Download Monitoring hypertension

Monitoring hypertension
After I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure how often should it be measured?
You should have your blood pressure checked regularly, at a minimum every 6 months. This can be
done using the machine in the waiting room, via your own blood pressure machine or at the pharmacy,
it may also be checked as part of a routine appointment.
Once a year you should have a blood pressure check and blood tests. This may be done in surgery when
you are seen for another problem or you may see a nurse.
How can I check my blood pressure?
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There is a blood pressure machine in the waiting room which can be used
Some pharmacies have a blood pressure machine
You can use a home blood pressure monitor
It is essential that you let us know the result if you check your own blood pressure. This can be done by
writing it on the cards at reception by the machine, by phoning the reception, or by e-mailing it to the
practice.
Hypertension Monitoring
There is increasing evidence that measuring blood pressure at home is a useful and accurate way to
assess a patient’s response to changes in lifestyle or medications. Below are a few important tips on the
correct procedure for monitoring your blood pressure at home. Many patients chose to buy their own
blood pressure monitor - look at www.bhsoc.org/blood_pressure_list.stm to see the advice on the
devices that have been validated by The British Hypertension Society.
We do however have a limited number of monitors provided by the “Friends of Arnewood” which can
be loaned for a week at a time from the surgery. Ask at Reception and we can put your name on a short
waiting list.
How to monitor your blood pressure at home
Once you have the monitor, download and print the BP log sheet, available on the practice website at:
www.arnewoodpractice.nhs.uk/website/J82007/files/BPlog2_(2).pdf
Follow these simple instructions:
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Measure from the upper arm using an accurate device
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Take your blood pressure whilst seated, with your arm and back supported, legs uncrossed and
whilst you are not talking – talking and crossed legs increase blood pressure
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Measure your blood pressure in both arms, and if there is a consistent difference of more than
20mmHg then always use the arm with the higher reading
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Take 2 readings, at least a minute apart, morning and evening for 7 days recording the lower of
the 2 readings onto the BP log sheet. If you need to, write any useful comments in the box
provided. The systolic reading is the upper reading and the diastolic reading is the lower one.
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Once you have completed 7 days of measurements, go to:
www.arnewoodpractice.nhs.uk/website/J82007/files/BP(2).xls
To download the BP record sheet and insert the measurements into the form using your computer –
remember to enter your name and date of birth!
Save to your computer and email it as an attachment to hamp [email protected].
Monitor every 3 months, or every 4-6 weeks after a change in your medication dosage.