The Medical Bit
Our nurses will carry out four checks:
More information is given about these four checks and the reasons to keep an eye on your levels below.
Blood Pressure
Our nurses use the old fashioned method of checking blood pressure, using a sphygmomanometer and a cuff, with a stethoscope to listen to your blood. The cuff is inflated tightly enough to temporarily stop the blood flow in your artery – this is usually at a pressure about 30 mmHg higher that your systolic pressure. The cuff is then gradually deflated and the pressure at which the nurse first hears a pulse is the systolic pressure. The cuff continues to be deflated until the sound of the blood flowing stops, this is the diastolic pressure.
Systolic Pressure - The pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries during the contraction phase of the heart, when blood moves out along the vessels.
Diastolic Pressure - The pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries when the heart is in the relaxation phase (diastole), and when blood fills the heart.
For more information about blood pressure, the Blood Pressure Association has kindly allowed us to reproduce their question and answer sheet on high blood pressure.
Body Mass Index
Body mass index is defined as your weight (in kg) divided by the square of your height (in m). This gives an estimate of the composition of your body and can be used to determine whether you are a healthy size. A BMI measurement is not as accurate if you're an athlete or very muscular (muscle weighs more than fat) as this can push you into a higher BMI category even if you have a healthy level of body fat. It's also not accurate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people who are frail.
Blood Glucose
This tests the amount of glucose in your blood which and is expressed in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). Blood glucose levels very throughout the day, usually highest after meals and lowest first thing in the morning.
Glucose is used by the body as a source of energy, however constantly high levels of blood glucose over a period of years can lead to the damage of the small blood vessels. This increases the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease - heart attack, heart failure, stroke.
Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like material which is found in all parts of the body and is essential for normal bodily functions such as the production of hormones and vitamin D. It is manufactured in the liver and we consume it in meat and dairy products. Excessive cholesterol in the blood contributes to atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease.
For both blood glucose and cholesterol test, a small amount of blood will be taken from your finger using a lancet, ‘a pin prick', and your results will be available within 5 minutes.
