Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of premature death in the United Kingdom. It affects 7 million people and accounts for 1.6 million disability-adjusted life years. One of the biggest risk factors for Cardiovascular disease is Hypertension and it is estimated that over 5.5 million people are living with undiagnosed Hypertension in England alone. Early detection of hypertension is vital in reducing the risk of developing further complications including cardiovascular disease. Over the past two years, levels of detection have fallen due to the impact of COVID-19 on routine blood pressure monitoring; that is where Kings Pharmacy comes in. We are working closely with the NHS to help detect and treat patients with hypertension in our community by providing the Hypertension Case-Finding Service in Birmingham.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as High Blood Pressure is a common condition whereby the long-term force of blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health severe problems. Unfortunately, Hypertension does not portray any noticeable symptoms and the only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked, therefore it is important to get regular checkups from your GP or your nearest community pharmacy that offers the Hypertension Case-Finding Service in Birmingham. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
The causes of high blood pressure are not always clear however you may be at a higher risk if you:
- eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
- do not do enough exercise
- are overweight
- drink too much alcohol or caffeine-based drinks
- smoke regularly
- are over the age of 65
- are sleep deprived or have disturbed sleep
- have a relative with high blood pressure
- are of black African or black Caribbean descent
- live in a deprived area
How to Reduce Blood Pressure
There are lifestyle changes that you can make that can help prevent developing Hypertension or they may help you reduce it.
You should:
- exercise regularly
- monitor your salt intake and drink plenty of water
- increase your fibre intake and always aim to get your 5 a day
- lose some weight (if your BMI is above 25)
- stop smoking
- reduce alcohol & caffeine intake
- focus on getting good sleep
About Our Hypertension Service
This service works to identify people in our community who are at risk of hypertension. Simply book an appointment to get your blood pressure checked and following the results we will assist in giving you healthy living advice as well as sign-post you to the necessary healthcare professionals if needed.
The following patients are eligible to receive this service:
- Adults 40+ years old who do not have a diagnosis of hypertension
- Adults under the age of 40 with a family history of hypertension (this is at our pharmacist’s discretion and appointment availability)
- Self-requested adults between the ages of 35-39 (this is at our pharmacist’s discretion and appointment availability)
Please note we are unable to provide this service to patients who already have their blood pressure monitored regularly by a healthcare professional.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring ABPM
As part of our NHS Blood Pressure Service, Kings Pharmacy may also be able to support eligible patients with Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, also known as ABPM.
ABPM is a way of monitoring your blood pressure over a longer period, usually while you continue with your normal daily routine. You may be asked to wear a blood pressure monitor for around 24 hours so readings can be taken throughout the day and night. This can help provide a clearer picture of your blood pressure compared with a single reading taken in the pharmacy.
If your initial blood pressure reading is high, our pharmacy team will explain the next steps. Where appropriate, we may offer ABPM or advise you to speak to your GP for further support.
How the ABPM Service Works
1. Visit Kings Pharmacy for an NHS blood pressure check.
2. Our pharmacy team will take your blood pressure reading in a professional and private setting.
3. If your reading is high, we will explain whether further monitoring, such as ABPM, may be suitable.
4. If ABPM is needed, you may be fitted with a monitor to wear for a set period, usually around 24 hours.
5. Once your monitoring is complete, our team will explain the next steps and advise whether any follow-up with your GP is needed.
Why ABPM May Be Recommended
ABPM can help give a more detailed view of your blood pressure by recording readings across the day and night. This may be useful if your blood pressure is raised during your pharmacy check and further monitoring is needed before any next steps are recommended.
You can find out more about blood pressure testing on the NHS blood pressure test page.
Book or Ask Our Team
If you would like a blood pressure check or want to find out more about ABPM at Kings Pharmacy, please contact our team or visit us in branch.
