What is Blood Pressure (BP)?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s an essential health measure that tells us about your heart health and overall well-being. Having your BP checked regularly helps us monitor your health and adjust your medications if needed.
Why Do We Need Your Blood Pressure for Your Medication?
Many medications, especially those related to ADHD, can affect your cardiovascular system. Monitoring your BP helps us ensure that the medications you’re taking are safe for your heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure can lead to serious health risks if not monitored and managed, so it’s important for us to have updated readings to tailor your treatment safely.
How to Check Your Blood Pressure for Free at Pharmacies
You can check your blood pressure for free at most local pharmacies. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Locate a Pharmacy: Most major pharmacies, like Chemist Warehouse or Priceline, offer free BP check stations.
- Use the BP Machine: Follow the instructions provided by the machine. Typically, you’ll:
- Sit down comfortably.
- Place your arm in the cuff, ensuring it’s at heart level.
- Press start and remain still while the machine reads your BP.
- Get Your Results: The machine will display your BP reading, usually a combination of two numbers (systolic and diastolic).
Example: 120/80 mmHg (this would be considered a normal reading).
Add Your BP to your Kantoko Account
Once you’ve taken your blood pressure, please add this to your Kantoko account so our clinical team can access this.
- Log in to the Kantoko platform
- Click on “Medical Records"
- Click on "Measurements"
- Click the + icon under Blood Pressure to add your BP reading.
When to Check Your BP
It’s recommended to check your blood pressure at least once every three months, especially if you are on medication that could affect your cardiovascular health. We will also remind you when it’s time for your next BP check based on your specific treatment plan.