Cardiovascular Risk

Normal or healthy blood pressure readings measured at home should usually (unless your doctor advises differently) be less than:

• 135/85 mmHg if you are under 80 years old
• 145/85 mmHg if you are over 80 years old

Do not be alarmed if you get an unexpected high reading – A one-off reading may be nothing to worry about. Measure your blood pressure again at another time, but if you find that it continues to be high after a period, contact your doctor or nurse.

Important: If you record two or more BP readings in a row, over 170/115mmHg (a top reading of over 170 or a bottom reading of more than 115), you should contact your GP practice the same day. If your GP practice is closed ring 111 for advice.

Do not check your blood pressure too often or you may become worried or stressed about small changes in your reading – This can raise your blood pressure temporarily. Worrying about your blood pressure reading may make it higher.

When and how often you take readings will depend on your blood pressure. Your doctor or nurse will advise you on this. In most cases, initially, you will be asked to take at least two BP readings twice daily(morning and evening) ideally for 4 consecutive days or as advised by your doctor.

• Many things can make your blood pressure rise for a short time. Make sure you do not need to use the toilet, and that you have not just eaten a big meal. Do not measure your blood pressure within 30 minutes of drinking caffeine or smoking, or immediately after exercise or drinking alcohol.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes like a short-sleeved t-shirt so that you can push your sleeve up comfortably.
• Always use the same arm for readings, as each arm will give you a slightly different reading. If possible, use the arm that your doctor or nurse uses when measuring your blood pressure.
• Before you take your readings, rest for a few minutes. You should be sitting down in a quiet place, preferably at a desk or table, with your arm resting, palm up, on a firm surface and your feet flat on the floor.
• Make sure your arm is supported and that the cuff around your arm is at the same level as your heart. You may need to support your arm with a cushion to be sure it is at the correct height. Your arm should be relaxed, not tensed.

• Put the cuff on following the instructions that come with your monitor. You may have been asked to monitor for an irregular heartbeat as well as BP monitoring. If so, you will have been provided with a BP monitor that can detect this. Refer to your BP monitor instructions for details on how to use this feature on your BP monitor.
• Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. If you are anxious or uncomfortable, this will make your blood pressure rise temporarily.
• When you are taking your reading, keep still and silent. Moving and talking can affect your reading.
• Take two or three readings, each about two minutes apart. Some people find that their first reading is much higher than the next readings. If this is the case for you, keep taking readings until they level out and stop falling, then use this as your reading.
• Record two readings, either in the memory of your BP monitor or on computer or paper. We have included a sample record sheet at the end of this leaflet, which you can use. If you are monitoring for an irregular heartbeat, record each time the monitor indicates an irregular heartbeat has been detected (refer to your BP monitor instructions for details on how this will appear on the monitor screen).

You have been invited for BP IFF because your BP is out of range and you do not have a diagnosis of hypertension.

We have got an out of range BP recorded on our system with the last 12 months.

If you get an invite for BP IFF stating your blood pressure is out of range please come in to use our patient POD or if you are unable to stand unaided please book in with one of the phlebotomist. If you have a home BP machine please hand in 3 days worth of BP readings.

Your BP then will be checked by the nurse at the end of the day and if it is out of range this then will be passed to your GP for a follow up.