Blood pressure monitoring

hypertension case-finding service

This page provides information about this service and where it can be located.

Information about this service

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the biggest risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and one of the top risk factors for disability and premature death in England.

This service enables our pharmacies to detect hypertension in patients early and get it treated before it manifests into CVD.

Our team will not only have blood pressure monitoring at their disposal, but also ‘ambulatory blood pressure monitors’ (ABMP). These monitors measure your blood pressure as you move around in your normal life for up to 24 hours. It therefore provides a more accurate and reliable reading of your blood pressure than standard monitors. This is because, normal monitors measure your blood pressure within a five to ten minute window and also within a clinical setting which itself can increase your blood pressure (‘white coat’ hypertension). A small monitor is attached to a belt around your waist and connected to a cuff placed on your upper arm. It is small enough to not get in the way of your normal life and can be worn whilst sleeping ( but not whilst showering).

The ABPM will be used when your blood pressure in our clinic is between 140/90mmHg and 180/120mmHg.

What are the benefits of this service?

This service helps with the early diagnosis of high blood pressure to better prevent cardiovascular disease, disability and premature death. It also helps to promote healthy behaviours and reduces the burden on GPs and the NHS.

Inclusion criteria

Adults who are 40 years old or over and who do not have a current diagnosis of hypertension;
Patients, by exception, under the age of 40 who request the service because they have a recognised family history of hypertension may be provided the service at the pharmacist’s discretion;
Patients between 35 and 39 years old who are approached about or request the service may be tested at the pharmacist’s discretion; and
Adults specified by a general practice for the measurement of blood pressure (clinic and ambulatory blood pressure checks). This process should be agreed locally with general practices.

Exclusion criteria

People who are unable to give consent to participate;
People under the age of 40 years old, unless at the discretion of the pharmacist or unless they have been specified by a general practice for the measurement of blood pressure; and
People who have their blood pressure regularly monitored by a healthcare professional, unless the general practice requests the service is provided for the patient. Requests should be sent via a process which is agreed locally with general practices.

What our team do

Your pharmacy team may proactively identify you as a patient who could benefit from getting their blood pressure measured. This will be based on your age and if you currently take any blood pressure medications. The pharmacist will take your blood pressure using a standard blood pressure monitor, discuss the result with you and evaluate the appropriate next steps to take.

If your result is between 140/90mmHG and 180/120mmHg, an ambulatory blood pressure monitor will be offered as soon as practicable. This will measure your blood pressure continuously for up to 24hours to get a more reliable and accurate diagnosis of hypertension. Based on this reading, the pharmacist will either provide you with advice, refer you to your GP within three weeks or urgently refer you the same day.

Where can this service be located?

This service can be accessed at all of our pharmacies. Click on the link below to navigate to your chosen pharmacy;