English Language Patient Consultations

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Blood Pressure Monitoring

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM : Blood Pressure Monitoring

History & Symptoms

OK. So, how can I help you today?

Well, due to the recent publicity about the blood pressure tablets, my prescription is nearly due for a repeat.

Right.

so I thought I ought to consult you before I just pop it into the box.

So youve just come today just for advice. Have you?

Yes, I have, please.

Thats fine. Ill have to just go and brief myself about what you are taking at the moment its enalapril.

Yes.

And thats the only medication that you are taking.

2007 OCB MEDIA

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English Language Patient Consultations

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Blood Pressure Monitoring

Thats right.

Now, just so that I am aware of this, in your own words, are you taking that just for blood pressure or for any other reasons at all?

No. No.

Thats fine. Ill just check one other thing. Thats fine. Well, the good news for you is that this is in fact They were talking about 4 classes of medication for blood pressure. we call them the ABCDs of blood pressure. We used to prescribe all four of them for different people for different reasons. Its the B one, the B blockers, that theres been a concern about. There may be people, they are not dangerous, but they are just not the best.

Yes.

And you happen to be on A, which is number 1 choice for people within your age group for blood pressure management. So, provided your blood pressure is well managed and there is no other issues on the blood tests that youve had. Have youI presume you have had a blood test?

Ive had yes, yes.

Um, then, you are on the optimum choice of medication thats just been recently advised.

OK. Thank you.

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English Language Patient Consultations

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Blood Pressure Monitoring

Um, when was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Do you remember?

November, I believe.

November time. So, were looking at about 7 months ago, arent we? It might be an idea just to do that now (that) you are here.

Physical Examination
Thank you.

Was there any particular reason you were concerned? Was it because you didnt know which type you were taking.

No. I knew which one it was.

Yes.

It was just that a

Yes. Ill do the other arm.

with all the publicity, it said to come and see the Doctor before having any more tablets.

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English Language Patient Consultations

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Blood Pressure Monitoring

Tablets. Thats fine.

So, I thought it was nearly duethe prescription.

Yes. But its a good idea that you keep your eye on the blood pressure every six months to a year anyway, soas youre here...

Yes.

Lets see here. Now, the good news is that the one that were changing people to is the one that youre on! So...

Oha, right. The only thing is, I wish it could the doses could be reduced a little bit.

Why is that?

I just prefer it. If I had it my way, I wouldnt take tablets at all but I know theyre necessary for certain conditions, and Im grateful for them, but Yes.

I was just hoping that eventually they could be reduced a little bit

OK. Keep your arm just nice and relaxed, so all the tension is out of the arm; just let it rest on your lap. Thats good. Ill have a quick look at the last

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English Language Patient Consultations

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Blood Pressure Monitoring

blood pressures and Ill compare this one. OK. Ill just repeat that one more time. Its just a little bit on the high side, but it could be the environment were in here today.

Diagnosis & Explanation

OK. It is worth saying, actually, that the dose that you are on is probably the lowest dose that we have on enalapril.

Yes.

Or one of the lowest doses. Um, so, you know, youre not on a great big dose of it, anyway.

Yes. Um, and I certainly wouldnt want to reduce it. Well see what the second blood pressure shows. If these blood pressures are raised because of the environment were in today, theyve been fine, havent they, the past couple of timesin fact, its already coming down a little bit. My advice would be just so you that you are in an environment where we havent got a camera filming you, perhaps it would be a good idea to repeat the blood pressure again in about another month.

Yes.

With a nurse.

Thats right. Thank you.

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English Language Patient Consultations

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Blood Pressure Monitoring

Treatment & Advice

Um, was there anything else that I could help you with today?

No, not today, thank you very much.

OK. So, you are on the right one. Certainly with the readings we are getting now, they are not quite as good as they were, but certainly there is no reason for concern. That could be an artificial thing because of the environment of the consultation today, so if you could arrange with the girls downstairs to have another blood pressure in about another months time

Yes.

And in terms of reducing the dose, I wouldnt be keen on that.

Yes. Fair enough.

It is a medication which is really aimed at preventing things for you in the future

Yes.

rather than treating an illness now andyou know...

Yes. Im very careful of what I eat and that sort of thing and Im a little bit disheartened that the blood pressure is still so high.

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English Language Patient Consultations

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Blood Pressure Monitoring

Well, I think at this stage, itser Im not relying on this one 100%. Its not sky-high. Its just higher than it has been.

Yes.

Um, I think that can be for the reasons of the circumstances of this consultation. So, thats why Im comfortable if we wait three or four weeks, repeat it again, maybe with Maria

Yes.

And if she finds its borderline or high, shell ask us to see you again. But at this stage, carry on as you are.

OK. Thanks very much.

OK. Thank you very much again.

Thank you.

Bye, then.

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