Any Tips for Blood Pressure Management?

[CrowThorn23]

Hi 21 Male here, first post on here.

I got diagnosed with Coarctation of the Aorta back in 2013 and had a few stents put in since. It's been about a few Years now since I've been removed from the list that requires constant checkups (forgot the Name) but my BP has gotten decently high as of late.

I don't think it helps that my Dad passed back in June due to a Heart attack and I was there to witness most of what happened so I doubt that's helping the case. I'm just wondering if there's any tips to help deal with my Blood pressure since it's up to a range of 140-160/85-95.

I had an ECG a few Weeks back and it said I had no problems with it, alongside bloods taken which were also fine btw. I do believe I should be on BP Medication since this is becoming an issue but unsure. Any questions and I'll try to answer them

[MadBunny]

HiI'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. It must have been such a shock for you

I would say you need to speak to your doctor ASAP to see if you need to be on medication.

I assume you take your BP at home ? I have an annual check and I am asked to take mine for a week then submit the results.

Wishing you all the best.

[CrowThorn23 in reply to MadBunny]

Hi, Yeah I do. I got the Omron M4 Intelli IT BP monitor. Few Weeks back I was getting heartburn and was told to measure it for a month alongside taking Lomniprazole (think that's the name)

I do wonder what he'll say tho once I give the results over to him, though it isn't a true Month recording since I kept forgetting to do it

[MadBunny in reply to CrowThorn23]

Maybe do a new set this week ? I always send in 7 days worth of readings, night amd morning ones Please get checked out though.

[Vms49 in reply to MadBunny]

I have to do that but trouble is they do an average and my average is brilliant my bp varies from 112/ 52 and top is 198 / 131 so I asked for an appointment and discussed results with a doctor as I wasn’t happy being told my bp was excellent . The dr said they don’t register the numbers they are adding only the final result . They are now trying to find the cause of the spikes and drops

[MadBunny in reply to Vms49]

I have to fill out a form online submitting all the results , but I wasn't aware that they did an average . I'm assuming mine is the same but I've never questioned it as my spikes are thankfully not as high as yours. I hope you get some answers soon .

[Happyrosie]

and have a read of the website of Blood pressure UK, the specialist charity. There’s much you can do for yourself to get the numbers down a bit.

[Carercmb]

Hi you must be anxious and that increases BP

Book an appointment to see your GP . I was same as you and went on a low dose of medication for BP.

Since then I have been a constant 140/70 am and under 130/70 afternoons.

My nurse said if 2 days at above 140 to contact the surgery for an increase in medication .

[devonian186]

I looked at your bio. Can I take it you are reasonably fit, have a good diet and are a correct weight, as those are all major factors that influence high blood pressure

[CrowThorn23 in reply to devonian186]

Nope I am 78kgs, my Diet is described as "Nice things only" and I do tend to keep relatively active throughout the House and occasionally on walks out to shopping centres or other places

[scentedgardener]

I always monitor BP at home so I can see any trends, and I have white coat syndrome. I usually do first thing in the morning and last thing at night, but I do forget too.Stress is a big factor in BP, and you have certainly have had that. My condolences on the loss of your father.

I find a quick fix for me if I'm feeling stressed is some regularised breathing, in for a count of 4, pause for the same, breath out for the same or a little longer.

Your BP does seem a little high, I'm nearly 73 and my target is 140/90 with all my issues. I prefer to be below 130/80, but it does vary. When you speak to your GP ask him for a target for your BP and the actions you can take to lower your BP. Also explain your anxiety due to your own medical history and your father's recent passing, so he can better understand.

[Beatles1956]

Hi.Try not to take a reading if you are in a rush for anything. I often go and lay on the bed, listen to some music for a while, then take the reading, having prepared the machine before hand. Take 2 or 3 readings, and at different times of the day.

Do you take time to relax, or are you constantly busy? (Not judging, just asking)

Hope you get it sorted soon, all the best.

[RufusScamp in reply to Beatles1956]

Trying to get the lowest possible reading does not necessarily show what is happening most of the time!

[Beatles1956 in reply to RufusScamp]

Just making suggestions that might help eliminate false highs, e.g. if rushing around just before taking, the reading could well be higher than normal.

[readyabout]

Hi, I did have high BP, and also a reluctance for GP type meds. I have consulted a Herbalist, and done my own research. Also try Flower Essences (Dr Bach etc) for mood. 'New Age' music, meditation, exercise, good diet,and Reiki have all helped now regularly BP ok last readings 113/72.