High blood pressure (hypertension)

Understanding a blood pressure reading

Blood pressure is written as two numbers, for example 120/80. The first is the pressure when your heart beats, and the second is the pressure between beats. A healthy reading is usually between 90/60 and 120/80.

High blood pressure is generally a reading of 140/90 or higher when measured in a clinic or pharmacy, or 135/85 or higher when measured at home. A single high reading does not always mean you have high blood pressure, so it is usually checked several times, and sometimes over a period at home.

Who is more likely to have it

• People who are older, or who have a family history of high blood pressure
• People who are overweight
• People who eat a lot of salt, or do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
• People who do not get much exercise, or who drink a lot of alcohol or smoke
• People of African, Caribbean or South Asian background
• People with diabetes, kidney disease or some other long-term conditions

What can help lower it

• Cut down on salt — aim for no more than about 6g a day (around a teaspoon), and check the labels on packaged foods.
• Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, and less saturated fat.
• Be active — aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, each week.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Keep alcohol within the recommended limit of 14 units a week, spread across several days.
• Stop smoking, and limit caffeine.
• If you have been prescribed blood pressure medicine, keep taking it as directed, and never stop it without speaking to your doctor.

Checking your blood pressure at home

• Sit quietly for about 5 minutes first, with your back supported, feet flat on the floor and your arm resting at heart level.
• Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before you measure.
• Take two readings a minute apart, and keep a note of them to show your doctor or pharmacist.

How PRX Pharmacy can help

We offer a free blood pressure test at our branches, with the result and advice while you wait. If your reading is high, we will explain what it means and refer you to your GP if needed. Our pharmacists can also answer questions about your blood pressure medicines.