Sudden increase in BP?

[dooper786]

Hi all,

Im 59,white,male ,tall,slim,athletic. Ive never smoked, never taken drugs, very rarely drink alcohol, i eat well and exercise. Up until recently i was a model 120/80 or less with a resting pulse of 60 or less, bradycardic,,can be mid fifties.

Suddenly in the space of maybe 7 months my BP has ramped up. sometimes 130/140 even 150 but just systolic.

Ive had a GP ECG, Bloods, etc What is bothering me is there is no apparent cause for this ramp up. I think its being driving by chronic long term stress. Any thoughts ?

[Tos92]

Hi dooper786

Do you have any symptoms with the high BP? Or you only notice it is high when you check it?

Tos

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Stress can be one reason why are BP can be higher

Your Doctor should be keeping a close eye on it and if not if you get if you already do not have a BP machine and keep a record for a few weeks of your readings then if they are still high maybe look at medications or if you are on them tweaking them a bit

You have had a few tests done which I hope is reassuring and BP can be controlled so try not to think of the reasons to much why it is higher that will just stress you which you want to try and avoid and know this is something they can do something about if they think there is any need to x

[Mentdent]

My blood pressure increased like that for no apparent reason and steadily got worse. It was recorded as isolated systolic hypertension. No symptoms. Eventually started blood pressure medication. I then found that the same thing happened to my sister. Just a family genetic thing. Modern medicine keeps it under control. The important thing is not to ignore it. High blood pressure is a silent killer.

[VickyHK72]

when I had my high BP diagnosed the nurse told me the first number is to do with ‘outside’ factors like stress, anxiety etc but the second number is to do with what’s happening inside (narrowing vessels etc) so you’re in a ‘good’ position of it being outside factors affecting you. I know it’s easier said than done but could you take some steps to reduce stress? I started doing meditation (apps like Unmind have great 5 min podcasts which talk you through guided breathing exercises which I found really helpful) making sure I got out for a walk daily, did more stuff I enjoyed (not just stuff I ‘should ’ do, and if I’m honest, dialled down my obsession with doing my job perfectly and Getting through everything on my to do list!) and also (and this obviously is very individual) I did some grief counselling to address past issues - I also started on BP meds - my BP is now 110/68 which I’m very happy with! It was around 145/96 at diagnosis which totally freaked me out as I had no symptoms.

It is hard work to reduce stress but definitely worth giving it a concerted try. Good luck!

[wilsond]

Well its hardly ' ramped up' and is not anywhere near dangerous levels (180+) I get spikes sometimes in the dangerous zone which my gp ( following my Electrophysiologist advice)requires me to monitor for a week,taking readings at various times of day,after different activities or sitting. I am told to drink more water ,with a little salt in at this time.

Recently I had readings of 200/125/70 .

GP reaction same as above,if not down wards action in a week other med added.

Now steady again at 130 70 55 and same meds.

It can be stress related or in response to anxiety. It is always a bit concerning to see a rise,but sometimes this can exacerbate the readings! Vicious circle .

Best advice is to discuss again with your GP and/ or monitor for a week beforehand so you have evidence to show or read out.

However, if you gave had Ecg and bloods done,and no follow on treatment, that suggests that your GP is satisfied that your BP will even back down again.

I wish you well. X

[dooper786]

Thanks all so far, Well i do feel i have a healthy lifestyle but i am definitely chronically stressed. I'm trying to bring it under control but of course we all live in the real world and have to work with it. GP access is poor in the uk under the NHS. I self monitor.True there is not a huge rise like to 160 but the concern is the step up in a short time frame. I am concerned about medicating because i avoid meds at all costs. Doesnt taking BP moderating meds create other issues ? Obviously ive done a lot of reading and often times, the medical profession has no real explanation as to why bp might rise in the absence of any obvious physical condition. I am not aware of any symptoms. I cycle a bit and go running a bit and dont feel breathless or have any issues doing exercise.

Part of me thinks i should start on some kind of anti anxiety meds to see if this helps and moderates BP?