Blood pressure question

[wilsond]

Morning campers and Happy first day of Spring!

I know this isn't strictly AF,but can anyone shed some light on this weird issue that I have?

BTW this happened last year at almost the same month!

Recognise no one is medically able to advise I'm just curious.

First reading of blood pressure is really high,for no apparent reason to me ie 170/90/70 , 180/100/60. Obviously alarming.

. It usually calms down later to acceptable levels. 125/70/55 area.

I spoke to my GP who suggested I start changing my practice of taking 50mg losartan twice a day to once a day 100mg. To report back a week later.

Well that was yesterday so have booked a phone call today.

One factor I wondered if anyone had experience of ,and has been the subject of some discussion here is Ibuprofen. I gave had a really bad flare up of my chronic back pain for several weeks and have been taking panadol and slapping on the 5% Ibuprofen gel just to be able to walk( literally )

I thought I'd check the Losartan guidance and it says,' speak with your Dr if using NSAIDs as they can lower the effect of your hypertension drugs' (even if topical ???)

I'd be interested on any others experience, as I'm going to mention it today.

I know I'm lucky to get such swift service but no idea when it'll be. Up to 9pm tonight so shall be waiting in . Last gp call I took in the middle of Tesco,discussing my IBS by the fruit and veg aisle 😆 as you do.

Take care everyone ❤️

[ForensicFairy]

When you say first reading - do you mean first of a succession of more than one reading over a few minutes or first reading of the day?

If I take mine within 30 minutes or so of waking, it’s higher than normal. I was told it’s because you’re often dehydrated in the morning after going all night without eating or drinking. I have no idea how accurate that is but it sounds reasonable.

[wilsond in reply to ForensicFairy]

Yes first thing. Unusual for me to do so,as I've recently been getting out to invigilate exams,so took earlier than my usual 2 ,3 times a week reading.Plus of course,the same timing last year for exams .

That makes sense!

[BobD Volunteer]

When checking BP take three readings five minutes a part and use lowest or second . Remember if you are in AF none will be acurate.

[wilsond in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. Will do. Not in AF but did recall.that is useless to try whilst in.

[Czech_Mate in reply to BobD]

HiDoes that also apply if you are told that you are in permanent AFib? If so, if you are in permanent AFib the Blood Pressure readings are always worthless?

Cheers CM

[BobD Volunteer]

Few of the over the counter units work properly if you are in AF. Then you must use the old fashioned stethesscope system.

[Cavalierrubie]

Hi Wilsond.

Sorry to hear of your dilemmma and awful back problem. I am by no means a medic., but if your BP has gone up since your back problem, l would think there is some connection?

I was once told by my GP that pain, inflammation etc. can raise the BP. Then there is the stress and anxiety on top and you have been like this for a few weeks. Hope you get some reassurance from your GP and your back soon heals. There is nothing worse than back pain because it makes you so incapacitated.

Hope your back soon heals and your BP gets back to normal. Take care of yourself and sending healing hugs.

[wilsond in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you,yes that makes sense. It's the only thing different in my life .Had a call from one of our Gps, but very unsatisfactory. I'm a little hard of hearing and asked him to speak up at least 4 times but when he did he was very hard to understand. Mumbled something about ' ah Dr B put you on amlodipine as well as Losartan once, mumble mumble..' I said ,that was over 4 years ago but I didn't actually get to take them,as the Losartan increase sorted it out. Dr B said not required '

Responded ' have you still got them?'

And so on.

Waste of time. Not exactly conducive

Shall go to the surgery today and discuss!

However, today's reading is better 160/80/65 so going in right direction!

I see the spinal consultant in April so hopefully might get some help.

Thank you and have a good weekend 😊

[Cavalierrubie in reply to wilsond]

Get well soon. 🥰

[Jasper18]

Hi, I’ve been told that it’s crucial to take at least 5 mins to “chill out” before taking your first reading, sitting in a quiet environment etc. (not usually the case at the doctors!). Makes a big difference.

And of course, to follow all other instructions around taking the readings, cuff fitting etc.

[wilsond in reply to Jasper18]

Thank you,but these were at home,first thing in the morning. Unusual for me to take them,but was off out to exam invigilate, so noticed higher than usual.

Hmm

Settling down nicely now but have kept careful records.

[Ppiman]

What are your three numbers for BP? There are only two, when the heart pumps the pressure high ("systolic pressure") and when it rests between beats ("diastolic pressure").

I find that my first reading is always high. I seem to have "white coat syndrome" without a doctor present! It takes three of more reading for my presumably trusty Omron Evolv BP machine to produce a consistent reading. So mine might typically read 145/85 initially, but end up as 115/70 eventually. Indeed, I find I am better sitting on a dining room chair with my elbow on a cushion when I use it, looking peacefully out at the garden or the clouds.

I wondered whether it might be my particular model but I have two others that came my way as review samples, both used on the wrist, and those mirros the issue, so it's me. Just out of interest, I find the wrist monitors will always read high if badly positioned, so would always recommend the upper arm model - and the Omron Evolv in particular for its utter ease of use.

Steve

[Judithdalston in reply to Ppiman]

I’m assuming last is HR!

[Ppiman in reply to Judithdalston]

Aha, Judith. Why didn’t I think of that? Thank you.

Steve

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello and thank you for your message, in Patient Services we often receive enquiries relating to taking various over-the-counter medications with their antiarrhythmic or other prescribed medications, we always advise it is best to speak with a pharmacist as they are trained medical professionals that deal with medications on a daily basis and have the best knowledge to advise. They are also able to help with any questions relating to blood pressure. However, please follow the link to our information sheet: Understanding your blood pressure: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Patient Services Team either by calling: [phone] or via email: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

information sheet

[wilsond in reply to TracyAdmin]

Thank you!

[Omniscient1]

I presume the third of your readings is heart rate? I was advised to take a few readings and average them, and also over the day (I did twice a day) for a week).

The practise nurse said that the stethoscope method for AF patients is better, but the GP said 'No, the machines are ok'.

No consistency at all. The only thing I would add for you is that readings in the surgery are often affected by the pressure of the event (ie seeing the Dr), so for me fairly useless. My wife point blank refuses.

The other thing is to avoid caffeine before checking your BP. It raises it (but pls verify online).

[wilsond in reply to Omniscient1]

Hi,these were home readings before getting going for the day. Very unusual for me! On the good side,since my back problem has calmed down,for now,BP is settling. Weird(?).thank you for tips though

[Chuyueling]

I thought BP went up because of pain anyway. Have I missed something? Sorry if so!

[wilsond in reply to Chuyueling]

I didn't know this until I posted here! Makes sense though,was really bad .

[ozziebob]

If you are drinking water first thing in the morning to overcome nighttime dehydration, and before measuring your BP, then your BP will be raised.

The protocol I have been advised is not to take your BP until at least 30 mins after food or drink.

[wilsond in reply to ozziebob]

I didn't drink anything. But thank you