Blood Pressure Checks
High blood pressure is one of the most common and dangerous health conditions in New Zealand, and most people with it have no symptoms at all. The only way to know is to check it.
Stay Well Pharmacy offers walk-in blood pressure checks for just $5, no appointment needed. Drop in at a time that suits you, and one of our trained staff will take an accurate reading and record it for you.
Blood Pressure Checks — $5, No Appointment, Hornby Christchurch
Why regular blood pressure checks matter
High blood pressure (hypertension) puts significant strain on the heart, arteries, kidneys, and brain over time. Left untreated, it substantially increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious conditions.
Because there are usually no warning signs, many New Zealanders are walking around with dangerously elevated blood pressure and don't know it. Health authorities recommend that adults have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, and more frequently if it has been elevated before or if you have risk factors.
Who should get their blood pressure checked?
A blood pressure check is useful for anyone, but particularly if you:
Are over 40
Have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease
Are overweight or obese
Smoke, or have smoked in the past
Have been told your blood pressure was elevated at a previous check
Are on medication for blood pressure and want to monitor its effectiveness between GP visits
Experience regular headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath
Have diabetes or high cholesterol
Are pregnant or recently postpartum
If your reading is elevated, our pharmacist can advise on next steps and whether a GP referral is appropriate.
Understanding your reading
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, for example 120/80mmHg:
The top number (systolic) is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure between beats
A reading below 120/80mmHg is considered normal. Readings consistently above 140/90mmHg are classified as high and warrant medical attention. Our staff can explain what your reading means and whether any follow-up is recommended.
The holistic view
If your blood pressure is elevated, or you want to understand what lifestyle factors might be affecting it, our naturopathic pharmacist Mark can provide advice that goes beyond the standard GP conversation. Nutrition, sodium intake, magnesium levels, stress, sleep, and the interaction between blood pressure medication and other supplements are all areas Mark can advise on.
This kind of advice is free at the counter, or available in more depth as a paid consultation.
How to get your blood pressure tested? Drop in or call us, no appointment needed.
27 Shands Road, Hornby, Christchurch 8042,
Phone: 03 349 8785
Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Not sure if we can help? Just ask.
Come in, call us on 03 349 8785, or send a message. If it's outside what we offer, we'll point you in the right direction.