Blood pressure checks in high street pharmacies could save thousands of lives

The NHS has today announced the nationwide rollout of blood pressure checks in high street pharmacies, a move that could potentially save thousands of lives.  

Under the scheme, every NHS pharmacy in England will be able to offer the checks to people aged 40 and over from October as part of a new deal between pharmacies and the NHS.  

Valuable insight

Over a four year period and across 15 sites we funded a programme to develop and test innovative approaches to detect people with high blood pressure and increase detection of undiagnosed hypertension in the community. Many of these funded sites involved community pharmacies, and the programme provided valuable insight for the NHS to help deliver this service.

According to the NHS, estimates show that 3,700 strokes and 2,500 heart attacks could be prevented over the next five years as a result of the tests, while it is claimed that 2,500 lives could be saved.  

Meanwhile, predictions show that if 2.5 million people get their blood pressure checked in this way then an additional 250,000 people could receive lifesaving treatment for high blood pressure, according to the NHS.  

Preventing heart and circulatory disease

This new service is the latest step to identify thousands of people living with heart and circulatory diseases earlier to prevent over 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia, as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan.  

Pharmacists will find and offer blood pressure tests to people showing symptoms, provide clinical and lifestyle advice or referral, and record the data, joining up services and treatment with GPs and other local services, to speed up access to care. 

John Maingay, our Director of Policy and Influencing, said: “Making blood pressure checks available in high street pharmacies is a brilliant initiative that will help to save lives, prevent heart and circulatory diseases, and empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices.

"The British Heart Foundation supported this new service by funding a programme that saw community pharmacies and other community partners detect undiagnosed hypertension in the community. This £1.5m programme provided valuable evidence and insight which was shared with the NHS and supported the implementation of this service.

“We estimate that there are up to 4.8 million people in the UK living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and most people don’t know they have it until they get it measured by a healthcare professional. It often doesn’t present any symptoms, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a silent killer, so it’s important that you get your blood pressure checked – especially if you have a family history of heart and circulatory disease.  

“That’s why community pharmacists are perfectly placed to help people in their local areas to diagnose and treat people with high blood pressure.

"This breakthrough programme will also help with the devastating burden of backlog to care left by the Covid-19 pandemic, which could see the number of people waiting for heart care and diagnosis peak at around 550,385 in January 2024, according to our latest report. 

“Having your blood pressure checked by your local pharmacist is a simple and quick test that will only take about five minutes to complete.

"Knowing your blood pressure levels will also mean you can discuss the risks with a healthcare professional, who will signpost you to the most effective source of treatment and onward management of your condition. Prevention is always better than cure, so it’s important that you know your numbers and check your blood pressure.”