Blood pressure – the free NHS check that could save your life

People across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to know their numbers and get a free NHS blood pressure check at their local community pharmacy.

Almost 100,000 blood pressure checks were carried out across the two areas during 2025/26, helping people spot potential health risks and take action early.

Data from shows that 95,464 checks were delivered last year, including:
– 72,800 checks in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
– 22,664 in Shropshire Telford and Wrekin

As ‘Know Your Numbers Week’ highlights the importance of regular checks, local NHS leaders are reminding people that high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Known as the ‘silent killer’, many people may be living with the condition, also known as ‘hypertension’, without knowing. It can increase the risk of serious health conditions, such as:
– Heart attacks
– Stroke
– Heart failure
– Kidney disease
– Vascular dementia

The NHS recommends that adults aged 40 and over should have their blood pressure checked regularly. Free checks are available at many community pharmacies and take just a few minutes.

Dr Salma Reehana, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Boards, said:

“The fact that almost 100,000 blood pressure checks were carried out in pharmacies last year shows just how valuable this service is in helping people take control of their health.

“Hypertension often has no symptoms, which means many people can be living with it without knowing. A simple check can identify problems early and help prevent serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

“Know Your Numbers Week is the perfect time to take a few minutes to get checked. If you’re 40 or over, I would encourage you to visit a participating pharmacy and take advantage of this free service. Don’t wait until you feel unwell. Knowing your numbers could make a real difference to your future health.”

Who is at risk?

High blood pressure becomes more common as we get older. The risk is also higher when people:
– Are overweight
– Smoke
– Drink alcohol regularly
– Eat a diet high in salt
– Experience long-term stress
– Have a family history of the condition
– Are from Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds

What happens during a blood pressure check?

A pharmacist or trained member of the team uses a cuff placed around the upper arm to measure the blood pressure. Depending on the result, they may:
– Offer healthy lifestyle advice
– Offer a home blood pressure monitor for further checks
– Recommend contacting the GP practice

Find a participating pharmacy

Free checks are available to people aged 40 and over who live in England and have not had their blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the last six months.

People can find their nearest participating pharmacy at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-blood-pressure-checks/.

Find out what else local pharmacies can offer on our Pharmacy First webpage.