Blood Pressure Test

A blood pressure test is a simple way of checking if your blood pressure is too high or too low, because most people won’t have any obvious symptoms. Having a test is easy and could save your life.

Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it’s pumped around your body.

High blood pressure (hypertension) means that your blood pressure is constantly higher than the recommended target blood pressure. Over time if this is not treated, can put a strain on your arteries and organs, which can increase your risk of developing serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) isn’t usually as serious, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people.

The pressure of blood flowing in the arteries changes according to the different phases of the heartbeat cycle. The pressure in the arteries will be at its highest when the heart is ‘contracting’ and pumping blood out, and at its lowest as the heart relaxes before it pumps again.

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) and the diastolic (as the heart relaxes between beats). The numbers are written one above or before the other, the systolic number on top and the diastolic on the bottom.

As a general guide:

• normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
• high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
• low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower
• A blood pressure reading between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure if you don’t take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.

You may be asked to come to see a nurse for a blood pressure check and if it is found to be above the recommended target, you may also be asked to have a number of tests – blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a 24 hours ECG – to help your doctor decide if treatment is necessary.

Cervical Screening

A cervical screening test (previously known as a smear test) is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix, which is in the lower part of the womb. Detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer.

For many women the test results show that everything is normal; but for 1 in 20 women, the test shows abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer; however, it is important to arrange a meeting with us.

We offer the test to all women aged between 25 and 64. Cervical Screening tests are done every 3 years between the ages of 25 and 49, and every 5 years between 49 and 64.

There are no scheduled appointments for this service. All appointments can be booked at the reception. Clinics are available throughout the day between Monday to Fridays and even Saturday mornings.

Results are sent by post, so it is important that we have up-to-date contact details.
For further concerns or discussions, please contact your GP or Mrs. Debbie Stanway.

Doppler study

To rule out conditions affecting the arteries, our nurse will carry out a test known as a Doppler study.

A Doppler test managed by the nursing team is undertaken to help measure the flow of blood through the arteries in your arms and legs using sound waves to make a noise when blood flow is detected. The Doppler is used in place of the stethoscope normally used when taking blood pressures. The test is to detect if there are any abnormalities in the flow of blood in your vessels.

A Doppler assessment is a painless procedure and often undertaken as part of any overall assessment of whether provision of support or compression hosiery (full length or knee high stockings or socks) may be helpful to you. You will need to make a 20 minute appointment for this and depending on the outcome of the procedure; the nurse will recommend appropriate management.

Hearing Tests (Audiometry)

Hearing tests are used to assess your ability to hear different sounds and to determine if there are any problems. Damage to any part of the ear can cause a hearing loss. Problems may occur in the ear canal or the middle ear and hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. A hearing test checks whether there is a problem with any of the different mechanisms that allow a person to hear.

Why are hearing tests needed?

• Hearing tests are carried out for two main reasons:
• as a routine part of a baby’s or young child’s developmental checks
  to check the hearing of someone who is experiencing hearing problems or has hearing loss

What happens during a hearing test?

Hearing tests are carried out so the right support and treatment can be provided. The test involves the use of a special machine called an audiometer, which plays a series of tones through headphones, which you will be asked to wear. The tones vary in pitch and loudness and the nurse conducting the hearing test will control the volume and tone of the sounds relayed through the machine. You will be asked to respond to each sound you hear even if very faint.

The results of a hearing test will form a graph called an audiogram. This will show if there is any pattern to the hearing loss you may be experiencing and help your doctor assess the most appropriate management.

If you’re worried about any hearing problems, you can ask your GP for a hearing test.

Spirometry

Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath. It’s carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece. Spirometry may be performed by a nurse or doctor.

Why spirometry is carried out

It may be recommended if you have a persistent cough or breathlessness, or if you’re over 35 and smoke.

Conditions that can be picked up and monitored using spirometry include:

• asthma – a long-term condition in which the airways become periodically inflamed (swollen) and narrowed
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a group of lung conditions where the airways become narrowed
• cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick, sticky mucus
• pulmonary fibrosis – scarring of the lungs

If you’ve already been diagnosed with one of these conditions, spirometry may be carried out to check the severity of the condition or see how you’re responding to treatment.

Spirometry is also a standard test for people who may be being considered for surgery, or to check the general health of people who have other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Preparing for the test

You’ll be told about anything you need to do to prepare for the test and what happens during a spirometry test. Spirometry is a straightforward test and is generally considered very safe. Some people may feel dizzy, faint, shaky, sick or tired for a short period afterwards.

Overall, your appointment should last around 30-90 minutes. You’ll be able to go home soon after the tests have finished and can return to your normal activities.

Your results

The person carrying out the test won’t usually be able to give you your results immediately. The results will need to be looked at by a specialist first, and will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the test, who will discuss them with you a few days later.