High Blood Pressure and EP appointment

[Pam296]

I was diagnosed with PAF in March and I'm fairly sure it is due to a history of not well controlled high BP and being significantly overweight. I now weigh a lot less but the BP is still an issue. I took a week's readings into my GP surgery and was shocked when my GP phoned me and said they were fine. The systolic readings were all in the 140/150 but the diasystolic were normal. She would not budge, even when I told her the cardiologist would prefer to see it in the 120s. A couple of questions - I am seeing an EP privately soon. Would he be the person to discuss BP concerns with? Also, should I ask the cardiologist who diagnosed my AF in March for a copy of my results (echocardiogram and 7 day monitor) to take with me or send prior to the appointment?

I still don't take any medication specifically for AF, apart from Apixaban.

[CDreamer]

Hi Pam - yes I would discuss your BP with your EP.

The parameters of what is a satisfactory BP seem to have moved a lot over the years but I think the cardiologist may know a little more than your GP about it.

Hope you get a clear answer from your EP

[BobD Volunteer]

Interesting questions there. MY GP wanted my BP below 130/75 so as CDreamer says parameters change from time to time. Do discuss with your EP.

There is some evidence that high blood pressure can exacerbate AF as of course can being overweight. This, according to a specialists at our recent conference , is the single most important thing for people to address when they are diagnosed. Others may correct me but I think the magic number is a BMI of less than 25. Obviously we all need to take control of such thing including stopping smoking where appropriate , reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption and taking a long hard look at our diets with less meat intake and more healthy non processed foods. I have found that limiting meat to say three days a week (non consecutive) has done wonders for me.

[Pam296 in reply to BobD]

Thank you. There is definitely a difference of opinion between GPs as to what constitutes acceptable BP levels. I have very few episodes of AF and they generally last no more than 2 minutes. I'm trying all the lifestyle changes in the hope that it may slow down the progress. I felt the time was right to see an EP as 6 months on from diagnosis, I have a lot of questions.

[rosyG in reply to Pam296]

Hi Pam

Sounds as if you are doing all the right things

I am always borderline BP like you- I find if I walk for 45 minutes it brings my BP right down by evening- often below 120 systolic- which actually makes things difficult as my cardiologist rightly say, meds for BP might bring this down too much and also would interfere with heart too- your GP might think side effects of BP meds not good for your heart.

Keep getting the weight down, exercise and it will help AF and BP. I only have rare episodes of AF and found that extra potassium IN FOOD, with a magnesium supplement prescribed by GP has helped enormously.

[Pam296]

Thanks for the advice, Rosy. I will keep at it as I'm determined to get the weight off. Your BP certainly drops with exercise! I must take mine and see what it does. I'll also look into increasing my potassium and finding a magnesium supplement.