NHS Blood Pressure Testing
Who qualifies for the free NHS check?
This is an NHS-commissioned screening service for adults who haven’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
| Your situation | Details | What we’ll do |
|---|---|---|
| Free NHS Adults 35 and over | Never previously diagnosed with hypertension — around five million UK adults have it without knowing | A five-minute measurement in our private consultation room |
| Free NHS Under 40 with family history | A recognised family history of hypertension justifies checking early | Free check on request — just mention the family link |
| Free NHS Referred by your GP practice | Surgeries refer patients to us for blood pressure measurement | We share the reading back with your surgery |
| Follow-up A high first reading | One high reading isn’t a diagnosis — pressure varies through the day | We may offer 24-hour ambulatory monitoring (ABPM) to confirm what’s really going on |
Already diagnosed with high blood pressure? Your monitoring runs through your GP — but we’re happy to advise on home measurement.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is a measure of how hard your heart works to pump blood around your body, recorded as two numbers — the pressure when your heart beats over the pressure between beats. The ideal range for most adults sits below 140/90; readings of 140/90 or higher over several weeks, even at rest, indicate high blood pressure (hypertension). Low blood pressure is 90/60 or less and can cause dizziness or fainting.
Untreated hypertension quietly damages arteries, the heart, the brain and the kidneys — raising the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Because it produces no symptoms, the NHS funds pharmacy screening: a cuff around your arm, a minute of gentle pressure, and you know your numbers.
If your numbers run high, lifestyle genuinely moves them: keep salt under 6g a day (a teaspoon), eat five portions of fruit and veg, favour fish and white meat, take 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, keep alcohol within the recommended limits and stop smoking. And if a clinic reading is high, we can fit a 24-hour ambulatory monitor so your GP gets the full picture, not a one-off number.
How the check works
Five minutes, free, in our private consultation room at 124 Frimley Road.
| Stage | Details | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Book below | Fill in the short form and pick a slot in the diary | Walk-ins usually accommodated too |
| 2 · The measurement | A cuff inflates around your arm for a few seconds | You’ll get your reading immediately, explained in plain English |
| 3 · What happens next | Normal readings need nothing; borderline gets lifestyle advice; high readings may get 24-hour monitoring | Results shared with your GP surgery where follow-up is needed |
Your blood pressure varies through the day — that’s normal. The service is designed to catch sustained high pressure, not one-off peaks.
Service costs
An NHS-commissioned service — free to everyone eligible.
| Service | Price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| NHS blood pressure check | Free | Measurement, plain-English explanation and advice in a private consultation room |
| 24-hour ambulatory monitoring (ABPM) | Free | Offered under the NHS service where a clinic reading is high |
Not eligible for the NHS service? Ask anyway — we’ll point you to the right route for a check.
How it works
Fill in the form below
Three quick questions, then pick a slot in the diary.
Five-minute check
Cuff on, reading taken, numbers explained.
Know where you stand
Lifestyle advice, ambulatory monitoring or GP follow-up — only if you need it.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as high blood pressure?
Readings of 140/90 or higher sustained over a number of weeks, even when resting. The ideal for most adults is below that; your GP may set a personal target based on your history.
Why check if I feel fine?
Because hypertension has no symptoms. Around one in nine UK adults — five million people — have high blood pressure without knowing, while it quietly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.
What happens if my reading is high?
One high reading isn’t a diagnosis — pressure varies through the day. We may offer a free 24-hour ambulatory monitor (a cuff you wear at home) and share the results with your GP for a proper decision.
What about low blood pressure?
Readings of 90/60 or less count as low and can cause dizziness, light-headedness or fainting. If that matches your symptoms, mention it at the check.
Can I lower my blood pressure without medication?
Lifestyle makes a real difference: salt under 6g a day, five portions of fruit and veg, regular exercise (150 minutes a week), alcohol within recommended limits, and stopping smoking. We’ll give you honest, practical advice with your numbers.
Who can use the service?
Adults 35+ who’ve never been diagnosed with hypertension, under-40s with a recognised family history, and anyone referred by their GP practice. The check is free.
Rated by 1,200+ patients of our Camberley pharmacy and clinics.
GPhC registered pharmacy 1105418 · Superintendent pharmacist Jirina Thielens (GPhC 2069634).
This guide follows UK national health guidance (NHS) and was last reviewed in August 2026. Recommendations can change — your consultation always reflects the latest advice.
When did you last check your numbers?
A free five-minute NHS check at VSM Pharmacy Camberley could catch what you can’t feel.
Book Your Free Check