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Resources > Healthy Body
Blood pressure
Checking your blood pressure is really important. Having high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems if it is left untreated, including heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia.
You can have high blood pressure without even knowing it. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure check.
What is blood pressure?
When your heart beats, it pumps blood around your body and it pushes against the sides of the blood vessels. The strength of this pushing is your blood pressure.
How can I lower my blood pressure?
The first step is to get your blood pressure checked.
If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), the good news is that there are lots of things you can do to lower it, including:
- Taking medications prescribed by your GP
- Being a healthy weight
- Lowering the amount of salt in your diet
- Drinking less caffeine
Where can I get a free blood pressure test?
At a Live Well Havering Hub or Pop-Up
Our Health Trainers offer free blood pressure checks, information, advice and signposting.
Find out where you can drop-in to see one of our Health Trainers.
At your local pharmacy
Many pharmacies in Havering offer free blood pressure testing if you:
- Are over 40
- Haven't had your blood pressure checked by a GP or nurse in the last 6 months
- Don't already have high blood pressure
You can take a look at the pharmacies that offer free blood pressure checks in Havering on the NHS website – we recommend you call ahead to check the offer.
At Boots
Boots now offers free blood pressure tests in some locations for people who are eligible. Visit the Boots website to book your appointment.
At your local library
All Havering libraries have blood pressure testing machines that are free for you to use.
At your NHS Health Check
You will also be asked if you’d like a blood pressure test as part of your NHS Health Check with your GP if you are 40 of over. Contact your GP practice to book your NHS Health Check.
Can I test my blood pressure at home?
You can purchase your own blood pressure kit if you wish to check your blood pressure at home.
Make sure you buy a machine that measures your blood pressure from your upper arm and not your wrist or finger.
Let your GP know if you are going to start doing this.
For more information on how to measure your blood pressure at home, visit the British Heart Foundation.
Support to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level
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