Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure is the 3rd biggest risk factor for premature death. There are more than 5.5 million people in England with undiagnosed high blood pressure as people do not usually develop early warning symptoms– so it is important to get checked and treated, and then to have regular monitoring to ensure your blood pressure is well controlled. High blood pressure puts you at risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Treating high blood pressure significantly reduces this risk.
Diagnosing Hypertension
If you do not have access to the internet you can ring us on 01904 439100.
Online requests are processed throughout the day, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm. Fill out the form giving as much information as possible. If you have multiple issues/queries/problems please complete separate forms.
If you need to see a GP or another healthcare professional in our team, your details go through to the duty doctor; they assess how urgently we need to see or speak to you.
Urgent requests are dealt with as quickly as possible within 1 working day, non-urgent requests can take up to 4 weeks.
Treating high blood pressure
Treatment for your blood pressure will depend on how high it is, other risk factors, other conditions, and medications that you are on.
There are various lifestyle measures that will help:
For more information about all aspects of high blood pressure, including what you can do visit:
https://www.bloodpressureuk.org
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure
If you would like more support with lifestyle changes you can make an appointment to discuss with Health Trainers in York:
Medications for high blood pressure
In addition to lifestyle measure, many people will be recommended to start a medication to reduce their blood pressure, and perhaps also a statin to reduce cholesterol. Your blood pressure will be monitored, and medications adjusted until stable. For some medications your kidney function will also need to be monitored with a blood test for any dose changes.
Blood pressure monitoring
Once your blood pressure is stable, it will be monitored at your annual review in your birthday month. You will be asked to submit your blood pressure electronically and to have a blood test (or to make an appointment at the surgery for this if needed)
Blood pressure machines
We would really recommend you buying a blood pressure machine to help you manage your blood pressure- you can buy them from pharmacies and Amazon for about £20. Intermittently we will ask you to submit a blood pressure, or a week of blood pressure readings, so it is helpful to have a monitor at home. Alternatively we do have monitors for use in our reception areas and a limited number of monitors to loan for a week of readings.