Know your numbers week 2025
High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other illnesses.
Around a third of people in the UK have high blood pressure, but most don’t know it. It doesn’t have any symptoms so the only way to find out is to have a blood pressure check.
The week is an opportunity to reach those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.
Free blood pressure check in East Sussex
In Sussex, all adults aged 40 and older are encouraged to take advantage of the free blood pressure checks available in community pharmacies.
Anyone aged 40 or over, who lives in England, and who does not already have a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or has not had their blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the past six months), can use the service – no GP appointment is needed.
Your blood pressure readings are sent to your GP from the community pharmacy, so your records can be updated and appropriate action taken.
You can find your nearest participating community pharmacy by using the NHS postcode finder here.
You can also take a blood pressure reading at home with an approved monitor.
If you decide to do so, NHS Sussex have produced a leaflet, which is available here, with information about checking your blood pressure at home.
Understanding your blood pressure reading
If you have a recent blood pressure reading you may also be able use the NHS Check your blood pressure tool to understand what your reading means. You'll also get information about what to do next.
