We use cookies to make this site work. We'd also like to set optional cookies so we can understand how the site is used and improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept them. You can change your choice at any time from the Cookie settings link in the footer.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the site to work. They store your cookie preferences and keep your session secure. They are exempt from consent under PECR Regulation 6(4) because they are essential to deliver the service you have requested.
Optional cookies
Optional cookies help us understand how the site is used and provide additional features such as analytics, accessibility tools and translation. We will only set them if you accept.
Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure Monitoring
What is a blood pressure monitoring?
Blood pressure monitoring is a simple way of checking if your blood pressure is too high or too low.
Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it's pumped around your body.
High blood pressure (hypertension) can put a strain on your arteries and organs. This can increase your risk of developing serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can lead to faintness and unsteadiness. This can lead to a risk of falls and injuries from falling.
Send in your blood pressure reading online.
Ways to measure your blood pressure
We encourage patients to take their blood pressure (BP) at home rather than in the practice. This is because you will get more consistent BP readings.
You may wish to buy your own blood pressure monitor. These are available in supermarkets, chemists, or online for £20-25.
If you are buying a monitor, it is important it is an arm cuff monitor and NOT a wrist monitor.
Visit British and Irish Hypertension Society for a list of validated blood pressure monitoring machines.
If you do not have a home monitor, we have a self check blood pressure station by the Information Desk in the practice. You can do this in practice opening hours.
The practice also has BP machines that can be loaned. Please ask at the information desk if you would like to borrow one.
Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home
To help you to manage your blood pressure, and any related medications you might be taking, we need to record your blood pressure every year.
The best way to do this is for you to take a set of readings at home for a week. You can use these readings to calculate an average and send this to us.
Steps to take when monitoring blood pressure at home
Follow the steps below to monitor your blood pressure at home and submit your average reading to us.
Step One
You might already have access to a blood pressure monitor at home. It is important that your monitor is an arm cuff monitor and NOT a wrist monitor.
If you would like to purchase a blood pressure monitor they are available from many pharmacies or online shops. You might find this list of validated blood pressure machines useful to refer to.
Visit British and Irish Hypertension Society for a list of validated blood pressure monitoring machines.
Step Two
Taking your blood pressure:
- It's best to sit down with your back supported and legs uncrossed.
- Roll up your sleeves or remove any long-sleeved clothing, so the cuff can be placed around your upper arm.
- Try to relax and avoid talking while you are doing the test.
- Hold out one of your arms so it's at roughly the same level as your heart, and the cuff is placed around it – your arm should be supported in this position, such as with a cushion or arm of a chair.
- The cuff will pump up to restrict the blood flow in your arm – this squeezing may feel a bit uncomfortable, but only lasts a few seconds.
- The pressure in the cuff is recorded at two points as the blood flow starts to return to your arm – these measurements are used to give your BP reading.
- Please submit your blood pressure reading to us - see below.
Step Three
If your blood pressure reading is above your target blood pressure reading (135/85 for home readings) then we will ask you to complete a set of blood pressure readings over one week.
You will need to take a blood pressure reading every morning and every afternoon.
You will need to record the systolic reading (top number) and diastolic reading (bottom number) each time.
Make a note of these readings every morning and afternoon for 7 days.
Once you've recorded your daily readings for 7 days you then need to calculate an average reading. There is a link under Step Four called 'calculate your average blood pressure reading’ that will help you to do this.
Step Four
You can use the link below to calculate your average blood pressure reading.
- Enter your morning and evening readings for day one.
- Click the green button 'add a new day' and repeat this process until you have entered readings for seven days.
- Once all 7 days readings are entered, click the green button 'calculate the average' to get your average reading.
Step Five
You can submit your average reading to us using our online form.
Step Six
If your average blood pressure reading is also above your target blood pressure reading then you will be invited to have an appointment with one of our titration nurses to discuss how to reduce your blood pressure through changes to your lifestyle. We will also consider changes to medication to help you reach your target blood pressure.
Other support available
The British Heart Foundation provides helpful information on why it's important to know what your blood pressure is. They also have information on how healthy lifestyle can help your blood pressure.
BHF - Why should I know my blood pressure?
You can find out more about high blood pressure - causes, symptoms, and treatment - on the NHS website: