THE CHURCH STREET SURGERY

Hypertension

Who Should Attend?

  1. Those who are being assessed to see if they have hypertension (raised blood pressure).

  2. Monitoring of those who have hypertension.

Why Attend?

Recognition and treatment of raised blood pressure will reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.

What Does Assessment of Raised Blood Pressure Involve?

  1. Blood pressure checked on three separate occasions

  2. Height, Weight and Smoking status and Family History of Heart Disease and Stroke recorded.

  3. An ECG (heart trace).  To see if the heart muscle has enlarged – a sign of prolonged raised blood pressure.

  4. Blood test to check Kidney Function, Cholesterol Level and to look for Diabetes.

  5.  A urine test.  Prolonged, raised blood pressure can damage the kidneys.  Kidney problems can cause raised blood pressure.

  6. Finally, an appointment with your GP to review you, with the results of all the tests. 

There are three possible outcomes:

  1. Your blood pressure is normal

  2. Your blood pressure is slightly raised but because your risk of heart disease is low, your blood pressure will be monitored but drug treatment won’t be offered yet.

  3. Your blood pressure is raised and treatment will be started.

What Can I Do to Lower My Blood Pressure, I Don’t Want Tablets?

  1. If overweight, lose the extra

  2. Reduce alcohol consumption

  3. Reduce salt intake

  4. Increase exercise

If I Need Tablets, Will There Be Side Effects?

Raised blood pressure generally does not cause symptoms and therefore it is important that the treatment for your raised blood pressure suits you.  There are many different drugs we can use.

Will One Tablet Control My Blood Pressure?

It is unlikely only one tablet will be sufficient to achieve your target blood pressure of 140/85.  More commonly it takes three different drugs.  Most people cope well with the drug combination they take.

My Blood Pressure Is Now Controlled, Do I Need To Still Come To The Clinic?

Yes, once your blood pressure is stable, we would like to see you every 3-months for 6-months and then 6-monthly.  Every year, your bloods will be checked for Cholesterol Level and Kidney Function.  As you get older, your blood pressure may change so constant monitoring is essential.

My Children Are Now Pensioners,  Do I Still Need To Have My Blood Pressure Treated?

Yes, there is now evidence that however old you are, there are benefits in treating raised blood pressure.  Once you reach 85 years of age, a blood pressure of 160/90 becomes your target.

How To Attend

To make an appointment please ask at the reception desk or phone the appointment line on (01562) 745040