Hello. I've had consistently high blood pressure since Christmas and I'm struggling to get my GP to take me seriously. I used to have low blood pressure for years, even being pregnant only pushed it up to a normal rate. My last reading was 156/110.
I've been getting headaches and difficulty breathing but every time I bring it up with my GP they brush me off. I've never had high blood pressure before and it's worrying me. What else can I do about it that doesn't require my GP?
I think you should take it 3 times a day for a week. Record the readings then bring them in to an appointment with your GP. They can't ignore high BP.
Have you tried taking your blood pressure 4 or 5 times a day, writing down the results and the time when you take it, then go to your GP and show them the result? They may might arrange for you to have a 24 hour monitor to see what it does and then give you medication, if you need it. I hope you can sort it out. X
You don’t say what your GP’s response actually is... however if you’re unhappy with them then change your GP ...
Further to the above - change your GP within the practise and if no change then change practise. However the recording of your BP over a period of time is very sound advice that no sane doctor would ignore.
I agree with the above regarding taking BP several times a day (same times and when you've sat quietly for 5 minutes each time). Also, take note of any triggers for your headaches and what type of headache it is i'e above eyes, on one side etc. If still ignored, then next time you have a bad episode of breathlessness and bad headache ring 111 for advice or visit A&E as a last resort.
Hi I suggest that you keep a daily recording of your BP for 2 weeks taking it twice a day at the same time - say first thing in morning and later in the evening. If you go onto heart foundation website you will see exactly how and what conditions to take your BP - this is important for correct readings. Try and read all the information you can on blood pressure so you are well armed with this and with your readings before going to your GP. I did this and my GP put me on a very low dose medication however this was not bringing my BP down much so he put me on slighter higher medication and now my readings are around 120.
Hope this helps
P.S. Your GP will also be taking into account your lifestyle and family history too!
Ikept a spreadsheet and had it calculate averages so that my doctors could see what was happening. I printed it off and to it to appointments along with a list of observations, side effects and questions.
Thanks for all the replies. My GP just says it's a bit high and does nothing. I've got a home monitor for my wrist and have been taking regular readings. I'm worried because my mum had a heart attack at my age. She's still around but I don't have anyone living with me if something like that happens.
I would advise taking a second opinion, till the time you get a proper answer follow some preventive steps to control your Blood pressure. Take up swimming or aerobics, cut down on salt intake. Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
I would suggest getting a conventional upper arm one as wrist ones can be notoriously inaccurate particularly in people of 40 and over. It is also worth checking it against your GP's machine.
Another good move to drop BP is to get a cat. Stroking a contented cat is incredibly relaxing. If you don't like them then a dog or rabbit can be substituted.
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