Blood pressure monitoring is a simple, non-invasive way to check how strongly your blood is pressing against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, often causes no noticeable symptoms, but over time it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other complications. Regular, accurate measurements can help identify a possible problem early and support informed conversations with a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional.
At Murrayfield Pharmacy, blood pressure monitoring provides a convenient opportunity to have your reading checked and to discuss what the result may mean. It is suitable for people who have never had their blood pressure checked, those monitoring an existing condition, and individuals who have been advised to keep a closer eye on their readings.
What blood pressure numbers mean
A blood pressure reading contains two numbers, recorded in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). For example, a reading may be written as 128/78 mmHg.
- The systolic pressure is the upper number. It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood around your body.
- The diastolic pressure is the lower number. It measures the pressure in your arteries while your heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day. It can be affected by activity, stress, pain, caffeine, smoking, illness, sleep and some medicines. One reading is therefore not always enough to establish whether you have hypertension. If a result is raised, repeat measurements or home monitoring may be recommended.
In a clinical setting, a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is generally considered raised and may require further assessment. For home blood pressure monitoring, an average of 135/85 mmHg or higher is commonly used as the threshold for suspected hypertension. These figures are based on guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), but your personal target may differ if you have certain medical conditions or are taking blood pressure treatment.
How to prepare for a blood pressure check
A little preparation can make your reading more reliable. Before your appointment or measurement:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for around 30 minutes beforehand.
- Do not smoke or use nicotine immediately before the check.
- Avoid caffeine for at least 30 minutes beforehand where possible. This includes coffee, tea, energy drinks and some pre-workout products.
- Empty your bladder before the measurement.
- Allow yourself a few minutes to sit quietly and settle, particularly if you have walked to the pharmacy.
- Wear clothing that allows the cuff to be placed directly around your upper arm rather than over thick clothing.
You should continue taking prescribed medicines unless a healthcare professional has specifically told you not to. Do not stop or alter blood pressure treatment based on a single reading. If you use medicines, supplements or remedies that may affect blood pressure, mention them during your appointment.
What happens during monitoring?
You will usually be asked to sit with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor. Your arm should rest comfortably on a table or support, with the cuff positioned at approximately heart level. Try not to talk or move while the monitor is taking the reading.
The cuff should fit correctly around your upper arm. A cuff that is too small or too large can affect accuracy, so tell the person carrying out the check if the cuff feels particularly tight or uncomfortable. A reading may be taken in both arms on some occasions, especially when establishing a baseline or investigating a difference between arms.
It is common to take more than one measurement, with a short pause between readings. This helps reduce the influence of temporary factors such as anxiety or movement. If your reading is unexpectedly high, it may be repeated after you have rested. The result should be considered alongside your age, health, medicines, symptoms and previous readings.
Understanding high, low and changing readings
A raised reading does not automatically mean that you have hypertension. Some people experience higher readings in a healthcare setting, sometimes called the white-coat effect. Others may have normal readings in the clinic but raised blood pressure at home. This is why a healthcare professional may suggest a series of home readings or ambulatory monitoring over 24 hours.
Low blood pressure is not necessarily a problem if you feel well. However, readings may need attention if they are associated with dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, unusual weakness, confusion or repeated falls. Dehydration, blood loss, infection and some medicines can contribute to low blood pressure. Seek advice if low readings are persistent or causing symptoms.
When taking readings at home, use a validated upper-arm monitor if possible and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Take measurements at consistent times, seated and rested, and record the date, time, readings and any relevant symptoms. Avoid taking repeated measurements every few minutes because this can increase anxiety and make the results harder to interpret.
When to seek medical advice
Arrange a routine appointment with a GP or healthcare professional if your readings are repeatedly raised, if you have been advised to monitor your blood pressure, or if you are concerned about symptoms or treatment. People with diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, a history of stroke or pregnancy may need individual advice and different thresholds.
Very high blood pressure requires prompt attention. If a reading is around 180/120 mmHg or higher, sit quietly and repeat it after a few minutes. Contact NHS 24 on 111 or seek urgent medical advice if it remains very high, even if you feel well.
Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if a very high reading occurs with symptoms such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, a severe headache, vision loss or other sudden neurological symptoms. Do not wait for a pharmacy appointment in this situation.
During pregnancy or after giving birth, high blood pressure with symptoms such as severe headache, visual disturbance, pain below the ribs, sudden swelling or feeling very unwell requires urgent maternity or medical advice.
Why choose pharmacy blood pressure monitoring?
A pharmacy appointment can be a convenient first step if you want your blood pressure checked without waiting for a routine GP appointment. It can also help you understand how readings are taken correctly and whether further monitoring or medical review may be appropriate.
Blood pressure monitoring is not a substitute for diagnosis or ongoing care from your GP or specialist. However, an accurate reading and clear record can provide useful information for your next healthcare conversation. Bring a list of your medicines and, if you already monitor at home, your recent readings.
Book blood pressure monitoring in Edinburgh
If you would like a convenient, professional blood pressure check at Murrayfield Pharmacy, book blood pressure monitoring online. Our team can help you understand your result and advise when further medical assessment may be needed.