Blood pressure measurement
The blood pressure check at Farmacia Ciacco is a free and quick service, available during opening hours without an appointment. The measurement is taken with a validated electronic blood pressure monitor, on the left arm at rest. It is useful for those with hypertension, those taking antihypertensive therapy, those who want to monitor their own readings, or as a routine check after the age of 40.
If readings are consistently high, a 24-hour blood pressure Holter may be indicated, which allows blood pressure behaviour to be studied even during sleep.
Frequently asked questions
Is an appointment required?
No. The service is free and available during opening hours. At busy times it may be worth contacting the pharmacy to choose a quieter moment.
How should I prepare for the measurement?
For a reliable reading it is recommended to: rest seated for at least 5 minutes before the check, avoid smoking, drinking coffee or physical exertion in the 30 minutes beforehand, empty your bladder, and remain silent during the measurement. The arm should be resting on a table at heart level.
What values are considered normal?
According to ESC/ESH guidelines, in adults blood pressure is considered optimal below 120/80 mmHg, normal up to 129/84, and high-normal between 130–139/85–89. Grade 1 hypertension is defined at 140–159/90–99, grade 2 at 160–179/100–109, and grade 3 above 180/110. A single high reading is not enough to make a diagnosis: the doctor considers the average of several readings on different days.
What should I do if the reading is high?
A single high reading can be due to stress, fatigue, caffeine or emotion. It is useful to wait a few minutes, relax, and repeat the measurement. If values remain elevated over several consecutive or repeated readings, it is advisable to consult your GP: in some cases a blood pressure Holter may be recommended to study how blood pressure behaves over 24 hours.
How often is a check advisable?
In the absence of known problems, an annual check after the age of 40 is reasonable. Those who are hypertensive, on treatment, or have risk factors (family history, overweight, diabetes, smoking) should measure more frequently as directed by their doctor, generally several times a month. It is useful to note readings in a diary to take to appointments.
