Check your blood pressure

Checking your blood pressure could save your life

In Dorset, many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure, which rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

The only way to find out if your blood pressure (also called hypertension) is high is to have your blood pressure checked. The good news is that high blood pressure can be prevented and treated. That’s why it’s really important to get yours tested!

Once you have checked your blood pressure, you can check out what the results might mean for you by using the NHS blood pressure checker.

1 in 3 adults in the UK have high blood pressure

Everyday in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented

Where to get your blood pressure checked

At your local pharmacy

You can have your pressure tested at your local pharmacy.

You can use the NHS “Find a pharmacy” tool to find your nearest one and see if it offers this service.

Your general practice surgery waiting room

Some general practice surgeries have a blood pressure machine in their waiting room, use the NHS “Find a GP” tool to see if your local general practice offers this service.

At home or within your community

You can test yourself at home; it is easy and fairly cheap to buy a home blood pressure monitor.

Keep an eye out for our pop-up events in the community over the next few months!

Local resources

Get involved in the campaign

Thank you for supporting the campaign.

We are inviting local businesses across the south west to get involved in our ‘Check your blood pressure’ campaign. To get involved, download the ‘Check your blood pressure’ resource pack and please email communication@nhsdorset.nhs.uk to let us know.