Table of Contents
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high.
What is low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is when blood pressure during and after each heartbeat is much lower than usual.
How would I know if I have high or low blood pressure?
The only way to know if you have high or low blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms so you may not realise it’s high unless it’s measured. Symptoms of low blood pressure can include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, and cold, clammy skin.
How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm. The cuff is inflated and then slowly released while a stethoscope or electronic sensor is used to listen to your blood flow. Your systolic and diastolic pressure readings are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
Easy ways to reduce your blood pressure.
● Drink sensibly No more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day for men and 2 to 3 for women.
● Exercise regularly. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week.
● Eat sensibly At least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day and reduce salt and saturated fat intake.
● Be the right weight. Ask for our weight loss dietservice, from the Pharmacy.
● Also, reduce stress, stop smoking, and monitor your blood pressure at home on a regular basis.
Can I get a blood pressure monitor on the NHS?
Blood pressure monitors are not available on the NHS. However, we stock a range of blood pressure monitors at the Birdsfoot Pharmacy and can show you how to use them.
How can Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy help you?
Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy provides a private consultation service to test your blood pressure and offer help and advice to enable you to manage it properly. We offer blood pressure testing kits and services to check your blood pressure regularly. Getting your blood pressure checked regularly is important to identify issues early and take steps to control high blood pressure if needed. Our pharmacy team can provide guidance on lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and medications to help you maintain healthy blood pressure.
Monitoring your blood pressure is important. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems. One in three UK adults have high blood pressure.
Birdsfoot Lane Pharmacy provides blood pressure testing so you can stay on top of your heart health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
