6. Home Blood Pressure

Blood pressure 

1. How to record results 
2. What is blood pressure monitoring 
3. Blood pressure machines 
4. Benefits of recording your blood pressure 
5. Visual demonstrations on the correct procedure

1. How to record results 

Blood pressure readings are preferably recorded online by typing Edzell.yourGP.co/BP into your browser or clicking here

If this is not something you  are able to do then bp recording sheets can be collected from the health centre 

2. What is blood pressure monitoring 

Home blood pressure monitoring is when you measure your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor.

You may be asked to monitor your BP by the doctor or alternatively you may have your own concerns regarding your BP.

3. Blood pressure machines 

You can borrow a BP Machine from the health centre, which can be arranged with the receptionist, who will request a £5 deposit until the machine is returned to the practice.

Blood Pressure machines are also available to buy online or at the chemist for around £20.

Monitoring your blood pressure using a home blood pressure monitor is a useful way of seeing what your blood pressure is in your daily life. To get accurate readings, it is important to use the right monitor and the right technique. 

There are many different kinds of home blood pressure monitor, but it is easiest to use a monitor that is fully automatic (digital). Upper-arm blood pressure monitors usually give the most accurate and consistent results. 

4. Benefits of recording your blood pressure 

Measuring your blood pressure at home can help to give you and your doctor/nurse a more accurate picture of your blood pressure over time.   Everyone’s blood pressure naturally rises and falls over the course of a day and some people can be stressed or anxious when having their blood pressure taken by their doctor or nurse, making their blood pressure higher than it normally is (known as ‘white coat effect’). This means that a ‘one-off’ reading taken at your doctor’s surgery or the hospital may not accurately reflect your real blood pressure.

Home blood pressure readings can avoid these problems and can help doctors and nurses to:

• Establish whether you have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension

• Identify whether your blood pressure is higher when taken at the GP surgery or hospital than at home (white coat effect)

• Decide if blood pressure medication is required

• Decide whether any changes to blood pressure medication are required

• See how well your blood pressure medication is controlling your blood pressure

• Further investigate people whose blood pressure is hard to control

• Monitoring your blood pressure at home can also help you to see how the medication you are taking is working and gain a better understanding of your condition.

5. Visual demonstrations on the correct procedure

For a visual demonstration on the correct way to take BP recordings you can find videos on YouTube

NHS - Measuring blood pressure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8QkaAyqatE

or

British Heart Foundation - How to measure your own blood pressure 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSNZVaW1Wg4