Me again ! Sorry. Just a quick one to ask if anyone else has struggled to get consistent morning and evening BP readings. Mine swing so much ... one reading will be 120/80 and two minutes later .. same conditions is 140/93, so I use the average. Now whilst still fairly well controlled and I'm not particularly worried I had hoped after 12 weeks of medication to have got to stable/consistent readings. I realise my readings are Ok..ish as they are from ideal to high normal. Time to lose a bit more weight and eat some more veg I think! Hope over the next two months to improve just a little bit more.
Anyone else get this and how long did it take you to totally bring the BP under full control?
Does anyone on meds take beetroot juice and does it help? Daft question, but where do you get it? I've never seen it in the supermarket.
Best to all.
Andrew
11 Replies
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I think you are expecting too much if you are hoping that your BP will be consistent am to pm. There are way too many factors that can cause it to vary, what you have eaten, amount of fluids, how much you have move, exercise etc etc.
Even when sat still you can get fluctuations over 3 readings.
Most GP's look at the average of a weeks readings, if that is within 'your' normal range, then they likely won't be concerned about odd blips.
Great reply and spot on, one off readings are generally to be noted but nothing to be concerned about. Averages over a period of time are far more statistically significant.
For me I found the biggest factor in getting fairly regular and consistent levels in the morning was losing weight. I have been on BP meds for over 30 years and regularly monitored my own BP daily. My weight and BP fluctuated wildly at times due to personal issues and stress and I have PTSD too, but, losing over 3.5 stone in weight and keeping it off has made a world of difference. I think that's the hardest part because you have to change your eating habits and it's not easy. My food was often a 'comfort' reaction for me and that was a tough habit to break. If you can do it, it will help but don't beat yourself up about it.
My BP is never consistant at any time of the day or any day of the week so I have stopped stressing about it now. I used to keep a record but as it was just so inconsistend there was no patern to it at all so stopped bothering.
Hi Andrew, it's very normal for your blood pressure to fluctuate between readings .I was told to take three readings and average them.Plus, as I'm a bit of a worry wart, I was told to ignore any outliers. It takes quite a while to settle into taking bp meds...partly because of the idea of taking them but you'll get into a routine in time.
As for beetroot juice, I tried it but it was absolutely disgusting and didn't change my bp at all so I ditched that .What I did do was go plant based in my diet .As a result I lost over five and half stone and halved my meds....result!! Plus get regular moderate exercise.
The Blood Pressure Association is a mine of useful information...so check them out. Let us know how you get on.
Hi Andrew, Ormron do a BP measurer that will take three readings consecutively and average out the score. This also checks for irregular heart beats. Not too expensive, in the £30-80 price band.
Morrisons sell beetroot juice, I've never drank it, but my partner does, so I can't say if it helps you blood pressure 🤔😂😂
Sit still for 5 minutes before first reading . Take 2 more readings 1 minute a part . Disregard the first reading and average the 2nd and 3 rd readings. Avoid coffee etc at least 30 minutes before taking any BP reading.
Cuff must be level with heart . Sit straight with feet flat on ground.
Some BP monitors with average readings and connect with Ap. I use Omron.
Just taking your BP will probably affect you. I use a routine when taking mine - cuff on for 5 minutes before taking readings, read something interesting / pleasing to relax and divert attention, take 3 readings and average. Works for me!
I've recently had the medication that was controlling my BP stopped and was given instructions to take my BP 3 times a day for a week and work out the daily average. My readings vary tremendously; usually higher on an evening even when at rest because I'm tired and it's a longer time since taking my other meds.. One day last week they were 141/84; 110/66 and 131/67 with an average of 127/72-- perfectly ok. I have never ever had the same reading twice. One day it shot up just watching a tense TV programme; different again after a cup of tea or eating or even after taking a phone call. If I get a high reading then the next time I take it it will be even higher because of anxiety. Last weekend after being driven for an hour in torrential rain down the motorway in heavy traffic, it hit 158/80. OK, my husband's not the best driver and an hour later it was 130/69. Just going to the GP can put it up high enough for them to worry about a heart attack. They no longer take my BP but rely on my readings and averages.
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