Visit your community pharmacy this Heart Month. It could save your life!

February is Heart month – a yearly campaign highlighting the importance of heart disease and the ways to reduce your risk. Data shows that just over 34% of Lambeth adults have higher than average blood pressure and left untreated it can be fatal. Residents are therefore being invited to come and have your blood pressure measured at your local community pharmacy this February.

Why is high blood pressure a concern?

High blood pressure has no symptoms. If it remains persistently high it can increase your risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions such as kidney disease, heart attacks and stroke.

Who’s at risk?

There are several things that could put you at greater risk of high blood pressure, They include being overweight, eating too much salt, not doing enough exercise, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or drinks with caffeine, being under a lot of stress or having a relative with high blood pressure.

All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.

Some people from African, African Caribbean or South Asian heritage may have high blood pressure at a younger age and are encouraged to get their blood pressure checked earlier.

Which local pharmacies are offering free blood pressure checks?

A number of community pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks to people aged 40 or over. Having your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy is quick and easy and often doesn’t require an appointment. Find a local pharmacy that can test your blood pressure for free.

How else can I get my blood pressure checked?

There are many other quick and easy ways to get your blood pressure checked in Lambeth. For example you can visit your GP, the Lambeth Together Health and Wellbeing Bus (on selected days) or you can even monitor your blood pressure at home. Find out more about alternative ways to get your blood pressure checked here.

How can I prevent or reduce high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can often be prevented or reduced by eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking. Read more information on reducing and preventing high blood pressure.

Tackling High blood pressure in Lambeth

Lambeth Together aims to support people to lead healthy lives, to detect health conditions early and empower people to manage these conditions and avoid complications. Raising awareness of the importance of regular blood pressure testing for people aged over 40 is one of Lambeth health and care partners priorities linked to this ambition.

Read about Lambeth Together’s work to tackle high blood pressure.