Up to 220,000 high blood pressure patients to receive free monitors under NHS drive to cut deaths from strokes and heart attacks

All recipients of the cuff machines will be asked to take a reading up to once a month and submit the results to their GP via telephone or email.

 

Health chiefs hope the monitoring will enable doctors to detect people with high blood pressure who have an increased risk of a potentially fatal heart attack or stroke.

 

Currently the only way to monitor blood pressure levels if to have a test at a pharmacy, medical centre or GP surgery, or to purchase a home monitor.

 

Dr Nikki Kanani, NHS England medical director, said it was ‘vital’ for hypertension patients to monitor their condition “so they can report any significant changes that could indicate a potentially deadly stroke or heart attack.”

 

Health Secretary Sajid Javid, said “This is just one way we’re backing the health service to harness the potential of new technology, to support hardworking staff and save thousands of lives.”

 

Charities have welcomed the scheme, saying it was vital for high blood pressure patients to get tested regularly.

 

Associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, said “People diagnosed with uncontrolled high blood pressure have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

 

“It is vital that their blood pressure measurements are tracked regularly to ensure their blood pressure is well treated.

 

“This important initiative, supported by the BHF, means people with heart conditions can monitor their blood pressure themselves at home, which reduces the need to travel for consultations.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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