Annual check-ups for hypertension

If you are living with high blood pressure, it’s important to have your health assessed by a professional. This will help check your condition is managed. This must happen at least once per year or at your request if you have any concerns.

Why is the annual check-up important?

Your annual check-up, or annual review, plays a vital role in managing your hypertension. Here’s why:

• Spotting any changes: Your blood pressure can change over time. At-home monitoring and checks with your clinician will help identify these changes early.
• Reviewing medication: Your doctor or nurse will make assessments to see if any changes need to be made to your medicine. This is also a good opportunity to discuss any concerns or suspected side effects you may be having. There are many alternatives for medicine to treat hypertension.
• Managing health risks: High blood can cause problems with your heart and kidneys. It can also lead to heart attacks and stroke. Your annual review is a chance to catch any problems early. It can also help you understand and manage these risks.

What happens at my annual check-up?

One of the first things that will happen is a blood pressure review. This can be via readings you have captured at home, or in your GP practice.

It’s possible you will also have some blood taken. There are a few reasons why this might be done:

• Checking your kidney function
• Detecting other health conditions
• Assessing your heart disease risk
• Monitoring medication effects

These blood tests will give a more comprehensive view of your health.

Your clinician may also discuss lifestyle factors that may contribute to high blood pressure. You may be offered advice on quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption if relevant to you.

What happens if I miss a check-up

Skipping your annual check-up could mean missing important changes in your blood pressure or other health issues. This can make your hypertension harder to manage and increase your risk of serious health problems.

When living with hypertension, managing your health can feel challenging. But remember, your annual check-up is a key tool in this journey. It can catch health changes early, help manage your medication, and support you in living a healthier lifestyle.