifestyle changes advised |
| 140/90 or above (clinic) | High | Hypertension — follow-up required |
| 135/85 or above (home) | High | Hypertension confirmed at home |
Why Choose Our NHS Hypertension Service?
- Expertise and experience — Our pharmacists are trained and accredited to deliver the NHS Community Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Service, ensuring accurate measurements and personalised advice.
- Comprehensive health assessment — We go beyond a single blood pressure reading. Our consultation includes a review of your medical history, lifestyle factors and family history to identify any underlying risk factors.
- 24-hour ambulatory monitoring — Where needed, we can fit you with a portable monitor to record readings over 24 hours, giving a fuller picture of your blood pressure throughout the day.
- Direct GP referral — If hypertension is confirmed, we refer you directly to your GP with a full summary of your results so you can access treatment without delay.
- Practical lifestyle advice — Our team provides evidence-based guidance on diet, exercise, salt intake, alcohol and stress management to support healthy blood pressure levels.
Who is Eligible?
The NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service is available to the following patients:
- Adults aged 40 years or over who do not currently have a diagnosis of hypertension.
- Patients aged 35–39 who request the service and have a recognised family history of hypertension — at the pharmacist’s discretion.
- Adults referred by their GP practice for blood pressure measurement, with or without a prior diagnosis of hypertension.
This service is FREE for eligible patients — no GP referral is needed to self-refer. Simply walk in or book an appointment and our team will do the rest.
Exclusion Criteria
The following patients are not eligible for this service:
- People who are unable to give informed consent to participate.
- People under the age of 40 years old, unless referred by a GP or at the pharmacist’s discretion due to family history.
- People already having their blood pressure regularly monitored by a healthcare professional.
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Lifestyle changes can make a significant difference, often alongside — or instead of — medication. The NHS recommends:
- Eating a balanced, low-salt diet — avoid adding salt or eating heavily processed food
- Exercising regularly — aim for at least 150 minutes per week
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol to under 14 units per week
- Stopping smoking
- Managing stress and getting enough sleep
- Limiting caffeine intake
A GP may also prescribe blood pressure medication if your reading is very high, if lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, or if you are at elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Our pharmacists can advise you on your medication and help you manage it effectively.
