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Blood Pressure Clinic

What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). It is written as two numbers, with the systolic pressure (the higher number) being the measure of the force of the blood as the heart beats, and the diastolic pressure (the lower number) being the measure of the force of the blood as the heart is at rest between beats.


A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.


How Does High Blood Pressure Affect You?

High blood pressure makes it harder for your heart to pump blood through your body. When high blood pressure goes untreated, it can cause damage to your body's blood vessels. This can start with your fine arteries but then lead to damage to all arteries and veins. The damaged blood vessels can become malformed, harden and leak.


Loss of vascular efficiency and the formation of blood clots can give rise to the following:

  • Heart disease: High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow through them. This can increase the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
  • Kidney damage: The kidneys filter waste products from the blood, and high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
  • Eye damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss.
  • Brain damage: High blood pressure can cause small strokes, leading to cognitive decline and dementia.
  • Sexual dysfunction: High blood pressure can also affect sexual function in men and women.


Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can cause lightheadedness, fainting, and fatigue.


What is a Blood Pressure Clinic?

A Blood Pressure Clinic is a specialised service that helps people monitor, manage, and treat high or low blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your arteries. If it’s too high (hypertension) or too low (hypotension), it can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, or organ damage. This clinic offers regular checks, education, and personalised treatment plans to help maintain a healthy blood pressure range.


Who is Suitable for a Blood Pressure Clinic?

This clinic is suitable for people who:

  • Have been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure: Whether your condition is newly diagnosed or long-standing.
  • Are at risk of developing hypertension: Due to age, family history, obesity, lifestyle, or other medical conditions.
  • Need help managing blood pressure medications: Including starting, adjusting, or reviewing medications.
  • Are experiencing symptoms of abnormal blood pressure: Such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, chest pain, or vision changes.
  • Want to prevent cardiovascular disease: Especially if they have other risk factors like diabetes or high cholesterol.


Benefits of a Blood Pressure Clinic

Key benefits include:

  • Early detection: Regular checks can identify blood pressure problems before symptoms appear.
  • Tailored treatment plans: Care plans are customised to your health needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
  • Monitoring and support: Ongoing follow-up ensures effective blood pressure control and helps prevent complications.
  • Medication reviews: Ensures the medications you are taking are working well and not causing side effects.
  • Lifestyle advice: Learn about diet, exercise, stress management, and other ways to improve your blood pressure naturally.
  • Reduced risk of major illness: Controlled blood pressure significantly lowers the risk of heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and more.

Types of Blood Pressure Monitoring and Management

Services may include:

  • In-clinic blood pressure checks: Quick and accurate readings using a medical-grade device.
  • 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM): A wearable device records your readings throughout the day and night.
  • Home blood pressure monitoring guidance: For those tracking at home, we offer equipment recommendations and training.
  • Risk assessments: Includes blood tests, weight/BMI checks, ECGs, and other heart health evaluations.
  • Pharmacological management: Prescription of antihypertensive medications tailored to your condition.
  • Non-drug therapies: Such as dietary changes (e.g., DASH diet), weight loss programs, and salt reduction strategies.

What to Do Before Attending a Blood Pressure Clinic?

Before your appointment:

  • Bring your current medications list: Including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • Avoid caffeine and smoking for at least 30 minutes before your visit.
  • Wear short sleeves: This makes it easier to take blood pressure readings.
  • Keep a symptom diary: Note any recent symptoms, such as dizziness or headaches, and when they occurred.
  • Record home readings: If you’re already monitoring your blood pressure at home, bring those results with you.


What Happens During a Blood Pressure Clinic Appointment?

You can expect the following:

  • Initial consultation: We discuss your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and family background.
  • Blood pressure reading: A nurse or doctor will take your BP using a calibrated device.
  • Review of current medications: To ensure you’re on the right dose and combination.
  • Personalised advice: About managing your blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risk.
  • Further testing (if needed): Blood tests, urine tests, ECG, or a referral to a cardiologist.
  • Planning: You will leave with a written management plan and follow-up schedule.

What to Expect After a Blood Pressure Clinic Visit?

Following your appointment:

  • Improved understanding: You’ll know your numbers and what they mean.
  • Clear action plan: Including when to take your medications, what lifestyle changes to make, and when to return for review.
  • Monitoring tools: You may be encouraged to monitor blood pressure at home and keep a log.
  • Support: Access to follow-up appointments, phone check-ins, and referrals to dietitians or specialists if needed.


Blood Pressure Readings

Based on the reading, blood pressure is classified into the following categories:

  • Normal blood pressure: Systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg.
  • Prehypertension: Systolic pressure between 120 mmHg and 139 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 80 mmHg and 89 mmHg
  • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic pressure 180 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure 120 mmHg or higher
  • Stage 1 hypertension: systolic pressure between 140 mmHg and 159 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 90 mmHg and 99 mmHg
  • Stage 2 hypertension: systolic pressure 160 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure 100 mmHg or higher


Blood pressure can fluctuate, and a single reading does not necessarily indicate a diagnosis of hypertension. A diagnosis is typically made after multiple high tasks over time.


Ischaemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, usually due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for developing IHD, as it can increase the workload on the heart and cause damage to the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries.


When blood pressure is elevated, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the blood vessels. Over time, this increased workload can cause the blood vessels to narrow or become blocked, reducing the blood flow to the heart muscle. This decreased blood flow can lead to angina (chest pain), heart attack, and other forms of IHD.


Treating hypertension is essential to reduce the risk of developing IHD and other complications. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress effectively, and taking medication to lower blood pressure. Regular blood pressure monitoring is also vital to ensure that treatment is effective and to make any necessary adjustments to medication or lifestyle changes.