Blood Pressure Checks

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. Tens of millions of adults in the United States have high blood pressure and many do not have it under control. One reason is because there are often little to no symptoms of high blood pressure. The only way to know if you have it is to get your blood pressure measured. Talk with your health care team about how you can manage your blood pressure and lower your risk.

Free blood pressure checks

Oak Harbor Fire Department offers routine blood pressure checks free of charge Mondays – Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Station 81. If your physician has ordered consecutive-day blood pressure checks, we are more than happy to assist with this need. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’re more comfortable scheduling a blood pressure check, call us at 360-279-4700. 

How is blood pressure checked?

To test your blood pressure, an staff member will put a cuff around your upper arm. The person will pump the cuff with air until it feels tight, then slowly let it out. This takes just a few minutes. You can find out what your blood pressure numbers are right after the test is over. If the test shows that your blood pressure is high, speak with your doctor about what to do next.

Blood pressure can go up and down, so it’s a good idea to get it checked more than once.

Can I check my blood pressure by myself?

Yes. You can buy a home blood pressure monitor at a drug store. Many shopping malls, pharmacies, and grocery stores also have blood pressure machines you can use in the store.

Web Links

Learn more facts about high blood pressure at the CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention).