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

Bodger6 profile image
12 Replies

Has anyone else been diagnosed with high blood pressure but questions the diagnosis. I am 52, weigh 13 stone 5lb and regularly exercise with 2 runs a week over an hour long and take part in Half marathons. Most of my diet is from fresh ingredients with little or no salt added. I drink a limited amount of alcohol

In clinical setting I suffer from White coat syndrome and it is often around 170/90 but at home with a monitor I have purchased on line it can be anything from 140/80 up to 165/89. I discussed this with my sister in law who is a practice nurse so she offered to take my blood pressure manually and it was only 128/85 which she said was normal. The Doctors want me to start Ramipril but I am not sure what to do.

Any views

Thanks

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Bodger6 profile image
Bodger6
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12 Replies
Terri14 profile image
Terri14

Have you had a monitor on to check your blood pressure over a week ?

Bodger6 profile image
Bodger6 in reply to Terri14

Hi Terri14, No they have not suggested that yet.

S11m profile image
S11m

A friend of mine (who was older than you, but did a lot of cycling) had high readings at the surgery - but that was because the nurse was young and beautiful - and the readings were normal when the Dr did it!What does your pulse rate do when?

What is your height or BMI?

Have you had an ECG recently?

Bodger6 profile image
Bodger6 in reply to S11m

Hi S11m no not related to nurse i'm afraid. Interestingly I didn't mention that I also have a low Pulse rate resting rate is 40bpm most of day unless exercising. Have had recent ECG and Echocardiograph and all good. BMI is 27

Chappychap profile image
Chappychap

Even taking into account what you say about white coat syndrome, your BP does seem on the high side.

But here's the thing. When I was trying to get my blood pressure down I found three things worked, each contributing roughly the same amount. They were regular and serious exercise, reducing salt, and medication. The problem is that you're already doing two out of the three, so there's only medication left.

I'd suggest you re-look at your diet, just in case there's take-aways or processed foods in there that could be smuggling salt into your diet. And you also re-check your blood pressure at home, morning and afternoon for seven days (at least that's what my doctor recommends), you then average them all without cherry picking the best scores. If both these measures don't deliver a better result then perhaps it's time to see if you need medication to get your blood pressure decisively into the safe zone.

Good luck!

Bodger6 profile image
Bodger6 in reply to Chappychap

Thanks Chappy Chap

Chime62 profile image
Chime62

Hi Bodger! Sure is frustrating isn't it? To determine high blood pressure, you need to keep some kind of journal and record your readings over an extended period of time. Very importantly, make sure your readings are taken at the same time every day, otherwise, it won't do you any good. Maybe an hour after you're up in the morning, but not too soon after eating as that lowers your pressure. Then maybe mid afternoon and around 7-8pm. Also keep side notes as to weather or not you've just got done gardening, shopping, exercising etc. Since you need to be consistent on when you're taking it, you can't always avoid "life" so it will be off from time to time. Maybe you didn't get enough sleep the night before, that could cause a change...you were angry with someone...you just went up and down the steps a few times with laundry, etc...Make those side notes. Also, be sure to wait about 15 minutes after sitting down to take it and take it again about 5 minutes after the 1st one. Don't ever rely on one reading. To be honest, your readings are high, but I don't know if there has been enough information to say whether or not to be medicated. It has to be consistently high for that. Not if it's just here and there. You sound at least fairly athletic; are you keeping hydrated? So many things could be playing a part in your high readings, hence the importance of that journal. I hope you get this straightened out soon. Just want to say, I'm not a nurse or doctor of any kind. I've been through a good amount of heart related tests and am huge on research, specifically about the heart, for over 20 years. Please base your decision about taking the med on your own beliefs and your doctor's advice. I'm sure you'll be fine! Take care!

Bodger6 profile image
Bodger6 in reply to Chime62

Thanks Chime62 that is really helpful I will start a journal.

Chime62 profile image
Chime62 in reply to Bodger6

You're welcome. I hope that works for you. Remember to find time for yourself also. That helps no matter what the problem 😊

Jack2019 profile image
Jack2019

Have your monitor calibrated with your doc. next time you see him. Make sure the cuff is not to big or to tight and correctly placed. I take three readings each time I check, with a few minute pauses between tests. I usually get three different results, and mostly the pressure decreases by the third test. Your doc. should also be doing many tests, with pauses in between, so that you have time to relax. I would never be convinced to take medication based on one visit and one reading at the doctors office. If your machine doesn't store your readings, then as suggested by Chime 62, a journal is a great tool. Blood pressure is very dynamic you can just move your arm and it will change. Your readings are a tad high but in my opinion not something to fuss about right out of the gate, give yourself time to discover a pattern, make sure you are hydrated as that affects the blood.

Shockedwithstent profile image
Shockedwithstent

You should ask your go to put a 24 hour Bp monitor. Best way to confirm if you do or do it have Bp. Please address it ASAP, just bcoz your sister in law had a normal one doesn’t mean it’s not normal! Best of luck

Bodger6 profile image
Bodger6 in reply to Shockedwithstent

Thanks for your reply. I am rally grateful for you and everyone taking the time. It is a lot to get my head round.

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