What is a high Blood pressure reading

[JanFer]

I am on Losarton at the moment which does bring down my blood pressure for a few hours. However, it is usually an average of 154/92 in the mornings before taken medication and later in the evening. My Doctor tells me this is not to high yet everything I read says it is. Can anyone advise. Thanks

[Jack2019]

I agree with your Doctor. The 120/80, one size fits all standard, is just a comparison average. You can be over,or under, that benchmark and not necessarily have a problem; In my opinion!

[JanFer in reply to Jack2019]

Thanks Jack - good to hear

[Palpman]

150/90 is not worrying especially early morning as it would be lower while sleeping. Take the tablet first thing when you wake.

[Mart25]

Your numbers feel a bit high to me. But I'm wondering how you are measuring your BP. Most things you read about refer to a "resting blood pressure" and I find that quite a challenge to achieve. My BP monitor instructions say you need to relax sitting down for 30 minutes before taking your BP, and no eating or drinking in that time. Personally I find 30 minutes is a bit unnecessary (unless I have been doing some excerise beforehand) but certainly 10 minutes of complete relaxation is important. If you don't do this, then your BP reading will be higher. And if you are also worried about having a high reading, then that anxiety will drive your BP up. And if you are having measurements done at your GP's surgery while also worrying about your BP, you will definitely not be relaxed! All I'm suggesting is to try some relaxation experiments to be certain your BP readings are not misleading.

[JanFer in reply to Mart25]

will give it a go thanks

[Gezzad]

Hiya.Early morning hypertension is usually attributed to certain factors, such as old age, too much alcohol, smoking, sleeping longer to name but a few. Every morning my BP is averaging 155/99 with a resting heartbeat of 93. It comes down after the medication settles in. If you feel concerned ensue you get confirmation on what is a good BP for the morning. I also tend to shed a dubiety about these monitors. I got thre different readings yesterday and they were all over the place as the batteries in the monitor were running low. That's why I insist on the old fashioned method of the pump.

[Hidden]

I think it's to high I'm 72 mine is usually 137/80 before 07.00 hrs but I always feel ok but I would like to see mine below 120. I think you should try and get it down. Good luck 👍

[MountainGoat52]

I agree with Mart, you need to relax when taking your BP. The GP practice serving my brother has a protocol which suggests wearing the cuff for at least 5 minutes before taking a reading, taking three readings over 5 minutes and then averaging them. Personally I find reading a magazine or book with something of interest helps take my mind off the actual BP measurement and quickly helps settle my BP to a resting level.

I take readings around 08:30 and 20:30 about every 5 days. My morning readings (125/75, pulse 55bpm) are generally 5 to 10 points lower than those in the evening. My pulse rate will go down in the evening. Alcohol, exercise, stress and even some foods all affect BP in different ways, so there will be ups and downs over time.

[Hidden]

Hi, 150/90 used to be considered normal depending on age, but medical professionals seem to be intent on getting it lower. Prior to my heart attack I was 130/85 I am 64 years old. Now with medication it is 117/64. My surgery think this is great, however I now have postural hypotension, I cannot suddenly get up from sitting without taking a long time to do it, feel giddy and sick, horrible feeling. However this falls on deaf ears because " your blood pressure is perfect". Got a med review on the 10th March so I will try again.

Lot of stuff online about big pharmas backing research and pushing thresholds down to sell more drugs, eg blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Don't know what to believe, just know that I feel horrible most of the time.

[Ianc2 in reply to Hidden]

Make sure you tell them about your giddy spells, falling down is not pleasant and can do a lot of damage. Some BP meds can cause problems and may be worth looking at the side effects.

[Hidden in reply to Ianc2]

Last night I struggled to stand up, felt so ill. BP was 114/48. Got an appointment at the surgery tomorrow am.