Blood Pressure Check

A blood pressure test is a simple way of checking if your blood pressure is too high or too low. The reading will show the amount of work that your heart is doing to pump blood around the body

High blood pressure (hypertension) can put a strain on your arteries and organs, which can increase your risk of developing serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Low blood pressure (hypotension) isn't usually as serious, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people. A blood pressure test is the only way to find out if your blood pressure is too high or too low, because many people won't have any obvious symptoms. Having a test is easy and could save your life.

Blood Pressure checks are free and available in all McCabes Pharmacies.

24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitor Rental (book here):

Many people suffer from what is known as “White Coat Syndrome” when getting their BP checked by a GP or pharmacist. This is because you may be anxious about getting your BP checked and this can give a “false” elevated reading.  A 24-hour test may be recommended as it can help to give a clear picture of how your blood pressure changes over the course of a day. Your blood pressure is tested automatically around every 30 minutes over a 24-hour period using a cuff attached to a portable device worn on your waist. A McCabes Pharmacist will fit the monitor in store and will remove it the next day.

You will be provided with a detailed report based on the readings the monitor has taken over the previous 24 hours and this report can then be taken to your GP. Cost is €60 or €50 with a GP referral letter

Lipid (Cholesterol) Test:

A complete cholesterol test — also called a lipid panel or lipid profile — is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the build-up of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis)

A patient will not know they have high cholesterol as they cannot feel it in the same way as they can a headache but, too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease (which may lead to a heart attack), and for a stroke.

A very small sample of blood is obtained from a finger prick test. This blood sample is then put onto a strip which is then put into a machine which determines the concentration of various blood lipids in your capillary blood: namely the LDL and HDL cholesterols and triglycerides

This test is €30

Blood Glucose Test:

A blood glucose test is a blood test that screens for diabetes by measuring the level of glucose (sugar) in a person’s blood. This test involves taking a small finger prick sample of blood after which the pharmacist will tell you if your blood sugar levels fall within the normal range.

This test is €10

HbA1c Diabetes Test:

Diabetes occurs when the sugar level in the blood is too high. This happens when the body is not burning up carbohydrates properly due to a defect in the pancreas, the gland that produces insulin. Insulin is the hormone that keeps blood sugar levels within the normal healthy range.   

HbA1c can help identify pre-diabetes or determine how well a person's diabetes is being controlled following diagnosis. A high HbA1c result means that you have too much sugar in your blood. HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin is made when glucose (sugar) in your body sticks to your red blood cells. If your body cant use sugar properly, more of it sticks to your blood cells and builds up in your blood.

This test is €30

Body Mass Index (BMI) Check:

Body Mass Index is a measure of the amount of weight you carry for your height and it is one of the most accurate ways to determine whether an adult is overweight.

A high BMI may indicate a risk of heart disease and diabetes, especially if there are other risk factors present. BMI checks are free and available in all McCabes Pharmacies.

Haemoglobin Test:

A haemoglobin test measures the amount of haemoglobin in your blood. Haemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body's organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs. If a haemoglobin test reveals that your haemoglobin level is lower than normal, it means you have a low red blood cell count (anaemia).

Very high iron levels can also be very dangerous and should be checked. The Haemoglobin test involves a small sample of blood being taken from the patient.

This test is €10

Medication Usage Review:

A McCabes Pharmacist can perform a review of the medication you are on and advise on any adjustments he/she would recommend.

This is a free service available in all McCabes Pharmacies.