Stroke Association response to NHS pharmacy blood pressure checks saving lives

Charlotte Nicholls, Head of Policy at the Stroke Association said: “We’re pleased that so many people are taking advantage of high street blood pressure checks. Something this simple really does save lives. We encourage all over 40s to get their blood pressure checked in a pharmacy. It’s also important that programme leaders consider how to reach as many people as possible, learning from the success of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout and planning around those most at risk of undetected high blood pressure.

“We know that the number of strokes is set to rise, so it’s vital that health professionals make the most of every interaction with patients. Building on the success of this programme, we want to see simple pulse checks happen routinely alongside blood pressure checks, so that the irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation or AF can be detected at the same time. Adding in an AF check will help to save thousands of people from having the most severe strokes. AF can be symptomless and can be detected on many blood pressure monitors, so more routine pulse checks could help prevent more strokes in future.”