Keeping track of your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your heart health. High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) often has no obvious symptoms, but over time, it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
At Southdowns Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer free blood pressure checks for eligible patients and private checks for just £10 for everyone else. Whether you're tracking readings at home or visiting us for professional monitoring, understanding what the numbers mean is essential.
Below, we break down how to read a blood pressure monitoring chart, what the ranges mean, and how we can help you stay on top of your health.
What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
-
Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
-
Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Your reading is displayed as systolic over diastolic, for example: 120/80 mmHg.
Blood Pressure Categories
Here’s a simplified blood pressure monitoring chart you can refer to when reviewing your readings:
If your readings fall into the high or severe categories more than once, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional. That's where we come in.
Why Regular Monitoring Matters
You might feel perfectly healthy, even if your blood pressure is high. That’s why it’s often called a “silent killer.” Regular monitoring can help detect issues early—long before symptoms appear—and allow for timely intervention through lifestyle changes or medication.
Monitoring is especially important if:
-
You have a family history of hypertension
-
You’re over the age of 35
-
You experience frequent headaches, fatigue, or vision issues
-
You’re overweight, smoke, or have a sedentary lifestyle
Even a slightly raised reading can signal the start of long-term problems, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Who Is Eligible for a Free Blood Pressure Check at Southdowns Pharmacy?
We are pleased to offer free NHS blood pressure checks to the following groups:
-
Adults aged 40 and over who do not have a current diagnosis of hypertension
-
Adults under 40 with a family history of hypertension (at our pharmacist’s discretion and depending on appointment availability)
-
Self-requesting adults aged 35 to 39, also subject to pharmacist discretion and availability
If you're unsure whether you're eligible, our team will be happy to advise.
Not Eligible? We Still Have You Covered
If you don’t meet the NHS criteria, we offer private blood pressure checks for just £10. These checks are conducted by trained pharmacy professionals using calibrated, medical-grade equipment, and include:
-
A clear explanation of your reading
-
Immediate guidance on next steps, if needed
-
Referral to your GP if the result is concerning
-
Lifestyle advice and support options
Our service is convenient, affordable, and doesn’t require an appointment in most cases.
How a Blood Pressure Monitoring Chart Can Help You
Using a blood pressure monitoring chart—either at home or in collaboration with our pharmacy—can give you and your healthcare provider valuable insight into your cardiovascular health over time. It can:
-
Track trends and help detect early warning signs
-
Reveal patterns related to stress, diet, or activity levels
-
Help confirm a diagnosis of hypertension when readings are consistently high
-
Evaluate treatment effectiveness if you’re on medication
We recommend keeping a log of your readings, including date, time of day, and any symptoms or lifestyle factors that may be influencing your result. If you don’t have a chart, we can provide one at the pharmacy or assist with a digital version.
Safe, Regulated Support Through Your Local Pharmacy
At Southdowns Pharmacy, your safety comes first. Our team follows strict NHS clinical protocols when delivering this service, ensuring accurate readings, secure documentation, and appropriate follow-up when needed. We're more than just a testing station—we’re part of your healthcare team.
When you monitor your blood pressure with us, you’re not just getting a number. You’re getting peace of mind, early intervention if needed, and access to professional advice without the long wait times of a GP surgery.
Book Your Blood Pressure Check Today
Whether you're looking to understand your current numbers, check your risk, or simply stay proactive with your health, Southdowns Pharmacy is here to help.
Visit us for a free blood pressure check if you’re eligible, or book a private check for just £10. With the right knowledge and support, you can take control of your blood pressure—and your health.
This blog was written on behalf of Southdowns Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
