Blood Pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body and is one of the principal vital signs.
A normal blood pressure measurement for an adult sits between 90/60-130/80.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Suffering from high blood pressure puts you at risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and arterial aneurysms.
Often there are no signs of high blood pressure so it is important to have regular blood pressure testing. There are lifestyle choices you can make to help manage high blood pressure, such as keeping physically active, reducing alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet and quitting smoking.
Visit your local UFS Pharmacy to have your blood pressure checked today.
To locate your nearest UFS Pharmacy click here.

The UFS Blood Pressure Plus 

The UFS Blood Pressure Plus service gives a highly accurate blood pressure reading taken over three measurements.
In addition to reading your blood pressure and pulse, this sensitive device can detect irregular heart rhythms (which may or may not be a problem), indicating the need to see your doctor for further investigation. Speak to your local UFS Pharmacist today to arrange your testing.UFS offers the use of the BPro 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitor at selected UFS Pharmacies.
Click here for more information
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) testing available if required, which is also free to UFS members.

Why it’s important to regularly check your blood pressure

If your doctor has diagnosed you with high blood pressure (hypertension), it is still important to regularly monitor it, even if you are using medications. You may need to monitor it closely if:

  • You have had any changes to your medications
  • You have stress in your life
  • You had a high blood pressure result when it was checked by your doctor
  • You have gained or lost weight
  • You have had significant changes in your diet
Your target blood pressure may vary depending on your other health conditions or risk factors.
  • (Target is less than 140/90 unless you have other conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease)
You can help control your blood pressure by:
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Reducing salt intake (to less than 5g/day)
  • Increasing physical activity
  • Avoiding saturated fats (from animal sources)
  • Quitting smoking
  • Losing weight if overweight or obese
  • Increasing fruit and vegetable intake
  • High blood pressure can also be caused by some medications
  • It may be a sign of another undiagnosed health condition, not just a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Your target blood pressure may vary depending on your other health conditions or risk factors.
  • (Target is less than 140/90 unless you have other conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease)
You can help control your blood pressure by:
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Reducing salt intake (to less than 5g/day)
  • Increasing physical activity
  • Avoiding saturated fats (from animal sources)
  • Quitting smoking
  • Losing weight if overweight or obese
  • Increasing fruit and vegetable intake
  • High blood pressure can also be caused by some medications
  • It may be a sign of another undiagnosed health condition, not just a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Blood pressure is made up of two numbers:
  • Systolic (top number): the pressure of blood in your arteries when your heart pumps
  • Diastolic (bottom number): the pressure in your arteries in your heart between beats
Risk factors:
  • Age: risk of high blood pressure increases with age
  • Race: more common in African heritage
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor diet
  • High salt intake
  • Being overweight/obese
  • Stress
  • Drinking too much alcohol