The aim of this training is for the learner to be able to understand how to take and record a blood pressure reading, how hypertension can develop, be able to risk assess and manage a patient’s primary medication within General Practice.
Hypertension, Blood Pressure Management in Adults within Primary Care
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- Average time to complete: 3 hours
- 100% online
- Developed with reference to NICE guidance NG136
- Downloadable resources included
- Free CPD-accredited certificate to evidence professional development
High blood pressure is frequently identified and managed within general practice, making confident blood pressure measurement and a good understanding of hypertension essential skills for primary care clinical teams.
This CPD-accredited online hypertension training course provides a practical introduction to assessing and managing high blood pressure in adults. It covers accurate blood pressure measurement, hypertension diagnosis, lifestyle interventions, cardiovascular risk, antihypertensive medicines and treatment monitoring, supported by clinical scenarios relevant to everyday primary care.
Why this course matters
- Builds confidence in taking and recording accurate blood pressure measurements
- Strengthens understanding of hypertension, its causes and associated health risks
- Supports the recognition, assessment and diagnosis of high blood pressure in primary care
- Develops knowledge of lifestyle interventions and cardiovascular risk reduction
- Introduces the medicines commonly used to manage hypertension and how treatment is monitored
- Helps clinical staff recognise abnormal results, potential complications and when further assessment or referral may be required
What you will learn
- How blood pressure is regulated and how hypertension can develop
- How to measure blood pressure accurately using electronic and manual equipment
- How blood pressure readings are interpreted and hypertension is assessed and diagnosed
- How lifestyle changes can support the prevention and management of high blood pressure
- The main groups of antihypertensive medicines and their role in hypertension treatment
- How blood pressure, medication response and patient progress are monitored in primary care
Who this course is for
This online hypertension and blood pressure management course is designed for clinical staff involved in assessing or supporting adults with high blood pressure in UK general practice and primary care, including:
- Practice nurses and nursing associates
- Advanced nurse practitioners and other advanced clinicians
- Clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- GPs and prescribing clinicians seeking a refresher
- Physician associates working in primary care
- Healthcare assistants involved in blood pressure measurement within their scope of practice
- Other primary care professionals involved in hypertension reviews and long-term condition management
The course is particularly suited to clinicians developing or refreshing foundation-level knowledge of blood pressure measurement and hypertension management in primary care.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how blood pressure is regulated and recognise factors that contribute to hypertension
- Describe the equipment, preparation and technique required for accurate blood pressure measurement
- Interpret blood pressure readings and understand the principles of diagnosing hypertension
- Identify important lifestyle, cardiovascular and clinical considerations when assessing a patient
- Describe the main antihypertensive drug groups and principles of pharmacological management
- Explain how treatment response, side effects and blood pressure control may be monitored within primary care
Full course description
Understanding hypertension and blood pressure
The course begins with the physiology of blood pressure and the factors that influence it, helping learners understand how hypertension develops and why sustained high blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and other complications
Taking accurate blood pressure measurements
Practical guidance covers both electronic and manual blood pressure measurement, including equipment, cuff selection, patient positioning and factors that can affect the accuracy of a reading. The course also introduces manual blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, alongside lying and standing blood pressure and common sources of measurement error.
Assessing and diagnosing hypertension
You will explore how clinic readings, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) contribute to identifying hypertension. The course introduces hypertension stages, assessment for target-organ damage, cardiovascular risk and circumstances where further investigation or referral may be needed. These areas reflect the principal topics covered by NICE NG136.
Hypertension medicines and treatment monitoring
You will receive an introduction to the main groups of medicines used to manage hypertension, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium-channel blockers, diuretics, beta blockers and other treatment options. The course also considers treatment monitoring, medication adherence, side effects and the importance of reviewing blood pressure alongside relevant clinical information.
Applying hypertension management in primary care
Case scenarios bring the different parts of the course together, asking learners to consider blood pressure readings, investigations, lifestyle factors, medication and follow-up in realistic primary care situations. You’ll learn the importance of local hypertension protocols and be given examples of how hypertension and home blood pressure monitoring may be recorded within SystmOne.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered. You will need to achieve a result of 80% or higher to pass. On successful completion, you will receive a certificate that can be downloaded or printed for your records.
Professional responsibility and scope
This course is designed to support knowledge and understanding but does not in itself confirm competence.
- Competency should be assessed within your workplace
- Practice should align with local protocols, current guidance, and professional standards
- You are responsible for applying learning appropriately within your role
- Prescribing and medication decisions should only be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals
- Clinical concerns and abnormal findings should be escalated appropriately
Average time to complete
Approximately 3 hours, depending on your prior knowledge and experience. The course is fully self-paced, allowing you to complete it in stages. You can revisit any sections that you’re unsure of.
Course Content
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I buy this course for someone else?
Yes. To do this, register using their email address and the name they would like to appear on their certificate.
For example, you might know them as Kate, but they may need their certificate issued in their full birth name, Katherine. It’s best to check these details with them first.
Once the purchase is complete, they will receive the automatic course link by email.
Can I complete the course in my own time, and how long do I have to access it?
All of our online courses are self-paced, so you can complete them at a time that suits you. Your progress is saved at the end of each lesson, allowing you to return and continue later.
You will have six months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After six months, the course will no longer be available.
Some courses, such as Basic Life Support, must be completed annually by clinical staff. A new course will therefore need to be purchased each year to ensure the training reflects the most up-to-date guidance.
Can I access the training material after completing the course?
Yes. The course materials are available to download during your access period, so you can keep a copy for future reference. Your course access will remain active for six months from the date of enrolment, after which the course will no longer be available.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept card payments via Stripe. You can pay using a debit or credit card (such as Visa or Mastercard).
When will I get my certificate?
As soon as you have passed the end-of-course assessment and achieved the required pass rate of 80% or more, your certificate will be available to download from the top of the course page.
Do you offer refunds if I no longer need the course?
Refunds may be available if you have not logged into your account.
Once you have logged in, you will have access to the course materials and downloadable content, and a refund will no longer be possible.
What should I do if I can't log into my account?
When registering, please make sure you enter the correct email address, as login issues are often caused by an incorrect email being used. It can help to copy and paste your email address to avoid mistakes.
If you are unable to log in, click ‘Forgotten password’ and follow the instructions to reset your password via the email link sent to you.
If you continue to experience issues, please contact GPHA-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk and we will endeavour to respond within two working weeks.
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Purchasing multiple licences for the same course?
- 5 or more learners, receive 10% off
- 10 or more learners, receive 20% off
To receive a discount code or discuss offers, email gpha-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk
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