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).
Take a Picture of Your BP Reading
Once you’ve taken your blood pressure, please:
- Take a Clear Picture of the BP reading displayed on the machine’s screen.
- Upload the Photo: Use our patient portal to upload the photo of your BP reading for your records. If you’re unsure how to upload the photo, follow these instructions:
- Log in to your patient portal.
- Click on “Upload Documents"
- Select the file (the photo of your BP reading) from your phone or computer and submit.
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.