As part of a drive to encourage more people to know their blood pressure, Frome Medical Practice has purchased a number of blood pressure monitors and been donated several more by Somerset County Council, all of which are available to loan to patients. Blood pressure monitor kits are also available from Frome Library.

About 3 in 10 adults in Somerset have high blood pressure but 1 in 10 don't know it. It is a major risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and significantly increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, but early detection and treatment can help people live longer, healthier lives.

Dr Helen Kingston, Senior Partner at Frome Medical Practice said, "High blood pressure (hypertension) can put a strain on your arteries and organs, which 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 and so being aware of low blood pressure is also important, particularly as we get older." 

"Blood pressure monitoring is the only way to find out if your blood pressure is too high or too low, because most people won't have any obvious symptoms. Checking your blood pressure is easy and could save your life and I'd encourage patients to either pop into the library or to the practice to borrow one of the blood pressure monitors, if you don't have your own at home." 

The blood pressure monitor kits include information on how to check your blood pressure at home, which is often a more accurate way of taking blood pressure. The practice also shares this information on the practice website and has an online form where patients can quickly and easily submit their results. 

As well as having blood pressure monitors available for loan, there is a self check blood pressure station next to the Information Desk at the practice, which patients are welcome to use. 

Practice Manager Karen Creffield said, "Ideally, we'd encourage patients to keep their own blood pressure monitor at home. Taking readings when you are more relaxed, in an environment you're comfortable in and when you aren't in a rush is really helpful and home monitors are a relatively inexpensive way of investing in your health."

"But we appreciate that not everyone will be able to have their own monitor at home and so we'd like to encourage patients to make the use of the monitors we have available for loan. You can then use our online form to submit the results. If your blood pressure is higher or lower than we'd like to see we will get in touch with you to discuss how medication and making small changes to your lifestyle can help you improve your blood pressure." 

For more information on buying a blood pressure monitor to use at home and on taking your own blood pressure readings please click here https://www.fromemedicalpractice.co.uk/blood-pressure-hypertension

If you'd like to borrow a blood pressure monitor please ask at the Information Desk at Frome Medical Practice or call the practice on 01373 301301 (later in the day preferably when phone lines are less busy.) Alternatively, you can visit Frome Library if you are in town and borrow a machine from them.