Early detection and treatment of high blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of serious illness.
Why heart health and blood pressure matter
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the main risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In the UK, around three in 10 adults have high blood pressure. However, many people do not realise because it often causes no symptoms.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Circulation problems
Checking your blood pressure regularly helps identify problems early. As a result, you can access the right support before complications develop.
Heart Health Support Programme in mid Essex
Many GP practices are taking part in a local NHS programme delivered in partnership with ECLIPSE (Equality of Care Led Insights for Patient Safety and Engagement).
This free heart health support programme supports people to:
- Check their blood pressure
- Understand their results
- Access treatment and lifestyle support
- Reduce long-term health risks
Your GP practice remains responsible for your care throughout. Therefore, the programme works alongside your usual GP services rather than replacing them.
Who may be invited to take part?
You may receive an invitation if you are aged 20 to 65 and:
- Your last blood pressure reading was higher than expected
- You have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
- You take blood pressure medication and may benefit from additional support
Invitations are usually sent by text message or phone call from your GP practice or the ECLIPSE Patient Engagement Team.
You may be asked to provide an up-to-date blood pressure reading.
How to take a blood pressure reading
You can take a blood pressure reading in several ways:
- Using your own monitor at home
- Visiting a participating community pharmacy
- Attending an NHS Health Check (if invited)
- Using a GP surgery blood pressure pod (where available)
- Borrowing a monitor through the Essex County Council library loan scheme
If you are unsure which option is most suitable, your GP practice can advise.
Sharing your results
Once you have taken a reading, you may be asked to:
- Upload it using a secure NHS portal (using your NHS number and date of birth), or
- Contact your GP practice or pharmacy directly
Your results are shared securely with your GP practice. This allows clinicians to review your reading and decide what support may help.
Support could include:
- Follow-up appointments
- Medication review
- Blood pressure treatment
- An NHS Health Check
- Referral to lifestyle or wellbeing services
Contact from the ECLIPSE team
You may receive:
- A text message from NHS Connect as the sender linking to a questionnaire, or
- A phone call from the ECLIPSE Patient Engagement Team
If contacted, the team will explain they are working on behalf of your GP practice and NHS Essex Integrated Care Board. They may call from 01268 519 752.
If you are unsure whether contact is genuine, you can speak directly to your GP practice for reassurance.
Is it safe to share my information?
Yes. Information shared through the ECLIPSE platform is managed securely in line with NHS data protection standards.
Your data is used only to support your care and improve health outcomes. In addition, you can find more details about data protection on your GP practice website.
If you prefer not to use the online system
If you cannot access the online portal or would prefer not to use it, you can:
- Contact your GP practice directly
- Provide your reading by phone or in person
However, you will still need to share an up-to-date reading to take part in the programme. If you do not want to share an up-to-date reading, your GP practice will not be able to include you in the programme.
When to contact another service
Contact your GP if:
- You are concerned about your heart health
- Your blood pressure readings are high
- You feel unwell or worried
Contact NHS 111 if you need urgent advice outside normal hours.
Call 999 immediately if you experience chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe breathlessness.