Now that you are taking medication, it is important to monitor your blood pressure on a more regular basis. Having your own blood pressure monitor is a good way to do this. It puts you in control and gives a better idea of your blood pressure than testing in surgery where blood pressure may be higher.
Here is a link to a video about measuring your blood pressure at home and other useful information, such as recommended monitors. It will help you to decide if this is something for you: Manage your blood pressure at home - BHF
When buying a blood pressure monitor, please choose an upper arm monitor and remember to check the cuff size, as an incorrect cuff size may give an incorrect blood pressure reading. Measure your upper arm circumference using a tape measure. If you are struggling to do this and do not have anybody who can help, then contact us and we can do this as part of your review.
If you have a home monitor, please let us know so that we can record this on your notes. We will ask you to complete a 5-day diary in preparation for your annual review. Please bring your monitor to the review, so we can calibrate it to check it is still giving accurate readings.
From your appointments with us, you should know your target blood pressure. Between yearly, reviews, we recommend checking your blood pressure every 1-2 months. If readings are higher than your target, then you can do your own 5-day diary and send this to us. If at any time you measure 2 consecutive readings that are 170/115 or higher, then contact the practice for same day advice.
Your community pharmacy may offer to check your blood pressure, but this is not needed. Please tell them you are already monitored with us, and by using your own machine.
We understand that home monitoring may not be for you, or that it may not be possible to buy your own monitor. Please do not worry. You will continue to borrow one of our monitors and have yearly reviews with us.