Blood Pressure Monitoring

 
bloodpressure

Blood pressure checks

You may have received a text message from us asking you to have your blood pressure checked

This is because:

  • The NHS recommends that everybody over 45yrs of age should have their blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years.
  • or because you have a condition that requires a review of your blood pressure.

This can be done by

Sending us a home reading if you have a BP machine at home

Blood pressure monitoring at home

You can email this to us, or respond to the text message email we sent you.

Why am I being asked to measure my blood pressure at home?

Home monitoring is very useful for a number of reasons:

  • To give a more accurate picture of what you blood pressure is like as you go about your daily life
  • To see if your blood pressure is higher in the clinic than it is at home
  • To allow you to see how your treatment is working for you
  • To alert your GP to unexpected changes in your readings, helping them to adjust your medications if required
  • To help pick out ‘white coat effect’ which can make your blood pressure higher than usual when it is taken in the clinic
Is measuring blood pressure at home the right thing for you?

Measuring blood pressure at home can be very useful and is now an important part of managing high blood pressure, but it is not for everyone. Some people become more anxious when they start measuring at home and end up taking readings far too often. 

If you feel anxious you can discuss this with your doctor or nurse first. Before you decide to try measuring your blood pressure at home, ask yourself: is this going to make me feel more relaxed or more worried? 

What do I need to do?

You will be asked to take two BP readings twice daily (morning and evening) for 7 days and drop them into or send them by email into your GP Practice. Your GP will review your average result and give you advice on any further readings or action if needed.

Visiting your pharmacy for a blood pressure reading

Coming to the Practice and use the self-monitor in the waiting room. No appointment needed.

Blood pressure self-monitor at the practice

A BP Self- monitor is now available in our waiting room and it is free to use.

To use the blood pressure monitor - no appointment needed.

  • Just come to the practice and let our reception know you are here to use the monitor
  • Once you used it, your reading will print out on a slip.
    • Please add your name and Date of Birth then post it in the results box. The box is at the reception counter.
  • The results will be reviewed at the end of the day.
  • If there is a need a member of our team will be in contact with you.
blood pressure machine
To use the machine
  • Position your arm as indicated and start machine.
  • When reading is printed take the slip to reception desk.
  • If you need to stop the procedure at any point press the big red button at the front of the machine.

If your reading is 

Above 180 /110 or 180/120 mmHg

  • Speak to receptionist urgently
  • Do not place the slip in the box. Hand it directly to the receptionist!!

140-180 (systolic) or 90 -110 (diastolic) mmHg.

  • Sit down and wait a few minutes then repeat.
  • Place the slip(s) in the box on the reception counter.
  • The Practice may contact you if a follow up, re-test or appointment needed

Below 140/90 mmHg.

  • Level is normal.
  • Continue as usual.