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Blood Pressure Testing

FREE Walk-in Blood Pressure Testing Service

What Is Blood Pressure?

Everyone has blood pressure. Our blood pressure is simply the amount of work that our hearts need to do to pump our blood around the body. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 figures. The first number records blood pressure when the pressure is at its highest i.e. when the heart muscle squeezes out the blood – this is called systolic pressure. The second number is when the heart relaxes and allows the blood to flow back into the heart – this is called diastolic pressure.

Why is blood pressure important?

The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of heart attack or stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and poor circulation in your legs. This is because high blood pressure causes silent damage to the blood vessels and heart. These problems can be avoided if your blood pressure is controlled.

Over half of all adults in Ireland over 45 years of age have high blood pressure. About four in every five men and two in every three women with high blood pressure are not being treated.

What’s the normal level?

The normal level of blood pressure is usually about 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic). High blood pressure is defined as ‘Hypertension’ and is when your levels are 140/90 mmHg and above. Low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 mmHg and below.

If your blood pressure is 140 over 90 or higher you should discuss this reading with your doctor. Someone with high blood pressure may look and feel well, and rarely has any symptoms. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured. If your blood pressure is more than 140 over 90, it’s recommended to have it monitored over 24-hours. This is carried out using a small device attached to a belt and linked to a blood pressure cuff on your arm. This gives your doctor many more readings to help decide if you need treatment.

How does the FREE walk-in blood pressure check work?

All of Brennans pharmacists have undertaken the necessary training to accurately take and analyse your blood pressure. The blood pressure check will be carried out in our private consultation room where you will have the opportunity to discuss potential ways to reduce blood pressure, if it does prove to be above average. The service is free and we are also here to answer any questions that you may have regarding blood pressure or any associated medications.

Usually, it is possible to get your blood pressure checked on a walk in basis, however during peak times the pharmacist may request that you return at a set appointment time.

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