Hi my top figure on blood pressure has been 140/80
It was quite low after leaving hospital 2 months ago but top one is regularly this leading uo to Xmas and work changes.
Do I need to see my gp do u think or tomorrow is this acceptable for interim period. Thank you in advance for suggestions
it’s difficult to know what to suggest to you - did not your medical people say what to do? You’ve chosen a figure of 140/80, you didn’t presumably pick this out of the air, so did they say to take advice if the pressure was at this level?
This is what I do:
when you take your pressure, I’m assuming you’ve been resting for at least ten minutes with the cuff on ready to hit the button, When you are ready, take three slow but not too deep breaths and after you’ve started the machine close your eyes and NO TALKING till it’s finished. Then take three more readings, throw the first one away and average the next three and write them down. Do this at roughly the same time each day and halfway between meals, with no alcohol involvement but ensuring you are well hydrated.
you might find your pressures are lower again but if not, keep the readings and phone your docs surgery after a week, say. As I say, this is what I would do but I am not you.
Thank you, I'll try that as I do always just suddenly remember to take it and don't relax beforehand.
That sounds very useful as a technique for establishing resting BP, but I wonder if we should also be trying to establish our “active” BP as this is the pressure that our blood vessels experience during the course of the day. My resting BP can be as low as 105/65, but I generally find I am closer to 120/80 if I take it during a more active period. It is the latter figure I focus on more in terms of whether I am managing my BP effectively. Don’t know if that makes sense to others or not?
Thats a good blood pressure reading 👌
As much as I try to keep fit, I suspect it is the Losartan and the Bisoprolol that deserve the credit. Not sure to what extent each contributes, but am just about to make the switch from Bisoprolol to Nebivolol, so will see if that makes any difference
Exactly this above. Why would anyone ‘kid’ themselves into a low figure that’s unrepresentative?
Is the figure with or without blood pressure medication?
I'm on bisoprolol Ivabradine Candesartan and Daplaglifozin for heart plus other meds. Spoke to Pharmacist in the end he said if it keeps going over 140 AFTER stresses of Xmas go back to docs
sb and quaddie. The figures that medical people tell us we should aim for assume you’ve rested. Naturally the pressure goes up when you are doing something. Or even thinking of doing something: hence the three slow breaths.
If for instance we take the pressure immediately after going upstairs it will be higher. Or we take it after running for the bus, even higher.
Supposing i decided that i will take the pressure immediately I’ve thought of it. Sit down and do it. Oh it’s a bit high 150 over something, so I’ll do it again. Hmmm still 145 over something. Hmmm I’ll do it again. Oh good it’s down to 140/90. So which pressure is my normal? I might establish that my new normal is 145/90. I present a series of reading to the doc. Doc says “let’s increase your dosage from 5 mg of whatever to 10 mg.” So you up the dose.
So the next time you think about your pressure you’ve been reading a book for twenty minutes - oh I’ll take it now. Oh dear no wonder I feel a bit dizzy, it 85/60.
If you haven’t already studied it, the website of the specialist charity Blood Pressure UK is worth a read.
Roughquest: the figures are whatever they are, and using them will establish what your pressure is. Example: mine fell, medicated, to 90/ something, so my medication was reduced. It’s stabilised at around 115/90 ish, still medicated. Does this make sense?
Yes thank you I'll take a read of the blood pressure article too.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about a 140/80 reading in isolation I suggest keeping an eye on it; I agree with "Happyrosie" in taking your BP when relaxed, it is your resting BP figure that your doctors want not an active BP reading.
Hi Quaddie, At just 82, I'm a bit older than you but 140 systolic is a reasonable number and normal for me (I've been on BP meds for 10 years). My GP doesn't seem concerned, even when it's 150. The stress of Xmas will effect you, I wouldn't worry too much if it hovers around 140. Relax and have a great time.
must agree with the last comments, that’s not a bad reading, compared with others. It’s always a good idea to check it regularly but take three readings and a average.
I know with my BP it can be erratic having AF , once it was 190 over 104 in the doctors surgery then 30 seconds later it was 124 over 76 , doc said it’s my AF which can cause problems but couldn’t explain why it was so high, so always take it 3 times leaving a minute between each one, good luck .
My GP is very happy with that sort of BP. She says that I should start to worry if it is often above 160 but the odd one above that when stressed is fine. Just don’t worry about it because that makes it higher! Happy Christmas.
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