NHS Service · Manchester
NHS Hypertension Screening Service
Free, accurate blood pressure checks from our accredited pharmacists. High blood pressure is the “silent killer”: it has no symptoms but is a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. The only way to know is to get checked.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high. It is common and usually has no symptoms, so many people never know they have it. Left untreated, it can lead to:
Stroke
Heart failure
Kidney disease
Vascular dementia
Peripheral arterial disease
Understanding your reading
Blood pressure is shown as two numbers, for example 130/80 mmHg: the pressure when your heart beats (systolic) over the pressure between beats (diastolic).
| 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+ (clinic) | High | Hypertension, follow-up required |
| 135/85+ (home) | High | Hypertension confirmed at home |
Why choose our service?
Accredited pharmacists
Trained to deliver the NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service, for accurate results and personalised advice.
Full health review
More than one reading: we review your history, lifestyle and family risk factors too.
24-hour monitoring
Where needed, a portable monitor tracks your readings across a full day.
Direct GP referral
If hypertension is confirmed, we refer you to your GP with a full summary so treatment isn’t delayed.
Lifestyle guidance
Evidence-based advice on diet, exercise, salt, alcohol and stress to help keep levels healthy.
Ongoing support
Already on medication? Our pharmacists help you manage it and stay on track.
Who is eligible?
You can use this service if you are:
Not suitable if you:
Free for eligible patients. No GP referral needed to self-refer, just walk in or book online.
How to lower your blood pressure
Lifestyle changes can make a real difference, sometimes alongside medication and sometimes instead of it. The NHS recommends:
A GP may also prescribe medication if your reading is very high or your cardiovascular risk is raised. Our pharmacists can advise you either way.
Book your appointment
Take five minutes to check your blood pressure. It could save your life.
