Patients with High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
‘Help Us to Help You’
High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease. High blood pressure is not usually something that you can feel or notice, and it can go undiagnosed because there are usually no symptoms.
If you already have high blood pressure, it is important you work in partnership with us to manage your blood pressure. More information on blood pressure can be found at https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure
How often should I have my blood pressure taken?
Please monitor your blood pressure at home every 6 months and submit these for review to the practice or pop into reception to have this done at the self check in machine along with your weight.
Bp readings are looked at by our clinical pharmacist specialising in this area and you will be invited in for a telephone or face to face review if required.
UCLPartners has produced a video for patients showing the benefits of remote blood pressure monitoring.
To watch this in other languages
Bengali https://youtu.be/NF0GQZwQxco
Punjabi https://youtu.be/15mhWacxFVs
Urdu https://youtu.be/ka415KQRpso
Somali https://youtu.be/gZ0vpVlqjxE
Gujrati https://youtu.be/wk7nAheX99s
Polish https://youtu.be/T9Zm_v-PkWU
Have you had any patient or carer feedback from online BP Reviews?
“Amazing because you can explain everything that you need to” (Age 47)
“This is very nice way to communicate with my GP and also convenient for me to record my BP readings on my own whenever I am free” (Age 52)
“This is a quick way of getting information across to the surgery” (Age 83)
What if I don’t have a home blood pressure monitor?
We recommend you purchase one from the local chemist as recommended by the British Hypertension Society https://bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/for-home-use/.
If you are unable to buy a monitor you can book with one of our Health care assistants or pop into reception to use the self check in machine. Your local pharmacist can also check this but please make sure your readings are passed on so we can update your records.
I am Vulnerable/Housebound/Elderly and struggling to take my own blood pressure at home and/or have no support or means to do this at the surgery?
We may be in a position to loan you a blood pressure machine. If this is required please fill out the following form by clicking Ask the reception a question or contact the surgery directly.
How often do I have to have my bloods taken if I have high blood pressure?
All patients with high bloods pressure should have a yearly blood test to include a Diabetes check, Cholesterol and Kidney Function. A urine sample will also need to be provided. If you are due this please request the forms from reception to take to Watford General or book to have this done with our HCA
Please note: Patients taking medication for blood pressure ending in ‘pril’ eg Ramipril, Lisinopril, Enalapril or ending in ‘tan eg Losartan, Irbesartan etc will need to have their kidney blood tests done more frequently (every 3-6 months) This will be marked on your prescription. If in doubt please ask to speak to the clinical pharmacist who can advise at your review. These must be carried out for us to continue prescribing your medications safely
I know that lack of physical activity is a risk factor for blood pressure and heart problems but I find it difficult to exercise. I am not very active due to pain/mobility issues/language barriers or just not knowing what is safe and available especially during the Pandemic.
We are working with conjunction with Wellbeing Specialist Alison Goodchild who offer FREE support tailored to your individual circumstances and barriers
For further information please contact Alison.Goodchild@watfordfc.com or 07710 096398.
Is being part of the BAME population an increased risk factor?
Yes, the importance of reducing risks related to High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease & Diabetes has been highlighted during the Covid 19 Pandemic. Engagement with Physical Activity as detailed above, can help reduce all these risks and improve your general health. Don’t hesitate to sign up to the free webinar for more details.
What other factors increase my risk of developing blood pressure related problems or heart disease?
Smoking, being overweight, family history, being part of the BAME population, diet including salt intake, to name a few, can all contribute to developing heart disease.
Please visit the British Heart Foundation website to find out more https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors