Morning BP Readings

Hi all,

Hope you are all doing well.

I'm afraid it me again but this time in a much better place.

Can I ask a quick question?

I have been on BP meds (Ramipril and Amlodipine) for 7 weeks now. My BP has dropped from an all time high of 222/122 to much lower.

I have lost over a stone and am eating well. I am also brisk walking around 12000 steps a day - much more than before my fright.

My BP in the evening is around 120/80 which is great but my morning BP (before meds) is around 135/90 but is often 145/95 but that may be because I am anxious about that first reading! By 10 am it is around 128/88 and by lunchtime pretty "normal".

Would you be concerned about those morning readings at the moment or do you think I can wait to discuss with GP in four weeks time at my next review?

Best wishes and thanks in advance - Andrew

[RufusScamp]

I recently had to monitor my BP for a week, morning and evening, and then average all the readings (upper and lower separately of course. If the average looks high, it might be worth contacting your surgery for advice. It sounds as if you are doing the right things!

[PeterpPiper in reply to RufusScamp]

Try taking your BP 3 times or more in the same sitting, you will most likely see it go down each time as you become relaxed and the anxiety reduces . BP goes up and down on a whim. Best readings are when you are bored I hide the BP machine and only get it out when the doc askes for an update

[Hidden in reply to PeterpPiper]

Thanks PeterPiper. I do take the measurement three times and thankfully my most recent results continue to show improvement as my fitness and weight loss changes continue and the meds settle in. I am sure my GP will not want to change anything at my review but will recommend I carry on with my lifestyle changes. My most recent averages are 130/90 in the morning (before meds) and 120/79 evenings,,, So much better and I think I can be happy with this progress. Thank you again everyone for helping my transition to a more healthy life.. I certainly feel so much better and fitter than seven weeks ago. Andrew

[PeterpPiper in reply to Hidden]

Thats good news,

[Mentdent]

Sounds pretty good to me. My first reading is usually higher too. Looks like you’ve caught your high BP before it does any serious damage.

[I-a-n-]

Try 5 mins of mindful breathing before you take your first reading and take 3 readings one after the other then take an average of these (home BP monitors aren't very accurate). Just the act of grounding and settling yourself will drop your BP which really does go to show anxiety has a negative affect on BP. Try not to worry about those BP readings and fluctuations throughout the day are normal. Best wishes.

[I-a-n- in reply to I-a-n-]

Sorry just seen Peter pipers reply which is very similar to mine!