Blood pressure issues...again....

[carole]

When i was on the way back from the dog pound today, i had to get my medication,i noticed the pharmacy were doing blood pressure checks for five dollars,as it has been five months since the last time and before i lost any weight, now having lost 20 pounds, i decided it was time to check it, it had previously been quite high and i was hoping the weight loss would have done the trick.

I was devastated to find not only was my BP sky high, it was worse than before the weight loss, i am totally gutted, a reading of 189/103 is not good, i was a little nervous and i know that can contribute to it, they call it white coat hypertension, when people get nervous at the doctors and there BP goes up, however i don't think it would be near that high, the lady who took it urged me to seek a doctors appt, that minute, however i just was not able to do that right there and at that moment.

I will of course go to the doctor, i guess much to my dismay i will need medication,i honestly came home and bawled my eyes out, i really thought i would have taken my BP down and i am really disappointed, not to mention i am so mad at having to take more meds.

Anyhow just wanted to share, and if you are taking meds, again refresh my memory,how are you doing, how are the side effects, and is there any more i can do to help myself, i know i could do more exercise and that has been my downfall, and reduce my salt intake, i am not heavy handed with salt, but i do have some on my meal at times,and i don't eat many snack foods containing high sodium levels, but still i want to reduce my intake anyhow.

Thanks for listening.

[joycenalex]

aw carole, i'm sorry that it was so high.....i'm not on BP meds, so i cannot offer any insight, but i hope that your DR finds one that works well for you and soon.

[happylabs]

I have been on BP meds for years. I take Diovan. It doesn't matter what I do to bring it down, it seems to be hereditary for me. It is upsetting when you first find out you have to take meds for it. I do understand that. I was told I shouldn't go off of it because I could have a heart attack. :eek: Sooo, I just take it and don't worry.

[Cataholic]

Carole, sorry to hear that. I would get in to a Md soon. HOWEVER I have heard that those machines CAN be inaccurate. Plus, having just come from the pound could explain an elevation, IMO. I also would nix ALL table salt from your meals. In time, you get used to it. I have not salted my food in years. I don't even have a filled salt shaker. I do pepper and season things, though.

Go drink some water and walk 2 miles...hey, I AM a doctor...you know, maybe not medical...he he he

[Grace]

Carole, that is high, but don't get too upset by one reading. You need to have it checked several times to get a pattern.

You should get your own BP monitor - and check it at home, $5 for one reading is a rip-off. Even down there in NZ you should be able to find one at your local pharmacy. Or order from Amazon.

I've been on BP meds for 15 years now, and I check mine every day here at home.

[Laura's Babies]

Yes, I would keep a check on it for several days to see what it runs over a period of time before I get TO alarmed. My ex also would get the white coat high BP, all he had to do was walk into a doctors office or hospital and his would shoot way up, even if he wasn't there for himself.

Watch what you are eating closer, read lables and keep a watch on it.

Mine tends to run low and it got TO low Tuesday when I had my colonscopy, Rie said my BP and oxygen levels dropped and they kept me there until it came back up, scared the B'gees out of Rie.... but in thinking back, during preadmit, the nurse kept pumping up the BP cup and after about the 5th time I asked her if it was running low and she said it was a machine error and kept trying... now I wonder. I am going to keep a closer eye on it from now on... wondering if my weight loss has effected it like that or maybe the cleaning out process?...

[moosmom]

Carole,

Have you had your cholesterol checked lately? I had high blood pressure in high school. As I got older, it went back to a normal reading. Don't know why but I'm glad.

Cholesterold, lipids, triglycerides and bp are all connected. I worry about ya, girl. Take care of yourself!!

[kokopup]

Carole, Grace is right, you can not judge your pressure from one reading, however being as high as it was is not good. You need your own monitor for sure and you also need to schedule an appointment with your Doctor. Unresolved high blood pressure can lead to heart problems and can do damage to other organs.

I have the opposite problem most of the time. I have baroreceptor reflex failure so my pressure goes both very high and then very low.

Here is a link for a monitor website. It has been my experience that medical supplys are cheaper in Australia. I buy all of my Pet meds from Australia and have them shipped to US cheaper than I can buy in US, Faster Too.

http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/electronic-blood-pressure-monitor-automatic-memory-functions/

[pomtzu]

I buy all of my Pet meds from Australia and have them shipped to US cheaper than I can buy in US, Faster Too.


Bill - not to change the subject of this thread, but you might want to check this out - vetshoponline.com - for pet meds. I get Advantix from them for $30 less than my vet charges, and considerably less than other on line pet med places that I've found.

[kokopup]

Sorry Carole don't want to hijack your thread, just wanted to respond to Ellie and thought others may find this interesting. This site is good for cat, dog and horse needs

The Austrailian site actually has supplies cheaper and shipping is less. They have a lot of combo deals like frontline and Heartgard at a reduced combined price. They also have some very good generic meds for less. There is no prescription required for heart meds or actually anything. I can order something online and 4 days later it is in my mailbox in Alabama. I never receive this kind of quick service from US suppliers.

http://www.equine-mega-store.com/

[slick]

Here's what I do.
1. I never trust those machines.
2. I always take my blood pressure at home after I've been sitting for at least 15 min.
3. I take it at a variety of times. Sometimes first thing in the morning, sometimes at work and sometimes in the evening. I never panic unless I get 3 consecutive high readings - which has not happened for years.
4. I do watch carefully what I eat now and always read the labels of what I buy. Where possible, I purchase low salt foods. Canned tomatoes and bottled spaghetti sauce are two things I don't buy anymore just to name a couple. Too much hidden salt.
5. I have also cut back on dairy. I cut out the milk and only drink soy milk now. I've cut way back on cheese (that was the hardest thing to do) and eggs too.
6. I only eat meat 3-4 times a month. My protein mainly comes from beans, legumes, tofu and fish.

I'm on two different blood pressure meds along with a water pill. The meds along with my modified lifestyle are doing the trick for me. Oh yes, and there really is something called the whitecoat syndrome - even my GP admits it. My BP is always higher in the doctor's office, but she's happy as long as it's normal at home.

[davidpizzica]

Oh, Carole! I'm so sorry to hear this. I've been on blood pressure meds for a long time now and I've never had any side effects from it. When I was in physical therapy, when I would finish one exercise, the girl would take my BP and it would usually be normal.I've cut way down on the salt and I avoid all caffeine too. {{{{HUGS}}}} to you,Carole!

[Karen]

Yes, Carol, sometimes high blood pressure has nothing to do with your weight. Someone I love who is completely of normal weight needs bp meds, I am quite overweight and do not. Sometimes it just is. Do you have a home bp measuring device? They are not very expensive, at least here, and once you get the hang of using them, it's not difficult.

As for taking more meds - I take a handful, every day, just so I have breathe without wheezing and sniffling. It's worth it, for me, so I just make it part of my routine. There a big disincentive to skipping, if I do, I am snuffly, get sinus infections that take days to clear, and am miserable.

With high blood pressure, the consequences are not immediately evident. That's why they call it "the Silent Killer" - but we want you around for a good long time, so go see the doctor! That's an order, young lady!

[pomtzu]

Carole - If your doc determines that you need meds to keep the BP down - please take them. It's not worth the risks you would take by not taking any.

High BP runs in my family, but I am fortunate that mine runs pretty normal, and even low at times. My brother had high BP but refused to take any meds - said he was just fine without them. He looked like the picture of health, but that silent killer was at work. He had a massive stroke at 59 - never worked or had another normal day in his life - and passed away from complications when he was only 64. In all probability, he would still be alive today, if only he hadn't been so stubborn.

Don't take chances - please - it's just not worth it. Even if you don't do it for yourself, then do it for all who love and care about you. I wish my brother had.:(

[kimlovescats]

I agree that high BP is not weight-related completely! It tends to be hereditary! My mother has always been teeny-tiny and she has very high BP! I have had high BP since in my early 20's too. I just now, at age 45, decided to buy my own cuff and I am checking it several times per day. I do take Lotensin for mine and it helps greatly with no side effects! Take care and keep the weight off because that DOES affect your health in many ways! I wish I could get myself in gear and drop some weight like you have! ;)

[RICHARD]

Carole,


If it makes you feel better?

The last time I saw the doc the nurse took my BP once.

Shook her head, took it again, recoiled in her chair, took it the third time in from of a doctor!

I think for the first two readings I was dead.

I have a weird BP thing too, the first readings are always an adventure!

Here in the U.S. we have pharmacies with machines you stick your arm in and it automatically reads it for you, for free!:eek:


Hang tough, everything will check out OK.!

[carole]

Ok here's the thing, it is not a one off reading, it was high over five months ago, but i decided to loose the weight and see if it changed, i was going to wait until i reached my goal, but as i was there and i saw they were doing it, i decided to have it done, and i will get two more readings next week,if it was the first time to be so high i would think yeah it is the nerves, but honestly i don't think so, it might come down so much, but not that much, she did make me rest for five mins before taking it, as i had been rushing around a bit.

I do have hereditary links, my mother had it at about the same age as myself, and of course she is on meds.,my dad might be too, not sure have to ask him about that.

Donna my cholesterol was great last time i had it taken, i will of course get a whole stack of bloods done when i go see the doctor.

And you all know my diet is really low fat, and pretty healthy,not a smoker or drinker,but a highly stressed individual, lol, yep maybe that is the cause, well it does not cause it, but does not help does it?

I just wanted to avoid taking meds at all costs, that is why i was working so hard at my weight loss for health reasons, and i feel very depressed today, knowing now that i probably have no choice, either that or i will be six feet under.

I had very little sleep last night, worrying myself about it, i guess i am worried there is another cause for it, and they just have not found that yet,it is just the shock of it really, i was expecting a good result, but i was really nervous in case this was the result.

I will book an appt next week to see the doctor, i have so many others things needing sorting as well, i just was not ready to go yet, but i guess i have no choice.

Thanks for your responses.

my sister has a blood pressure machine, maybe i could borrow it, cannot see the point in buying one if i am going on meds anyhow, as they will be checking it regularly from now on i suppose.

[Grace]

my sister has a blood pressure machine, maybe i could borrow it, cannot see the point in buying one if i am going on meds anyhow, as they will be checking it regularly from now on i suppose.

Yes, they will be checking it regularly, but not everyday. You can do that at home, and keep a record to show the doc when you have an appointment.

[carole]

Yes i guess that is a very valid point you make, see what i can do.

[Sirrahsim]

If you do have to go on meds and would prefer something natural you can ask your doctor about taking Garlic and Fish Oil capsules. My husband's doctor had him go on those for 6 weeks when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure (and his cholesterol was a little high). Within those six weeks his numbers for both improved quite a bit.
He also has "white coat syndrome" and having a blood pressure machine at home helped us to not worry as much! We got ours at Walmart for around $30, though I have no idea how prices translate from here to there!

[kokopup]

While some people may be able to lower their blood pressure by losing weight, it is not a given. I have seen morbidly obese people with perfect blood pressure and someone as skinny as a rail with high. Before i developed baroflex failure I had high blood pressure. I have always been very slim, so weight and blood pressure are often not related. Being over
weight can cause many other health problems so it is a good idea to slim down if possible.

It is also a good idea to monitor your own blood pressure if possible. You can overdo this
also because your blood pressure does go up and down during the day. The important thing
is for it to OK most of the time. You can get obsessive about checking it and cause it
to increase if you aren't careful. Once or twice a day is fine. Some days I don't even
check mine because I can usually tell when it is low. Mine stays low more than anything.

[carole]

odourless garlic might be ok but i am allergic to fish, so no fish oil for me, but thanks i will check in to alternatives, and it seems a blood pressure machine might be a good idea, see how we go next week, get a reading on Tues and Thurs possibly, let you know how it goes, thanks everyone for your comments , advice , experiences, it is alway's good to hear and learn from others.

[carole]

I just wanted you all to know i got my sisters blood pressure machine today, it is identical to the one used at the pharmacy, i had just got back from some shopping, sat down for a couple of minutes, so was not competely relaxed, but thought ok let us just take it anyhow.

Listen to this my BP was 126/80 which i think is pretty good BP for my age etc,certainly should be out of the danger zone anyhow,that is a big come down from 189/103 i am over the moon, obviously i had white coat hypertension, i took it a few minutes later when i had been active and it went up a bit, but not by that much.

I will keep taking it over the next two days, but it is looking very good and looks like i will not be needing medication, you have no idea how much that means to me.

Also my friend Jane who was with me had her's taken, she had been relaxing sitting in the car reading the newspaper, she is very active, and her's was also up it was 140/90 which is considered pre-hypertension and that is higher than her's usually is.

So thank you all for encouraging me to use a blood pressure machine, i almost decided not to, I am glad i listened to you all, and this proves my weight loss has indeed done what i had hoped.

i don't think i am counting my chickens before they hatch, hope not anyhow, just so happy, carole is doing a happy happy dance now.:D:)ok my research online tells me 120/80 is what i really need to be, so i will have to continue with the weight loss, up my exercise and cut out my salt, and hopefully i will achieve that,but i do not have to panic and be over concerned, just need to work on some things, and see if i can improve it, gosh my hubby has low BP his is 98/62 eek.

[Grace]

Wonderful news!!

But don't stop checking - either borrow your sister's machine, or get one for yourself. You need to check your BP frequently - and keep a record to show your doctor.

[carole]

yes i will have my sisters machine for a few weeks, and i think i will invest in one when i can, i am not going to the doctor now, i don't see the need 55 dollars i cannot afford right now, and it does not seem necessary, i will continue with all the right things, and work hard to get it lower, and keep a good eye on it.

[Karen]

Check it every day, and keep a running log, okay? We love you!

[carole]

Thank you Karen, I love you all too, and yes i am doing that, checked it today when resting 123/78 after exercise 137/88 and last night when i was rested it was 125/78, i think they are all very good readings for someone my age, i cannot see i am a risk at all myself,what you all think?

[Grace]

I think those number are great - and keep it up for a few weeks more. Then maybe once a week :)

[carole]

will do folks, thanks.

[davidpizzica]

I totally agree, Sis. I think those mumbers are really good for you.

[carole]

yes i think so too, when i was resting last night it was 110/65 which is very low for me and really good i think, my mother is still saying i should go to the doctor and get it checked, i cannot see the point, as it will rise for sure because i am nervous, i really don't think i have any BP issues at all to worry about.

[Grace]

Since you are monitoring it on a regular basis, I see no specific need to see the doctor. Next time you go, for whatever reason, bring along your readings. Bring your monitor, also. Then you can compare the readings the nurse gets with your machine. Each one will be slightly different, but it's nice to know.

[kokopup]

keep in mind that your blood pressure is suppose to go up when you exercise. After exercise it should return to normal in around 15 minutes. It is a good idea to always take your pressure after being Idle for at least 15-20 minutes. Always take it sitting and keep your legs uncrossed. The readings you have posted are good for any age. keep in mind that
everyones pressure will go up and down in response to exercise and stress. I never take mine after a football game or race on TV because I know it will be elevated.