Coronavirus Discussion

OH went for her blood test this morning. She had to complete a short online questionnaire yesterday asking about whether she had high temperature etc and then told to turn up at the appointed time. She was met at inner door to surgery, given a mask and only had a few minutes wait before being seen by a fully decked out nurse who took blood sample and blood pressure. She could not have been in the surgery more than 10 minutes all told.

Today, I have received a letter from my medical practice reminding me how important good blood pressure control is in reducing heart attacks and strokes and then goes on to say that due to the coronavirus outbreak, routine blood tests will not be taken. Furthermore, it is currently not possible for me to use the blood pressure monitor at the surgery to check my blood pressure, but advises me to consider purchasing my own blood pressure monitor and record my readings and send them in. It then goes on to advise where I can get one from and which sort to get. It would appear that the NHS is better in some parts of the country than others.

Our local service is similar. I think its reasonable that we take our own blood pressure and record the results. If the readings suggest that you need attention then contact the doctor. This is a much better way to go on in my opinion than wasting your time going to the surgery with all that involves and getting surgery staff to deal with something so simple. Its actually a better way to monitor blood pressure as you can be consistent with your timing and ensure you are always relaxed. 

The machines are quite cheap and readily available on line.

Yes I know. I just got one from Argos for about £35. Problem is, I can't take my own blood sample. This shows cholesterol levels which is also important.

I usually have a six monthly check up for BP and the next one should be at the end of July which I normally book myself. We have our own machine and I am happy to use that and submit results but will have to wait and see what they want me to do. My annual blood tests are not until end of January so we will have to wait and see. Might be worth looking on the British Heart Foundation's website regarding recommendations for BP machines. Some arrive calibrated for immediate use.

David

We bought one earlier this year from our local Pharmacy, I think about £36. It certainly didn't need any calibration. Came with very comprehensive instructions on use. I would imagine like any measuring device it would need checking after a period of time to ensure it is still accurate. Perhaps take it when going for a check up and they can compare it with the one they use.

Our health centre is still doing blood tests. Although mine aren't due until October.

We have two BP monitors and the both give the same readings within 1 mmHg so that is one way of testing them, or take yours in to the doctors to test as Steve says. I have a fitness watch which gives a good accurate heart beat but is about 10 off in the lower BP figure, but it's not meant as an accurate device. 

Just out of interest I am white coat hypertensive so have to use home readings. 

 We have our blood tests done at our local Urgent care centre/clinic, we get a text/phone ca ll from our surgery,to advise that they will send an electronic order to the clinic, and we just have to go at our convenience and give name and DOB 

We take our own BP over several days and phone the results to the sugery (saves having white coat syndrome at surgery)

Before my annual check I take 7/10 day AM and PM readings, put them into my simple Excel chart and print a paper copy to take down with me. I also have what appears to be this 'white coat' syndrome.

Had similar experience when I was in hospital overnight early May.  All the staff in A&E had masks ranging from full ‘Darth Vader’ to paper ones.  I was transferred to a ward for overnight and very surprised by the number of staff who didn’t wear any.  From the staff who wheeled me down (one in full filtered mask, the other bare faced) to the Doctor and some nurses on the ward and the receptionist.  I’m not surprised that infection rates for hospital staff were high.  Compulsory wearing was way overdue