Haughton Thonrley Medical Centres want to support you with your choices around your health. Even one or two simple changes really can make a big difference and benefit your heart, kidneys, lungs and much more
This free service offers fantastic one to one support. Are you interested in any of the following? Weight loss, eating well, being active, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, sleeping better or reducing stress? Then click Be Well Tameside or let the practice know. You may choose telephone or video calls.
Practical tips for heart health
We have sent this message to give you some really useful information at your fingertips. There is lots of information but remember to focus on one or two small goals or changes that are right for you.
- Eating a balanced diet with less sugar, more fibre, less salt, fruit and veg– if you don’t always get your five a day, build up slowly as it all helps. It doesn’t have to cost more- see Eat Well for Less
- Getting more active– Great info for every age group, busy families, parents and if you have a disability or mobility difficulties. Also if isolating or shielding see staying active at home
- Reducing your weight-12 tips to help on your journey
- Support with stopping smoking-and Be Well Tameside can offer one to one support
- Be alcohol aware– did you know alcohol can raise your cholesterol, blood pressure and waistline?
See below for important information on caring for your cholesterol and blood pressure
Cholesterol
A cholesterol blood test measures the cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance needed for several important functions in the body. There are several causes of high cholesterol and several types of cholesterol. LDL is known as bad cholesterol, if the cholesterol levels become too high, this increases a person’s risk of a heart attack or stroke. Triglycerides can be raised due to several conditions but also an earlier meal. HDL is good cholesterol and helps to remove the bad fats from the body. Your cholesterol levels are just part of the picture and an ‘abnormal’ result for one person may actually be normal for someone else. You can learn more about understanding test results here.
Cholesterol explained-learn about the different type of fats and hot to balance them in your diet.
Lowering your cholesterol-useful NHS advice to help reduce your cholesterol
Want to know about statins?
Statins work in several ways to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Click statins to learn more about this medication. People with certain conditions are strongly encouraged to consider taking a statin, this includes people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, who have diabetes or have kidney disease. This is because the risk is already known to be high. Your doctor or nurse might recommend you consider a statin if your cholesterol levels are too high or because of your QRISK score is 10% or greater.
Your QRISK Score
A QRISK score calculates the chance of having a heart attack or stroke within ten years. Your QRISK score can change as it depends on many factors such as weight, smoking status, blood pressure and even your postcode. Read on to see how to improve your heart heath and also reduce your QRISK.
Looking after your blood pressure
What is blood pressure? If you imagine water flowing through a pipe this helps to understand blood flowing through the blood vessels in your body. The force at which your heart pumps blood around your body is known as your blood pressure. Your blood pressure will vary throughout the day and often increases over the course of a person’s life. Learn more about caring for your blood pressure see here
Medications for your heart and blood pressure
You may have been told you have high blood pressure. Most people with high blood pressure feel well and will not notice any symptoms. However high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage. This is why it is so important to take your heart and blood pressure medication every day, even if you feel well. See here for some information on heart medications
Checking your blood pressure at home?
Learn how to check your own Blood Pressure at home and understand what this means.
Blood pressure tests can be carried out at home using your own blood pressure monitor.
Like 24-hour or ambulatory monitoring, this can give a better reflection of your blood pressure.
It can also allow you to monitor your condition more easily in the long term.
You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you’re out and about.
Non-urgent advice: Measuring your blood pressure at home
Measure your blood pressure twice a day, ideally in the morning and the evening, while you’re sitting down.
Each time take 2 readings, 1 minute apart. Continue to measure your blood pressure twice a day for 7 days.
Your doctor or nurse will use this information to work out your average blood pressure.
It’s important to make sure you use equipment that’s been properly tested.
The British Hypertension Society (BHS) has information about validated blood pressure monitors that are available to buy.
Watch this video on how to check your own blood pressure
To help you stay informed and live well we would like you to
- Access your electronic health records to view your GP electronic health records to get a better understanding of your healthcare needs.
