High blood pressure affects one third of all New Zealanders over the age of 30, according to the Heart Foundation, contributing to thousands of deaths every year.

By measuring and monitoring your blood pressure, you have more opportunity to manage it at a healthy level. Early diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure will help prevent serious conditions including:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Dementia

Symptoms of high blood pressure include headaches, blurry vision, chest pain, nosebleeds and shortness of breath. If you have severe symptoms, particularly chest pain, shortness of breath and vision changes, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Blood pressure measures the pressure your blood is exerting on the walls of your blood vessels as it pumps around your body.

When your blood pressure is too high, also known as hypertension, it means your heart is having to work extra hard. Higher blood pressure also puts more force on your arteries and organs. These factors increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

A Life Pharmacy blood pressure check gives you two numbers. For example: “120 over 80”, written as 120/80. The top number is your systolic pressure, when the heart pumps, and the bottom number is your diastolic pressure, when the heart relaxes. The ideal blood pressure for most people is 120/80 or lower.

A blood pressure check will identify whether your blood pressure is elevated. This lets you know when you need to take steps to control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of health problems.

When you book a Life Pharmacy blood pressure check, the pharmacist will measure your blood pressure using a blood pressure monitor:

1. An inflatable cuff goes around your upper arm.
2. The cuff is inflated and then slowly loosens again.
3. As the blood flows back into your arm, the machine measures the pressure.
4. The reading is displayed as two numbers, systolic over diastolic.

Your Life pharmacist will talk to you about your results. They may discuss your lifestyle, and the habits that influence blood pressure, such as diet and exercise. The pharmacist may also recommend talking to your doctor about treatment options including medication.

Is there a best arm for checking blood pressure? A blood pressure check on the right arm can give a slightly higher reading than a check on the left arm, so it may be best to check both arms. If you prefer to check one arm only, the right arm is the best arm for checking blood pressure.

We will make sure that your arm is supported, as an unsupported arm can lead to an overestimated blood pressure measurement.

Find a blood pressure near you by booking at your local Life Pharmacy. You can book online, call for an appointment, or walk in and chat with one of our pharmacists. Living Rewards members receive 10 Living Rewards points when they get their blood pressure check done. Take control of your health and book a blood pressure check today at Life Pharmacy. If you want to monitor your blood pressure at home, you can also buy blood pressure monitor online or from your local Life Pharmacy. Talk to your pharmacist about the best option for accurately monitoring your blood pressure.