Follow-up GP appointment

GP: Hello Evelyn. How have you been?

Evelyn: I’m feeling fine doctor, but a little worried about my blood pressure results

GP: Well, your 24hour blood pressure monitoring shows that your blood pressure is still high most of the time. This means that we need to think about starting you on medicine to lower your blood pressure.

Evelyn: Oh, that is disappointing. I was hoping that the changes I have made to my lifestyle would stop me needing tablets.

GP: Try to think of the tablets as a preventative measure. We want to keep you healthy, and untreated high blood pressure causes problems in your body

Evelyn: But I feel fine, I don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with me.

GP: Most people don’t feel any effects of high blood pressure at this stage Evelyn. Increased blood pressure doesn’t give you any symptoms until the damage has been done. So, it’s really important that you take your medication as prescribed to help prevent problems in the future. It’s also important that you keep up with the changes you have made to your lifestyle. Even though your blood pressure has gone up, they will be making a difference to your overall health.

Evelyn: Do these medicines have any side effects? My next door neighbour takes tablets and she says they make her feel awful.

GP: Medicines for high blood pressure are usually quite well tolerated. We can discuss the possible side effects when I give you your prescription

Evelyn: How long will I need to take the tablets for, doctor?

GP: You will need to take them for the rest of your life Evelyn. It is not uncommon for people to need two or more different types of tablets to control their blood pressure. Here is some information that you can read through in your own time that explains a bit more about high blood pressure and its treatment.