It is estimated over 200,000 people (approximately one in four) in Dorset are living with high blood pressure and without regular testing this can go unnoticed, sometimes leading to serious health issues including stroke and heart attack.
This year to mark Know Your Numbers week (2 – 8 September), local clinicians are encouraging people to sign up to BP@Home, an app-based service which helps people take readings in the comfort of their own home, saving both their time and that of their GP whilst at the same time being confident of an accurate reading.
Since it was launched in 2021, BP@Home has helped nearly 4,000 local people to manage their blood pressure from home, helping reduce their risk of heart failure and stroke by 23% after just six months on the platform.
One of those helped is Steve Ible, 77, Blandford Forum. He said “I was introduced to the BP@Home app by Ali, the digital care coordinator at the Blandford practice. Now I’ve got the app, I take my blood pressure before I get out of bed and there’s a consistent record for all to see. It’s also useful for communicating with my doctor. The worries about stroke and heart attack are much less of a problem. I would recommend the app to anybody to give them the confidence to stay on top of their condition and face the day with a smile on their face.”
Martin Heinrich from Weymouth and his wife were both diagnosed with hypertension. He said “We registered for the app and started receiving reminders to take our medication every day. It’s part of our routine together, when on holiday etc, and we’ve made lots of positive lifestyle changes.
“Seeing the improvement is the best encouragement there is. I would definitely recommend the app. Once embraced, it’s simplicity itself.”
Dr Martin Longley, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Clinical Lead and Associate Medical Director for Dorset County Hospital is encouraging people to sign up to the service.
“BP@Home is revolutionising blood pressure management and it’s great to see Dorset leading the way, with general practice engaged and supporting patients to manage and control their blood pressure through the app. Not only have we seen a significant reduction in blood pressure from hypertensive people in Dorset since using the app, but it also reduces the need for face-to-face appointments, saving time and costs for both patients and clinicians.”
To register for the free app and to find out more, visit: staywelldorset.nhs.uk/bpathome.
