Your Blood Pressure
Rutland Health Proactive Care – Blood pressure
Our care coordinators are reviewing the records of people who have had a high blood pressure reading in the past and asking them to monitor their blood pressure for a week and send the readings to the practice. If this affects you, you will receive a SMS message
Our records show that your most recent blood pressure was high so the doctor would like you to do seven days of home blood pressure readings (AM & PM). BP machines are cheap to buy online but if you need to borrow a BP machine from the surgery please respond back to this text message. The nurse team will contact you when a machine is available.
Why are we doing the project?
Raised blood pressure increases your risk of having a stroke, heart attack or kidney disease. Most people who have raised blood pressure (known as hypertension) have no symptoms and don’t know that they are at risk.
Blood pressure monitoring at home
Blood pressure varies from day to day depending on diet, exercise, alcohol, and stress, so the best way to know your blood pressure is to measure it at home. You can get your blood pressure checked at a community pharmacy or your GP surgery, but the NHS recommends home monitoring because the readings are generally lower and more likely to represent your normal reading. Buying a blood pressure machine means that you can monitor your health and stay well.
Blood pressure monitors are available from Amazon, and pharmacies or some supermarkets. More information about choosing a blood pressure monitor is https://bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/
The four GP practices in Rutland have a limited number of blood pressure machines for loan. If you need to borrow one you can ask your practice to add your name to the waiting list.
How to check your blood pressure
Here is some information and a video explaining how to check your blood pressure.
Blood pressure monitors: All you need to know – BHF
When should I worry?
As a general guide
- High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90 mmHg if you are aged over 80)
- Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60 and 120/80
If you record a higher reading please repeat the measurement, and check the results using this guide
High blood pressure (hypertension) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
How do I reduce my blood pressure?
Some people can lower their blood pressure through lifestyle changes.
If you can:
- keep to a healthy weight
- exercise regularly
- eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
- cut down on salt
- drink less alcohol and caffeine
- quit smoking
You may also need medication to lower your blood pressure. Please send your readings to your GP practice and you will be contacted if action is required.