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Blood Pressure Monitoring
Today’s digital monitors make measuring blood pressure quick and easy. We offer a confidential service undertaken by specially trained staff who, in the comfort of a private consultation room, will check your readings and provide practical advice on your lifestyle. We measure the force at which blood travels through the arteries when it is pumped by the heart. Pharmacy staff will look at systolic pressure (the force of blood in arteries as your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (force of blood in the arteries as your heart relaxes). A consistent systolic reading above 140mmHg or diastolic reading above 90mmHg is considered high blood pressure. Your results will be explained to you and the Pharmacist will offer advice on how to reduce or maintain your blood pressure levels. If the reading is high it will be re-checked and, if appropriate, you may be referred to your GP. FAQs My results are high, what do I do? The Pharmacist will take time to explain the result to you offering lifestyle advice on how to reduce or maintain your blood pressure levels. We may recommend that you return to the pharmacy to be re-checked at regular intervals and, if appropriate, advise you of your readings to discuss suitable treatment with your GP. How often should I check my blood pressure? Every adult should have their pressure checked at least every five years but more often than that is better. If you have had a high reading before, or have a blood pressure that is between 135/85 and 140/90 you should get yourself checked at least every year. Can I check myself at home? Yes. We can advise you of the best equipment for you to purchase, demonstrating how you use it and when to test yourself. Home monitoring can help you feel more comfortable and in control but it’s important you keep clear and accurate records for they may affect the way your GP decides upon treatment. What lifestyle changes should I make? We’re all individuals so oour Pharmacist will recommend what’s best for you. As a guide the following steps will add benefit to your health over time:
How much exercise is needed to lower my blood pressure? 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week would be of benefit. This means doing something that makes you slightly out of breath and warm - a brisk walk, swimming or gardening for example. If you’re not used to physical activity you should speak to a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise programme. Remember that it’s important to increase activities gradually. You can be active for 15 minutes twice a day or for ten minutes three times a day if you wish. What’s a reasonable amount of Alcohol? The government recommends no more that 2 units of alcohol a day for women and 3 units a day for men. Women should have no more than 14 units a week and men should not exceed 21 units. One unit is equal to a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer or cider, or one measure of spirits. | Home | |
It’s
estimated that more than one in three adults living in the
UK have high blood pressure. Of these, only
20% are diagnosed and treated.