Hypertension Support Unit
Hypertension Support Unit
The Caldense, Rosa and Santa Catarina pharmacies are centres providing support for people with high blood pressure. As such, they offer doctors and patients in Caldas da Rainha access to the latest blood pressure monitoring technology. You can count on us to help you manage your blood pressure!
High blood pressure isn’t something you feel – it’s something you measure!
The term ‘blood pressure’ refers to pressure which the blood exerts on the walls of the arteries through which it flows; these walls are therefore under tension, stretched by the pressure of the blood. Blood pressure “ maximum and minimum” (or “systolic and diastolic”) refers to the highest value reached when the heart contracts (systole) and the lowest value when the heart subsequently expands and relaxes (diastole).
High blood pressure isn’t something you feel – it’s something you measure! This means that your blood pressure may be high without you feeling any symptoms, whilst, on the other hand, you may feel nervous or ‘under pressure’ and still have a normal blood pressure reading.
Our UAH services
At Correia Rosa pharmacies, we involve patients in the management of their condition by teaching them the correct way to take their readings and helping them choose a suitable meter.
Após 5 minutos de repouso, o dispositivo faz 3 medições automatizadas. O valor de pressão arterial obtido é a média das 3 medições realizadas.
24- and 48-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a technique for measuring blood pressure on an ambulatory basis over one or two consecutive days. It is currently considered the method of choice for confirming a diagnosis of arterial hypertension.
What do I need to know?
When blood pressure is measured in a doctor’s surgery, the readings may be higher than your actual blood pressure due to the ‘white coat effect’ caused by the presence of the doctor or nurse. When blood pressure is measured at the Caldense, Rosa and Santa Catarina pharmacies, the white coat effect is eliminated and the reading will reflect your actual blood pressure.
The Caldense, Rosa and Santa Catarina pharmacies are now part of a Hypertension Support Unit (UAH), where blood pressure is measured using an automated device without the presence of any healthcare professional, in accordance with a set protocol. After 5 minutes of rest in the patient waiting area at Correia Rosa pharmacies, the device takes 3 readings at 1-minute intervals and calculates the average of these readings. Blood pressure measured in this way is known as Automated Blood Pressure Measurement.
At Caldense, Rosa and Santa Catarina pharmacies, the automated blood pressure and heart rate measurement service costs €2*. For a 48-hour ABPM, the price is €39.
*special terms and conditions for loyalty card holders
We recommend booking an appointment for a blood pressure and/or ABPM measurement, so that we can ensure a faster and more personalised service.
By undergoing a 48-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) test, you can confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure and also find out your risk of suffering a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event over the next five years.
We know that wearing a blood pressure monitor for 48 hours can be a little uncomfortable. For this reason, one might expect that, given the possibility of doing it for only 24 hours, this would be the test to choose! However, there are studies that demonstrate that 48-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is the preferred method because:
- More measurements, more information
- Assessment over two full days
- Two nights of monitoring
- Greater reproducibility of results
- Further information for clinical context
- Treatment monitoring
For further information, please refer to this document and get in touch with us.
Once a diagnosis of high blood pressure has been confirmed, it is recommended that you purchase a semi-automatic blood pressure monitor to take regular readings at home. This has two major advantages: it allows you to play an active role in managing your condition and improves adherence to your treatment. In addition, whenever you attend an appointment with your GP, you should bring a record of the readings taken during the previous week.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
The protocol for self-monitoring blood pressure states that you should take 3 readings in the morning and 3 in the evening, spaced 1 to 2 minutes apart, for 5 consecutive days. Record the readings on the leaflet provided by Correia Rosa pharmacies or by your doctor or nurse. There are now blood pressure monitors that allow you to download the readings from each measurement to your smartphone via Bluetooth – find out more from us!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
There are various types of blood pressure monitors: arm cuff, wrist and finger monitors. Generally speaking, arm cuff monitors are the most reliable. If you need to buy a blood pressure monitor, we recommend visiting the OMRON website – OMRON is the brand trusted by Correia Rosa pharmacies when it comes to blood pressure monitoring.
Blood Pressure Monitor Buying Guide
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Before measuring your blood pressure, you should rest for 5 minutes; avoid drinking coffee, smoking, or exercising in the 30 minutes prior to the measurement; and ensure you do not need to use the restroom. You should sit with your back supported, legs uncrossed, and feet flat on the floor, with your forearm fully supported on a table and facing upward. Remain relaxed and silent during the measurement.
You should check the specifications of your measuring equipment, as the position of the sleeve may vary depending on the equipment. As a general rule, a armband should be fitted so that it is not too tight on the non-dominant arm (except in specific situations such as mastectomy, prior lymph node dissection, etc.) approximately 2 cm above the elbow crease, with the strap facing upwards. At Correia Rosa pharmacies, you’ll find devices featuring technology that ensures reliable results even if the cuff isn’t fitted correctly.
According to the guidelines issued by the Directorate-General for Health, normal readings are between 120–129 and/or 80–84 mmHg. However, it is your doctor, who is monitoring your clinical condition, who should determine which readings are most appropriate for you.
Following a reading of high blood pressure, staff at Correia Rosa pharmacies refer the patient to their GP so that the GP can assess whether further tests, such as a 48-hour ABPM, are required in order to reach a diagnosis.
