HYPERTENSION INFORMATION
Known as the “silent killer”, high blood pressure (hypertension) rarely has obvious symptoms. If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. The only way of knowing there is a problem is to have your blood pressure measured.
Why should I attend my blood pressure review?
Your blood pressure readings may change overtime, and although your blood pressure is well controlled at one review, it may not be at another. Left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. It can also cause damage to the kidneys and to the blood vessels at the back of your eyes. Your review appointment is a regular opportunity to discuss changes to your lifestyle and treatment that will help to keep your blood pressure controlled. Other risk factors you may have for blood pressure, heart disease and stroke can also be checked for at the appointment. The appointment is an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns you have about your health and medication.
What will happen at my appointment?
The nurse will discuss your condition with you and ask specific questions to find out if you are having any problems. They will ask about your lifestyle and your medication and check your height and weight, along with your blood pressure and pulse. An irregular pulse is a risk factor for having a stroke. They will also perform some blood tests. They will then be able to advise you about any changes they would recommend. If needed, they will refer you to a doctor or the Pharmacist for further review.
What lifestyle changes will help me?
- Stopping smoking please ask reception to book an appointment with one of our nursing team. This will reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, COPD and cancer. You can get help and support from www.smokefree.nhs.uk
- Reducing your intake of foods high in saturated fat such as butter, cheese, cakes and biscuits.
- Increasing your regular exercise if needed. Advice can be obtained from www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise
- Reducing your salt intake to less than 6g a day
- Reducing your intake of caffeine rich drinks e.g. tea, coffee, and some fizzy drinks
- Weight loss if your BMI is greater than 25
- Reducing your alcohol intake to under 14 units a week for women and under 21 units a week for men. For help please see www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/
What tests may help me?
- Blood pressure measurement
- Diabetes screen
- Cholesterol measurement
- Kidney function testing
What medication may help me?
- Anti–hypertensives. There are many medications available that can reduce blood pressure. These can be discussed at your review. Should you be having side effects with a particular medication, please discuss this so an alternative can be prescribed.
- Calcium channel blockers – such as Amlodipine, Felodipine and Nifedipine or Diltiazem and Verapamil
- Diuretics – such as Indapamide and Bendroflumethiazide
- Beta blockers – such as Atenolol and Bisoprolol
- Alpha blockers – such as Doxazosin
- Other diuretics – such as Amiloride and Spironolactone