Do you know your blood pressure numbers? One in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure, most people don’t realise, but if you're over 40 you can get it checked for free at most pharmacies.

High blood pressure doesn’t have any obvious symptoms but it is a major cause of heart attack and stroke, and can also lead to a number of serious long-term health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease.

It's really important to get your blood pressure checked so you can catch high blood pressure early, then take simple steps to reduce it and lower the risk to your health.

If you are over 40, you can get your blood pressure checked for free at most pharmacies across Derby and Derbyshire.

Your pharmacist will refer you to a GP if your blood pressure is higher than normal and can offer advice on how to manage it.

We will also be holding free blood pressure check-ups on the follow dates:

May

  • Wednesday 1 May 2024 from 10am to midday at Ilkeston Library, Market Place, Town Centre, Ilkeston
  • Thursday 2 May 2024 from 2pm to 3.30pm at Staveley Community Fire Station Drop In, Crompton Road, Staveley, Chesterfield
  • Friday 3 May 2024 from 9.30am to 3.30pm at Caring in the community event, Newborough Road, Needwood, Burton-on-Trent
  • Tuesday 7 May 2024 from 10am to 12.30pm at Bolsover Library, Church Street, Bolsover
  • Tuesday 7 May 2024 from midday to 3pm at CVS Mental Health Support Group, Peacroft Lane, Hilton
  • Tuesday 7 May 2024 from 10am to 1pm at Killamarsh Active Leisure Centre, Stanley Street, Killamarsh
  • Tuesday 7 May 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at Holme Hall Edge Ministries Community Café, Wardgate Way, Chesterfield
  • Wednesday 8 May 2024 from 10am to midday at Alfreton Job centre, Tannery House, King Street, Alfreton
  • Thursday 9 May 2024 from 3pm to 5pm at Rethink Wellbeing, South Normanton
  • Monday 13 May 2024 from 9am to 11am at Petersham Community Café, Petersham Community, Grasmere Road Long Eaton
  • Monday 13 May 2024 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Woodville Library, Hartshorne Road, Woodville, Swadlincote
  • Monday 13 May 2024 from 12.30pm to 3pm at Resource Centre, Doe Lea
  • Tuesday 14 May 2024 from 10pm to 3pm at the Brain Health Event, The Post Mill Centre, Market Street, South Normanton
  • Tuesday 14 May 2024 from 10am to 3.30pm at Heanor Library, Ilkeston Road, Heanor
  • Tuesday 14 May 2024 from 9.30am to midday at Swadlincote Library, Civic Way, Swadlincote
  • Wednesday 15 May 2024 from 10am to midday at Salcare Heanor, Ray Street, Heanor
  • Friday 17 May 2024 from 9.30am to midday at Killamarsh Methodist Church Drop In, Sheffield Road, Killamarsh
  • Monday 20 May 2024 from 10am to midday at Sandiacre Library, Doncaster Avenue
  • Tuesday 21 May 2024 from midday to 2pm at Hope for Belper, Bridge Street, Belper
  • Tuesday 21 May 2024 from 10am to 12:30pm at Bolsover Library, Church Street, Bolsover
  • Tuesday 21 May 2024 from 10.30am to 2pm at Holy Spirit Church, Stonelow Road, Dronfield
  • Thursday 23 May 2024 from 11am to 4pm at The County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby
  • Thursday 23 May 2024 from 3pm to 5pm at Rethink Wellbeing, Coffee and Books, South Normanton
  • Wednesday 29 May 2024 from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Rainbows Drop-in, Moray Place, Dronfield Woodhouse
  • Thursday 30 May 2024 10am to 12.30pm at The Brook Community Café, Main Street, Shirebrook

Many pharmacies are open evenings or weekends, so why not pop in and ask about getting your blood pressure checked next time you pass?

If your local pharmacy doesn’t offer checks, they will give you information about a pharmacy that does. You can also measure your blood pressure at home using a monitor.

The only way to know if your blood pressure is healthy is to have a check, and to keep having them regularly.