Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) - Understanding your care plan

The Diagnosis

If you have recently been diagnosed with hypertension you should read the leaflet High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) we have provided on the website, or you may have been given a booklet or other advice leaflet from the doctor or nurse. The diagnosis is usually made with several blood pressure readings being taken at the surgery. The diagnosis may have come as a surprise because high blood pressure rarely gives symptoms.

You will be asked about your lifestyle and if you have any family history of heart disease, diabetes or stroke. You may be give advice on: -
Stopping smoking as this increases the problem and makes you more prone to developing heart disease or a stroke.

Achieving a healthy weight with help and support to reduce your weight if necessary. This will include a healthy diet, which is high in fruit and vegetables and low in fat, sugar and salt.

Becoming more active when possible, for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week, or in any way that you can manage.

Reducing stress and anxiety levels

Limiting alcohol to not more than 21 units a week for men and 14 units for women.

There are many sections on our website with further information on helping yourself in all these areas.

Tests

• You will have blood tests taken: -
• A Full Blood Count, Kidney function, Glucose, and sometimes Cholesterol.
• You may have an Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• You may have an eye examination.
• You should have your weight and height measured

Medications

There are many different medications to treat hypertension and your doctor will select the best one for you. Many people will need more than one medication to achieve good blood pressure control; so do not be concerned if this happens. The leaflet Medication for High Blood Pressure will give you more information about each type of medication. The booklet Blood Pressure published by the British Heart Foundation also gives information about all the medications and can be supplied at the surgery or downloaded from their website www.bhf.org.uk or ordered by telephone 020 7935 0185. The important thing is to take the medication as prescribed and develop a system so that you wont forget to take it.

Follow up

Your blood pressure will need to be monitored regularly at first to gain a good level of control. The doctor of nurse will always tell you when to make the next appointment. Some medications require more frequent blood testing; so don’t worry if this happens.

When your blood pressure is well controlled you will only need to have it measured at the surgery every 6 –12 months, your repeat prescription will remind you when it is due. Once a year you will have an Annual Review of your blood pressure. This can be done with the doctor or nurse and will involve a blood pressure measurement and blood test to check: -

Kidney function, Glucose and sometimes Cholesterol levels.

You should always visit or telephone the surgery a week later to check if the blood tests were satisfactory. The receptionist can look this up on the computer after the doctor has seen and reported on them.

Your Annual Review will give you the opportunity to discuss any problems or possible side effects of your medication. Weight and height will be measured and advice given. If you are smoker help will be offered to help you to stop.