Dorset superstores offering free blood pressure checks

Tesco pharmacy teams offer free walk-in and pre-booked 10-minute blood pressure checks, carried out in private consultation rooms. They will explain the results clearly and, if a raised reading is detected, guide customers towards the appropriate next steps or support. All Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy staff undergo specialist Let’s Talk training to help them speak to the public with sensitivity about heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

The latest campaign was launched during National Heart Month which is held every February in the UK. It builds on the partnership between Tesco and the British Heart Foundation, encouraging the public to fit a blood pressure check into their everyday routine.

As well as the free in-store checks, Tesco Magazine and the Tesco Real Food website are featuring heart-healthy recipes, including dishes with low salt and low saturated fat to help customers cook confidently at home.

Until 1 March, customers can also choose to round up their shop to the nearest £1 to raise money for the Health Charity Partnership.

Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, said: “High blood pressure affects roughly one in three adults, yet many people remain unaware they have it because it usually presents no obvious signs. When it goes undetected, it can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is why it’s so important for as many people as possible to get their blood pressure checked.

“Although high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems if ignored, the positive news is that it can be managed. Small lifestyle changes like being more active and reducing foods high in fat, salt and sugar can have a real impact — medication is also available when needed.”