The best way to diagnose high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is to have your blood pressure measured at your local pharmacy with blood pressure testing or with your healthcare provider.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually referred to as a “silent disease” because you typically don’t know that you have it. There might not be any signs or symptoms. Nonetheless, it can cause damage to the body and, in time, cause problems like heart disease. It’s important to monitor high blood pressure and make lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure which may include a healthy diet, exercise, and healthy living.
How A Blood Pressure Test Works
- The blood pressure test and reading are taken with a sphygmomanometer – aka blood pressure cuff.
- The cuff is placed around the upper arm and this is either manually or electronically inflated.
- Once inflated, the cuff momentarily stops blood flow by compressing the brachial artery,
- Lastly, the air in the cuff is slowly released while the clinician listens with a stethoscope or monitors it with an electronic readout device.
Blood pressure checks near me – Visit any of our Miles Pharmacy branches in South London to get your blood pressure checked today.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure reading (top number) — this indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting on your artery walls during heartbeats.
- Diastolic blood pressure reading (bottom number) — this indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting on your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.
If your blood pressure reading is normal (120/80 mm Hg or less), your blood pressure only needs to be tested during routine visits to your doctor.
However, if you have high blood pressure
- Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood pressure numbers at home in addition to your regular check-up cardiology tests with your healthcare provider.
- You can monitor your blood pressure at home or look on the internet for “testing near me blood pressure tests”
- Your healthcare provider will most likely recommend a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and if necessary, prescription medication to lower your blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Test Near Me
If you live in the South London area, Miles Pharmacy is here to serve you for all your healthcare needs. Visit any of our pharmacies to get blood pressure testing, consult with our clinicians, and get your vaccines to stay healthy and safe.