Dorset is on track to make sure record numbers of people with high blood pressure reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to the latest NHS Dorset results. 

Out of 142,978 people with hypertension, 95,800 (67% out of a target of 80%) now have their blood pressure under control, thanks to patients feeling more empowered to manage their own health, with support from clinical teams.

More than 10,000 people are using the BP@Home app – which provides education, tracking and trends – to help manage their blood pressure. This includes 2,000 people in Weymouth and Portland, where a high number of people have the condition. The service reduces the need for face-to-face appointments, saving time and costs for both patients and clinicians. It has contributed to a reduction of 5,729 kg in carbon emissions, thanks to fewer patients needing to travel.

The CVD results mean NHS Dorset is now above the national England average compared to other integrated care boards – a significant jump from previous years.

There has been a huge campaign drive alongside this, including pop up monitoring stations, a survey to help improve and shape local services, the supply of extra blood pressure equipment to Dorset communities, and advertising packs issued to surgeries, large businesses and partners for public and employee awareness as part of Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers Week.

Dr Paul Johnson, NHS Dorset Chief Medical Officer, said: “Hypertension is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it has no obvious symptoms and can go undetected for a long time, eventually leading to stroke, heart disease and even death. It is a serious medical condition affecting a large number of people in Dorset, particularly people who live in areas of social deprivation, or groups at higher risk such as older people, people with close relatives with high blood pressure, people from Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic backgrounds, people with an unhealthy diet – especially a diet that is high in salt – or who are overweight, smoke cigarettes, drink at risky levels, or experience stress over long periods of time.

“This is why we want to make sure everyone knows their blood pressure, what they can do to keep themselves healthy, and reduce their risk.  For people with existing high blood-pressure, general practices across Dorset have worked hard to put in place the support, medication and tools to manage high blood pressure in a way that meets patients needs and busy lives, preventing long-term serious effects.

“Since the BP@Home app launched four years ago, 450,000 blood pressure measurements have been taken locally. As a result of this, and our wider efforts, we’re well on the way to hitting our CVD targets. Every general practice in Dorset is now offering a focussed programme of support, including BP@Home, and we hope to see a continued increase in the number of people managing their blood pressure well, and a reduction in hypertension-related appointments by up to 93% within two years, freeing up appointments for those that need them most.”

To reduce the risk the NHS recommends:

  • checking your blood pressure regularly
  • having a healthy, balanced diet
  • exercising regularly – at least 150 minutes of exercise a week
  • lose weight if overweight

If you’re on medication for high-blood pressure make sure you take it as directed by your doctor, and think about registering for BP@Home.

More information, including real life stories from Dorset people, can be found on the blood pressure campaign pages of the Dorset Stay Well website https://staywelldorset.nhs.uk/campaigns/bpathome/