High blood pressure (hypertension) affects nearly 1 in 4 Canadian adults, and about half of those with hypertension do not have it under control. Your pharmacy is the most accessible place to get your blood pressure checked regularly. At Acme Drug Mart in West Edmonton, blood pressure checks are free, take 5 minutes, and require no appointment.
Why regular blood pressure monitoring matters
Hypertension is called the silent killer for a reason. It rarely causes symptoms until it has already damaged blood vessels, kidneys, heart, or brain. Routine monitoring catches elevated readings before complications develop.
Hypertension Canada recommends that adults with known high blood pressure measure it at least once a month. For those on blood pressure medication, regular pharmacy checks help your care team know whether the medication is working and whether dose adjustments are needed.
What do the numbers mean?
- Normal: below 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120-129 / below 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139 / 80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140+ / 90+ mmHg
A single high reading does not mean you have hypertension. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day based on activity, stress, caffeine, and other factors. Diagnosis requires elevated readings on multiple occasions. Your pharmacist can help determine whether your readings indicate a trend that needs attention.
What can your pharmacist do about high blood pressure?
Alberta pharmacists play a significant role in blood pressure management:
- Monitor and record — we measure your blood pressure using a validated clinical-grade device and maintain a log you can share with your doctor
- Adjust medication doses — if your blood pressure is consistently above or below target, your pharmacist can adjust your medication dose within established guidelines
- Renew prescriptions — no lapsed refills means no gaps in therapy
- Identify drug interactions — some common medications and supplements (NSAIDs like ibuprofen, decongestants, licorice, certain antidepressants) can raise blood pressure. Your pharmacist screens for these at every dispensing.
- Comprehensive medication review — a thorough assessment of all your medications, covered by Alberta Health Care
Common blood pressure medications
ACE inhibitors
Ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril. Relax blood vessels by blocking an enzyme that narrows them. Common first-line choice. Dry cough is the most common side effect (affects about 10% of patients).
ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)
Losartan, valsartan, candesartan, telmisartan, irbesartan. Similar mechanism to ACE inhibitors but without the cough. Often prescribed when a patient cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor.
Calcium channel blockers
Amlodipine, nifedipine. Relax blood vessel walls by blocking calcium entry into muscle cells. Ankle swelling is the most common side effect.
Diuretics (water pills)
Hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, chlorthalidone. Reduce blood volume by increasing urine output. Often used in combination with other blood pressure medications.
Beta-blockers
Bisoprolol, metoprolol, atenolol. Slow heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions. Less commonly used as first-line for uncomplicated hypertension, but important for patients with heart failure, arrhythmias, or post-heart attack.
Most patients with moderate to severe hypertension need two or more medications to reach target. Your pharmacist can explain how your specific combination works and what each medication does.
Home monitoring: how to do it right
Home blood pressure monitors are widely available ($40 to $100 for a validated upper-arm device). For accurate readings:
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
- Feet flat on the floor, back supported, arm resting at heart level
- No caffeine, exercise, or smoking in the 30 minutes before
- Use the correct cuff size (too small reads high, too large reads low)
- Take two readings 1 minute apart and record the average
- Measure at the same time each day, ideally morning and evening
Bring your home monitor to the pharmacy periodically. We can check it against our clinical device to make sure your readings are accurate.
Lifestyle changes for blood pressure
- Reduce sodium — target less than 2,000 mg per day (the average Canadian consumes about 3,400 mg). Read labels. Restaurant and processed food are the biggest sources.
- DASH diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Can lower systolic BP by 8 to 14 mmHg.
- Regular exercise — 150 minutes per week of moderate activity (brisk walking counts). Can lower BP by 5 to 8 mmHg.
- Limit alcohol — no more than 2 standard drinks per day for men, 1 for women
- Manage stress — chronic stress contributes to sustained elevations
Walk in for a free check
(780) 443-0202. Unit 103, 15508 87 Ave NW, Meadowlark Place, Edmonton. No appointment needed. Blood pressure checks take about 5 minutes. If your reading is elevated, your pharmacist will discuss next steps and whether a medication review is warranted.