Blood pressure assessment and management in clinical practice

Everyone, including patients concerned about their risk of developing dementia, should have their blood pressure monitored and hypertension, if present, should be treated.  Hypertension increases the risk of dementia, as well as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

The RACGP Red Book briefly outlines the guidelines for detecting and managing hypertension in primary care practice.  Blood pressure should be measured in all adults at least every 2 years, and those with other risk factors or conditions may require more regular checks.

The Heart Foundation’s Guide to management of hypertension provides detailed guidelines for measurement of blood pressure, and diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

For those working in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region of NSW, the Healthy Heart Healthy Mind campaign is providing education sessions for health professionals on hypertension and dementia risk reduction.  The Illawarra Division of General Practice are also conducting a project to educate GPs and Practice Nurses about the link between hypertension and dementia.