Known as the 'silent killer', many people live with high blood pressure without knowing it.

Also known as hypertension, the condition can lead to several serious health issues including heart attacks and strokes.

People across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as well as Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are encouraged to get a free NHS blood pressure check at their local community pharmacy.

Almost 100,000 blood pressure checks were carried out across the two areas during 2025/26, helping people to spot any health risks and take action early.

Health conditions that people with high blood pressure can be at increased risk for include:

• Heart attacks
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Vascular dementia

The NHS recommends that adults aged 40 and over should get their blood pressure checked regularly.

Taking just a few minutes, free checks are available at many community pharmacies.

The risk of high blood pressure increases as people get older.

Other factors that increase risk:

• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol regularly
• Eating a diet high in salt
• Experiencing long-term stress
• Having a family history of the condition
• Are from Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds

What happens during a blood pressure check?

A pharmacist or trained member of the team will place a cuff around the upper arm to measure the blood pressure.

Depending on the result, they may:

• Offer healthy lifestyle advice
• Offer a home blood pressure monitor for further checks
• Recommend contacting the GP

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System said: "Free checks are available to people aged 40 and over who live in England and have not had their blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional in the last six months."

Click here to find a participating pharmacy.

Dr Salma Reehana, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Boards, said: "The fact that almost 100,000 blood pressure checks were carried out in pharmacies last year shows just how valuable this service is in helping people take control of their health.

"Hypertension [high blood pressure] often has no symptoms, which means many people can be living with it without knowing.

"A simple check can identify problems early and help prevent serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

"If you're 40 or over, I would encourage you to visit a participating pharmacy and take advantage of this free service.

"Don't wait until you feel unwell.

"Knowing your numbers could make a real difference to your future health."

Click here, to find a participating pharmacy.

Free blood pressure checks are also available at GP surgeries.