Blood pressure measurement

Blood pressure measurement determines the pressure with which blood pushes against the vessel walls – given as two values (systolic/diastolic, e.g. 120/80 mmHg). It helps detect high blood pressure early, which often goes unnoticed and is a risk for the heart and blood vessels.

Measurement is usually done with a cuff on the upper arm that inflates and slowly releases air while a device records the two values. The upper (systolic) value occurs when the heart beats, the lower (diastolic) in the relaxation phase. Roughly 120/80 mmHg is considered normal; from repeatedly measured values above 140/90 mmHg (in-practice measurement) one speaks of high blood pressure (hypertension). Because high blood pressure causes no symptoms for a long time, it is often discovered by chance – regular measuring is therefore sensible.

For a meaningful result you sit quietly for a few minutes, have not smoked or drunk coffee beforehand, rest the arm at heart height and do not talk during measurement. A single elevated value does not yet mean disease – often nervousness ('white-coat effect') is the cause. Only several elevated readings on different days, ideally at home too, give a reliable picture.

Many pharmacies in Switzerland offer blood pressure measurement as a low-threshold service – often at a machine or by the specialist staff, sometimes with a brief interpretation of the result. This does not replace a medical diagnosis but can be an important first hint and motivate you to keep an eye on the value. With very high readings or symptoms such as headache, dizziness or vision problems, the pharmacy refers you to a doctor.

Measurement in the pharmacy is often free or costs only a small amount of about CHF 5–15 (guide value, no guarantee). Anyone wanting to monitor regularly can also buy a validated upper-arm device for home use at the pharmacy (roughly from CHF 40–100).

Example

A 55-year-old man spontaneously has his blood pressure measured at the pharmacy while collecting medication. The device shows 152/95 mmHg. The specialist advises him to re-measure at rest and record the values at home for a few days. Because they stay elevated, he sees his GP – who detects early hypertension and treats it in time.

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Frequently asked

What does a blood pressure measurement at the pharmacy cost?

It is often free or costs only a small amount of about CHF 5–15 (guide value, no guarantee). An upper-arm device for home use is available at the pharmacy roughly from CHF 40–100.

From what value is it high blood pressure?

Around 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. High blood pressure is diagnosed with repeatedly measured values above 140/90 mmHg (in-practice measurement). A single high value is not enough – only several elevated readings on different days are meaningful.

Does the pharmacy measurement replace the doctor?

No. It is a low-threshold check and can be an important first hint, but it does not replace a medical diagnosis. With persistently elevated values or symptoms such as dizziness and headache, the pharmacy refers you to a doctor.

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