FREE NHS BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS • HAMPSHIRE

Know Your Numbers. Protect Your Heart.

Free NHS blood pressure checks at all four Southdowns branches across Hampshire — no appointment needed, results in minutes.

1 in 3
UK Adults Affected
7M+
Undiagnosed in UK
Free
NHS Check — No Charge
5 Min
Quick, Painless Check
The Silent Threat

High Blood Pressure: Understanding the Risk

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease in the UK, yet most people who have it experience no symptoms at all. It’s often called “the silent killer” for this reason — by the time it’s noticed, damage may already have been done.

Over 14 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, and an estimated 7 million of them don’t know it. A simple 5-minute check at your local Southdowns Pharmacy could be one of the most important health steps you take this year.

14M+
UK adults with high BP
50%
Don’t know they have it
#1
Risk factor for stroke

Regular monitoring is key. Even if you feel completely well, getting your blood pressure checked regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your long-term health.

Healthy active lifestyle for heart health
Protect Your Heart Health
Risk Factors

Could You Be at Higher Risk?

Several everyday factors can quietly raise your blood pressure over time. Understanding your risk is the first step towards taking action.

Age 40 or Over

Blood pressure tends to rise naturally as we age. The NHS recommends everyone over 40 gets checked every five years, and more often if readings are borderline.

Family History

If a close relative has high blood pressure or heart disease, your own risk is significantly higher. Genetics play a real role in cardiovascular health.

High-Salt Diet

Eating too much salt is one of the most common causes of raised blood pressure. The average UK adult eats roughly double the recommended daily amount.

Being Overweight

Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on your heart and blood vessels. Even modest reductions in weight can lead to meaningful improvements in blood pressure.

Physical Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart over time. Regular moderate exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and helps keep blood pressure in a healthy range.

Alcohol & Smoking

Both alcohol and tobacco directly raise blood pressure and damage artery walls. Reducing or stopping either can produce rapid improvements in cardiovascular health.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple Steps to Healthier Blood Pressure

Small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Our pharmacists can guide you on the right steps for your situation.

Reduce Salt Intake

Aim for no more than 6g of salt per day. Check food labels and cook from scratch where possible. Even small reductions can lower blood pressure within weeks.

Regular Physical Activity

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Consistent exercise is one of the most effective natural blood pressure treatments.

Healthy Weight

Losing even 5–10% of body weight if you’re overweight can produce measurable improvements in blood pressure. Our pharmacy team can provide weight management guidance.

Limit Alcohol

Keep alcohol within NHS guidelines (no more than 14 units per week). Excessive drinking raises blood pressure and can interfere with blood pressure medications.

Stop Smoking

Smoking temporarily raises blood pressure with each cigarette and damages artery walls long-term. Southdowns offers free NHS Stop Smoking support — ask your pharmacist.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress keeps blood pressure elevated. Practical steps like better sleep, mindfulness, and regular breaks can all contribute to healthier readings over time.

Talk to your Southdowns pharmacist

Our team can give personalised advice on blood pressure management and refer you to your GP if needed. Walk in to any branch, no appointment required.

Get Advice
Check Eligibility

Who Should Get a Blood Pressure Check?

Our free NHS blood pressure service is open to almost everyone — and it only takes 5 minutes.

Recommended For

  • Adults aged 40 and over
  • Anyone with a family history of heart disease or stroke
  • People who are overweight or obese
  • Those with a high-salt or unhealthy diet
  • Anyone who smokes or drinks regularly
  • People who are physically inactive
  • Anyone who hasn't had a check in over a year

How Often to Check

  • Every 5 years For adults aged 40+ with no known risk factors or previous high readings.
  • Every year If your reading is consistently in the higher normal range (130–139/85–89 mmHg).
  • Every 3–6 months If you’re being monitored for hypertension or are on blood pressure medication.
  • Immediately If you experience severe headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, or dizziness.

Walk In — No Appointment Needed

Simply walk in to any of our four Hampshire branches during opening hours. The check takes around 5 minutes and results are immediate. No referral, no waiting room.

Book Ahead
Why Choose Us

Why Patients Choose Southdowns

Your local pharmacist — accessible, expert, and on your side.

Free NHS Service

Blood pressure checks are completely free at all four branches. No charge, no private fee, no insurance required.

No Appointment Needed

Walk in to any of our Hampshire branches at your convenience. No booking, no waiting weeks for an appointment.

Instant Results

Readings are immediate. Our pharmacist will discuss your results with you on the spot and advise on next steps where appropriate.

Expert Pharmacist Advice

Our GPhC-registered pharmacists provide personalised guidance, lifestyle advice, and GP referrals when needed — not just a number on a screen.

4 Local Hampshire Branches

Emsworth, Havant, Davies Pharmacy, and Rowlands Castle. Conveniently located so your nearest branch is never far away.

Linked to Your Care

We can share your results with your GP if required and help you manage any follow-up care. Your health, joined up.

Our Pharmacies

Find Your Nearest Hampshire Branch

All four Southdowns branches offer free blood pressure checks. Walk in during opening hours — no appointment needed.

Bosmere Pharmacy pharmacy

Bosmere Pharmacy

Solent Road, Havant
Mon–Fri: 08:00am - 21.00pm
Saturday: 08:00am - 21.00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 14:00pm
Book a Check Here
Davies Pharmacy pharmacy

Davies Pharmacy

12 West Street, Havant
Mon - Friday: 9.00am - 17:30pm
Saturday: 09:00am - 14:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Book a Check Here
Emsworth Pharmacy pharmacy

Emsworth Pharmacy

2-4 Central Buildings, West Street, Emsworth
Mon–Fri: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: Closed
Book a Check Here
Rowlands Castle pharmacy

Rowlands Castle

14 The Green, Rowlands Castle
Mon - Friday: 09:00am - 18:00pm
Saturday: 09:00am- 13:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Book a Check Here

Walk in — no appointment needed

All four branches offer free blood pressure checks during opening hours. Results take just 5 minutes and our pharmacist will talk you through what they mean.

Book a Check
FAQs

Blood Pressure Check FAQs

Common questions about our free NHS blood pressure service across Hampshire.

Free
NHS Service
5 Min
Quick Check
Walk In
No Appointment
4
Branches
Book a Free Check
GPhC Registered Free NHS Service 5-Minute Check Four Hampshire Branches

Take 5 Minutes to Know Your Numbers

A free blood pressure check at your local Southdowns Pharmacy could be one of the most important things you do for your health this year.

Completely free — NHS service
No appointment needed, walk in
Results in just 5 minutes
Instant pharmacist advice
Available at all 4 Hampshire branches
GPhC-registered pharmacists
4.9/5 from 400+ reviews
10,000+ patients served
GPhC registered pharmacy

Medical Disclaimer: Blood pressure checks provided by Southdowns Pharmacy are a screening service only and do not replace a consultation with your GP or other qualified healthcare provider. A single reading should not be used to diagnose hypertension. If you are concerned about your blood pressure or experience symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, or blurred vision, contact your GP immediately or call 999 in an emergency.