How are you addressing the problem of high blood pressure at your pharmacy?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that one in every three American adults have high blood pressure. And, only half of those with high blood pressure have the condition under control.
High blood pressure puts people at risk for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the world, according to the CDC.
Helping patients monitor their blood pressure reduces the risk of them developing heart disease and improves their overall health. In addition, it can make your pharmacy more profitable through an increase in prescriptions filled and use of patient care services.
Here are five ways you can help patients keep their blood pressure under control.
1. Counsel patients
For patients to effectively manage their high blood pressure, they need to understand their condition and how the medication they’re prescribed works.
Counsel patients on what high blood pressure means and the consequences of not adhering to treatment.
Explain the concept of high blood pressure in a way that patients can relate to. A common example compares the pressure of water in a garden hose to the pressure of blood against the artery walls.
Make patients aware of how this condition increases their risk for cardiovascular disease, and the complications associated with it.
2. Stress the importance of medication adherence
When it comes to adherence, many patients simply don’t take their high blood pressure medication correctly. This can include skipping doses or not taking the dose as prescribed.
By helping patients understand that monitoring their blood pressure and taking proper medication could prevent cardiovascular disease and improve heart health, they’ll be more likely to adhere to their medication.
It’s also important to inform patients about the risk associated with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. As you know, they’re not always safe for people with high blood pressure. For example, some cold and flu medicines, along with antihistamines, could potentially be problematic for these patients.
3. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices
Sometimes making simple lifestyle changes can help patients manage high blood pressure.
Encourage patients to increase their physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, limit or avoid their alcohol intake and quit smoking.
Make patients aware of the services you offer that can assist them with these lifestyle changes, such as a health and wellness program or smoking cessation program.
4. Teach patients how to monitor blood pressure at home
Assist patients with finding a blood pressure monitor that they can use at home.
Teach patients how and when to use the monitor, and provide them with a list of helpful tips on how to get accurate readings.
Make sure patients know how to record the readings, so that pharmacists and physicians can determine how well the treatment is working. It’s also important to explain what the readings mean, so that patients can consult their physician when there’s a cause for concern.
5. Offer blood pressure screenings
Patients are more likely to regularly monitor their blood pressure when they have the convenience of getting tested at your pharmacy.
Additionally, blood pressure screenings present an opportunity for pharmacists to establish relationships with patients and work with them on a course of action if their blood pressure is high.
Whether it’s selling a blood pressure reader or charging for blood pressure screenings and consultations, helping patients manage their high blood pressure can increase your profitability—and improve patients’ health.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial to controlling blood pressure and improving heart health. Check out these tips for promoting healthy living in your pharmacy.
