Blood Pressure Review
If you have been advised by the surgery to submit your blood pressure readings on a regular basis please use this form.
How to choose the right Blood Pressure Monitor
For a list of clinically validated monitors, visit www.bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/for-home-use or discuss with your pharmacy.
Where can you buy a blood pressure monitor?
You can buy blood pressure monitors directly from the manufacturer, from many local pharmacies, from pharmacies such as Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy either online or in large branches or online from retailers such as Amazon and John Lewis.
Before using the Blood Pressure Monitor
- Avoid things that can raise your blood pressure in the short term. Don’t measure your blood pressure within half an hour of eating, smoking, drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee, or exercising. You should also avoid measuring your blood pressure when you need to use the toilet.
- Always measure your blood pressure in the same arm. You should use the arm that your doctor or nurse uses when they take your blood pressure.
- Wear loose fitting clothes. Avoid wearing tight or thick clothing, as this could affect the fit of the cuff around your arm and the reading.
- Rest for 5 minutes before taking your reading. Sit down somewhere quiet, ideally at a desk or table.
- Make sure your arm is supported and at the same level as your heart. Position yourself so that your arm is resting on a surface and is at the same height as your heart. Keep your arm and hand relaxed, not tensed and feet flat on the floor.
- Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable.
Using the Blood Pressure Monitor and Monitoring
You can access this YouTube video which shows how to use a blood pressure monitor: How to measure your blood pressure at home
1. Follow the instructions that came with your monitor.
2. The cuff should be placed about 2cm above your elbow to make sure it can detect the artery in your arm.
3. Keep still and quiet whilst you take your reading. Make sure you don’t cross your legs as this will raise your reading.
4. Take at least 2 blood pressure readings, 1-2 minutes apart, each morning and evening, ideally for 7 consecutive days.
5. If the first 2 readings you take are very different, take 2 or 3 further readings.
6. Record your readings on this form exactly as they appear on screen. Do not round the numbers up or down.
7. Submit this form and return the blood pressure monitor if borrowed.
How often should you measure your blood pressure?
When and how often you take your readings will depend on your blood pressure. Speak to your doctor or nurse about what’s suitable for you.
When to seek medical advice
If you get consecutive readings of over 170/115, contact us for an urgent same day appointment or call 111 out of hours.
If you detect an irregular pulse, contact us for an appointment.
If your blood pressure is:
- 135/85 or over and you are under 80 old
- 145/85 or over and you are over 80 old
Your blood pressure is raised. We will contact you for a follow up review. You will need to submit monthly readings until your blood pressure is controlled.
If your blood pressure is:
- Under 135/85 and you are under 80 years old
- Under 145/85 and you are over 80 years old
Your blood pressure is normal and well controlled. Send us readings again in 6 months.
If you have not discussed your results or been contacted within 2 weeks after submitting this form, please contact us.
Resources
www.bihsoc.org/bp-measurements/hbpm
www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/clinical-policy/cvd/home-blood-pressure-monitoring