Almost 3 Months Post Ablation and Getting increased Blood Pressure.

[Rubymurray25]

Hi, I wonder if anyone has been in a similar situation. I am just into my 11th week after my ablation and am due to stop the three months course of Flecainide; the first 10 weeks were OK other than a blip in week one, and my blood pressure has been steady at around 120/75 with a HR of 60 ( pre ablation I was on Sotalol ) . However, for the last 10 days my BP has often been in the mid 50's over high 80's and I have been getting headaches and occasional chest pains, my heart rate has been 100% steady though! My doctor is away and the Locom said he thought it was likely to be stress ( i'm not convinced, although I am a little worried about an hernia op in 4 weeks and being off meds ) , but told me to book in for an ECG and full blood test which is tomorrow. Thanks

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Ruby, I'm one of those people that can make their blood pressure go sky high with any stress. If I had a hernia op coming up I'm sure mine would go up too. I know we sometimes think we're coping well, but underneath we may not be and there's that little voice saying "what if". By the way did you miss a 1 off your systolic blood pressure reading?

If you've never had high BP before I would go with what your locum has suggested, but if you want to bring it down a little, cut salt out of your diet and try to relax more. I can bring mine down immediately by taking a big breath in and then letting the air huff out of my mouth quickly. Take your BP, then do this for a few minutes and then take it again to see if this breathing technique helps.

Jean

[Rubymurray25 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean, Many thanks for your reply and tips; I should have made my reading clear 155/88 usually 120/75. I look after my wife who had a stroke and is badly disabled and I guess the stress of not being to help 4 weeks after the op is in the back on my mind more than I am acknowledging. I have to say breathing does help, so will continue with that more and might look at going to the local Yoga class. Once again thanks. Max

( I use Ruby Murray as that was the name of my long gone wonderful dog )

PS Did we speak about a chinstrap at around Christmas time and my daughter sending one over, if so I will give you details as it has really worked for me.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rubymurray25]

No, that wasn't me re the chinstrap.

[Cha275rL]

What does a chinstrap do?

Btw, reading your post, I’m not surprised you’re feeling a bit stressed (even if you don’t realise it), but yoga will definitely make a difference. Go for it and good luck.

[Rubymurray25 in reply to Cha275rL]

Hello Cha275rL,

Re-reading my post I guess it did seem strange me talking about a Chin Strap, but that was to do with another conversation regarding Sleep Apnea and how I found a great American one that actually keeps my mouth shut at night to allow my CPAP ( Positive Airwaves ) machine to work. Whilst on the subject of Sleep Apnea which went unnoticed for years, my heart consultant told me it is a major cause of AF!!! Keep well , best regards

[Cha275rL in reply to Rubymurray25]

Thanks Rubymurray25 , didn’t mean to pry. Just wondered how a chinstrap would help AF. Had no idea about that, so have learnt something lol.

[Rubymurray25 in reply to Cha275rL]

Ironically, it was when I posted on this forum asking if anyone knew why I woke up so many times during the night for what I thought was needing the toilet but it wasn't, and when checking had high blood pressure. Someone then suggested I might have Sleep Apnea and when checked with my doctor I had severe Apnea, hence the link. In truth that person might well have saved my life as I recorded 68 episodes an hour!!!

[Cha275rL in reply to Rubymurray25]

Oh Lord! Yes, that person could well have saved your life. Take care. Xx