Understanding Your Numbers with Monkbar Pharmacy
Blood pressure might not be something you think about every day, but knowing your numbers could make a big difference to your long-term health and could literally save your life.
At Monkbar Pharmacy in York, we regularly help patients check and understand their blood pressure as part of the NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service and our private Health Check Service. But what exactly is a healthy blood pressure—and when should you be concerned?
🩺 What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s recorded with two numbers:
- Systolic pressure – the higher number, when your heart pumps blood out
- Diastolic pressure – the lower number, when your heart rests between beats
For example, a reading might be written as 120/80 mmHg (spoken as “120 over 80”).
mmHg means millimetres of mercury and is just a way of measuring pressure.
✅ What Is a Normal Blood Pressure?
According to the NHS:
- Ideal: Between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg
⚠️ When Is Blood Pressure Considered High?
- Pre-High / High Normal: 120–139 / 80–89 mmHg
- High (Hypertension): 140/90 mmHg or higher
- Very High: 180/120 mmHg or above – this may require urgent medical attention
You may not feel any different with high blood pressure, but over time it can increase your risk of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
That’s why it’s often called the silent killer.
📉 What About Low Blood Pressure?
While low blood pressure (below 90/60 mmHg) isn’t always dangerous, it can cause:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
If you regularly feel faint or dizzy, it’s worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist.
🏥 Free NHS Blood Pressure Checks at Monkbar Pharmacy
We offer free blood pressure checks for adults aged 40 and over as part of the NHS service. It’s a simple, painless process that takes just a few minutes in our private consultation room.
We also offer a private Health Check Service for those who are not eligible for the NHS Service.
If your numbers are high, we can offer ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for a more accurate 7-24 hour reading—and refer you to your GP if needed.
📌 Take the First Step to a Healthier Heart
Don’t guess—know your numbers.
Drop into Monkbar Pharmacy in York or book your free blood pressure check with our friendly team.
