The call comes amid concerns that up to 57,000 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
More than 280,000 people in the area have already been diagnosed with the condition.
The NHS is urging Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents to get blood pressure checks. (Image: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight)
Neil Hardy, chief pharmacist at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “Many people don’t realise their blood pressure is high until complications arise.
“By offering easy access to blood pressure checks, pharmacies play an important role in helping people stay informed and take control of their health.
“In addition to screenings, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can help explain results, offer lifestyle guidance, and recommend follow-up appointments with a GP if needed.”
National data suggests a significant gap between diagnosed and expected cases, indicating thousands may be unaware they have the condition.
High blood pressure, often called the ‘silent killer’, rarely shows symptoms but increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and dementia if left unmanaged.
Around 7,500 people a month currently check their blood pressures at pharmacies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
If high blood pressure is detected, patients may be offered ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), which takes regular readings for up to 24 hours.