High BP at 38 years old, am I on the ... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

49,232 members31,170 posts

High BP at 38 years old, am I on the right track to 'recovery'? Advice and experiences welcome - I'm new here, thanks

spr123 profile image
15 Replies

I am approaching 39 and earlier this year in May I had checked my blood pressure for the first time in years. I have previously had blood tests for Cholesterol etc which have always been fine. However, my blood pressure readings to my surprise was 178 / 127 on 3 readings.

I was prescribed Amlodipine 5mg and Ramipril 5mg and then increased to 10mg on both. I have had an ECg, Echocardiogram and stress tests. All arteries are fine, just mild LVH due to a higher blood pressure.

I lost 10 kilos in weight through walking, jogging, cutting salt, eating healthier and cutting drink.

Now my blood pressure on home readings is ranged between 130-145 over 75-99. I kept 7 days reading last week and averaged 135 / 85.

My gp wants to potentially change the Ramipril for Ibersartan to see if the diastolic number can get under 80.

I am pleased that I am on the right track but get extremely frustrated if I get a reading above or around 145/95. I feel with taking medicine and a change in lifestyle albeit only 6months so far, I should be getting even lower results.

If I do get the odd slightly higher reading then I chase further readings to try and get a reading lower than 135/85...as the community will know this often has the opposite impact! I think I should start to check only once every few weeks?

I want to know if I am on the right track here? Part of me feels like this is much better progress than June readings but the other part of me thinks I should already be at a 130/80 number?

Have any of you had High BP in 30s / 40s, been given medicines, but then got yourself down to lower doses? I have this as a goal of mine to reduce the dosage but is this a n unrealistic one - will I just have to take meds for the rest of my life?

Sorry if these sound like basic questions, the last few months have just jolted my system and I am trying to get a handle on what good looks like.

Any advice welcome! Thanks in advance

Written by
spr123 profile image
spr123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
15 Replies
Smarticus profile image
Smarticus

Hi, just came here to say bloody well done! "Now my blood pressure on home readings is ranged between 130-145 over 75-99. I kept 7 days reading last week and averaged 135 / 85." 120/80 is ideal, "I think I should start to check only once every few weeks?" like weight your BP will change all the time so average out every few days, have a virtual pat on the back :-)

spr123 profile image
spr123 in reply to Smarticus

Thank you so much Smarticus , really appreciate you taking the time to comment.

SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd

I think you're doing really well in 6 months. Don't get stressed over the BP figures, as you've said this was the first time you'd had your blood pressure checked in years, so it will take time for your system to steadily adjust, the important thing is that the figures are going in the right direction. The 10kg weight loss is great, well done

spr123 profile image
spr123 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd

Thanks for your response. I guess its the first time I've had to take medicine like this and I thought (incorrectly) medicine alone would fix it but I understand the importance of lifestyle also now. Is there a chance I can reduce medication with time or is this likely to stay?

SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to spr123

Yes a number of medical opinions suggest that medication can be reduced and even stopped if BP is controlled over a period of time . See the attached link below. It would likely be a slow steady progress to reducing the medication bit by bit and if BP is well controlled the GP may then agree to stop the medication. You'd need to discuss this with your GP

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

spr123 profile image
spr123 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd

Thanks SpiritoftheFloyd for taking the time to send the link. I guess first stage will be stabilising and then slowly continuing to reduce down.

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam

I'm older than you...in my fifties but I was diagnosed with high blood pressure last year and put onto 5mg ramipril and 10mg amlodipine.I overhauled my diet, lost five and a half stone and now take half what I did before. By the way I also have mild lvh.

spr123 profile image
spr123 in reply to lettingoffsteam

Thanks lettingoffsteam for your insight and that's fantastic news reference the 5.5 stone weight loss well done.

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam in reply to spr123

Thanks spr123

MrsNezza profile image
MrsNezza

Hi i was on ramipril to start with i found that they made my blood pressure worse & i felt worse. I am now on ibersarten which i find alot better.

spr123 profile image
spr123 in reply to MrsNezza

Thanks MrsNezza that's really interesting that you mention that Ramipril made you feel worse and that your blood pressure went up. I have a feeling this may be the case for me also. My gp has suggested another week of BP readings next week and if the diastolic number is still showing a few 90s plus, she wants to switch out Ramipril for Ibersartan.

clumberman profile image
clumberman

Well done on taking positive action, sounds like you are on the right track. Im 55, I run about 20 miles per week, not overwieght but have a real problem with stress impacting my BP. Im on 10mg amlodipine but it seems to have no effect on my BP in stressful situations. Im just in discussion with the Doctor on this and the next step. When Im relaxed at home my BP is usually 125/ 82 on average but, like you, if Im stressed and get a high reading then I become obsessed by it which has the opposite effect. I try and focus on the positive things I can control, exercise, diet and Ive started using the calm app everyday (which does help!). m trying not to get stressed about health and think thats helping me to stay calm.

spr123 profile image
spr123

Hi clumberman thanks for your message, I think I am in the same boat. I have good home readings but I need to control stress better, especially as my job is fairly stressful. I am using the Calm app also...just need to be disciplined to use it regularly rather than when I am feeling stressed! That's great that you are running 20 miles a week, will definitely make a big difference.

Bingo88 profile image
Bingo88

Hello spr123. Try not to worry about it too much it can take over your life. Are you taking your bp at different times of the day. Because my bp can be in the 90s when I get up. But you have to get the balance right And at lunchtime it can be just acceptable at the other end of the scale. Hope you get some stability. Brian

spr123 profile image
spr123

Thanks Brian. I'm trying to just check it once a week at the moment so that I'm not constantly thinking about it.

I usually take the meds around 8.30am and yes I agree, in the morning I am usually in the 90s but lunchtimes I usually get low 80s.

When I check one day a week, I usually tend to ignore the 1st reading because I find myself feeling over nervous and then feel better taking a further 2 to 3 readings.

You may also like...

I am new here have I got High Blood Pressure or Not

Has anyone else been diagnosed with high blood pressure but questions the diagnosis. I am 52, weigh

Hi, I am new on here. I am 54 years old, female and have just been told that I have an irregular heartbeat. I also have multiple sclerosis

confused - I have always had very low blood pressure but was informed last week that I have atrial...

Blood Pressure concerns

highest dose. This gets my blood pressure to about 135/85 when I take 3 readings at home. I had a...

I'm new here. I am having trouble sleeping after bypass surgery.

had a triple heart bypass 5 weeks ago. I am now having trouble sleeping at night, I can be awake...

What's your Blood Pressure on meds?

with GP's and High Blood Pressure Treatment Rant!!! My BP is treated by Ramipril and Amlodipine. My