Stroke Prevention Day: Let's talk hypertension case-finding service

Today, January 30th, is Stroke Prevention Day and this year the focus is on high blood pressure, the biggest factor for a stroke. High blood pressure plays a part in about half of strokes according to the Stroke Association.

In the UK, most pharmacies participating in the "NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service" are able to provide hypertension case-finding services, meaning they can check blood pressure and identify potential cases of high blood pressure in individuals aged 40 and over, referring them to their GP if necessary.

Last year we supplied over 2,000 Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors (ABPM's) with our Hingmed ABPM  to pharmacies across the UK as part of the Pharmacy First scheme. Together with other initiatives the blood pressure check service offered by pharmacies is making a huge difference.

Over the past year, community pharmacies in the East Midlands gave free blood pressure checks to more than 196,000 people. Of those checked, 20,800 were found to have high blood pressure and are now getting their condition managed and their risk of serious illness reduced reported the NHS.

Marina Abu-Aita, Pre-registration Pharmacist at Orchard Pharmacy, Mansfield said: “It is now easier than ever to get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy in the East Midlands.

“High blood pressure plays a part in about half of all strokes so knowing if you have a healthy blood pressure is extremely important.

“Too many people are unaware that pharmacies offer this kind of service, without needing to book an appointment. So, if you’re 40 and over, not already on blood pressure medication and haven’t had a check in the last six months, I urge you to go to your local pharmacy. It could be a life-saving trip.”

If you are a pharmacy who isn't yet offering this service, or looking to extend your current hypertension case-finding service there is lots of useful information by Community Pharmacy England on setting up the service and current incentives available.

For advice on ABPM devices, see our full range here and talk to our team today on  0115 849 7700 or email customer.services@emthealthcare.co.uk