You wouldn’t ignore a fire alarm—so why ignore high blood pressure?
Often called the “silent killer”, high blood pressure rarely comes with symptoms. You can feel perfectly fine and still be at serious risk of heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage. That’s why a simple, quick blood pressure check at your local pharmacy could be one of the most important health decisions you ever make.
At Hollowood Chemists, we offer free blood pressure checks for those over 40 years old who are not on any blood pressure medications — no appointment needed. Whether you’re managing an ongoing condition or just curious about your numbers, we’re here to make it fast, friendly, and stress-free.
What Is Blood Pressure—and Why Does It Matter?
Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts against your artery walls as it moves through your body. If it’s too high, your heart and blood vessels are under constant strain, increasing your risk of:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
Shockingly, over one in four adults in the UK has high blood pressure, and many don’t even know it. That’s why checking it regularly is so important, especially if you:
- Are over 40
- Have a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Are overweight or smoke
- Are regularly stressed or inactive
What Happens During a Blood Pressure Check?
At Hollowood Chemists, our blood pressure checks are simple, quick, and done by trained pharmacy professionals. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll be seated comfortably, and we’ll place a cuff around your upper arm.
- The cuff inflates gently to measure the pressure in your arteries.
- Within seconds, we’ll have your reading and explain exactly what it means.
It’s painless, takes under 10 minutes, and could offer life-saving insights. And don’t worry—we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps if needed.
You can also book a consultation online if you’d prefer a more in-depth conversation about your heart health or medications.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
Your reading will show two numbers:
- Systolic (the top number): pressure when your heart contracts
- Diastolic (the bottom number): pressure when your heart rests.
As a general guide:
| Reading | What It Means |
| 120/80 or below | Normal |
| 121–139/81–89 | Raised |
| 140/90 or above | High (hypertension) |
| 90/60 or below | Low |
If your reading is high, don’t panic—it doesn’t always mean something’s wrong, but it does mean it’s time to take action. Our pharmacy team can provide lifestyle advice, refer you to your GP, or help you start monitoring your pressure regularly.
Who Is Eligible for a Free Blood Pressure Check?
As part of an NHS initiative to prevent heart disease, many adults over 40 who are not taking any blood pressure medication can now access free blood pressure checks at participating pharmacies—including Hollowood Chemists.
Even if you don’t fall into that age group, private checks are still available and affordable, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your heart health.
Managing High Blood Pressure: We’re With You All the Way
If your reading shows signs of high blood pressure, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there’s plenty we can do to help.
At Hollowood Chemists, we offer:
- Medication reviews if you’re already on treatment.
- Lifestyle support (diet, exercise, quitting smoking)
- Health checks include monitoring weight and providing weight loss tools, such as fat loss injections.
- Referral to your GP when necessary
We also stock BIHS-certified home blood pressure monitors and can teach you how to use them properly—perfect if you want to keep track between visits.
Conclusion: A Life-Saving Check—Right Around the Corner
High blood pressure doesn’t wait for symptoms to strike. But with one free, easy test, you can get ahead of the problem—and take control of your health before issues arise.
So if it’s been a while since your last check (or you’ve never had one at all), now is the perfect time. Walk into your nearest Hollowood Chemists, or book a consultation online today.