Do I have a BP problem?

[Archway]

Hello,

I am wondering whether I have a blood pressure problem. I recently went to my pharmacist to pick up my repeat prescription for hypothyroidism. I was asked if I would like to have a free blood pressure test and I said yes. I was told that my BP was 139/90 and that it was ‘borderline.’ This was news to me because I’ve always assumed that my BP was fine.

That evening I looked up my past BP results on Patient Access. I found that it was 146 earlier this year and 140 back in 2017. It was 130 in 2015 and 2006. I was concerned that the recent results were around 140 and so I phoned 111. I asked them if I should tell my GP about my recent test and enquire about my blood pressure in general. They said yes and they referred me to my GP.

My GP phoned me yesterday. She told me that my BP results were normal for someone in their 50s and that they were nothing to worry about. This seems strange to me. I thought results around 140 were something to worry about. I wasn’t advised to do anything about my BP. I was also told that it would not be treated with medication until it was 160-200. This is because BP tablets have so many side effects.

Should I be concerned about my blood pressure? Are there any things I can do about it?

Thanks.

[lettingoffsteam]

That happened to me.First time I had high bp was after having my daughter aged 38.Then my checks said 140/90 when I had my smear test for quite a few years.I was just told they were normal.Then at 54 suddenly bp of 244/133 and emergency treatment and five days in hospital.The left side of my heart is slightly thicker because of having high bp for so long which puts me at risk of all kinds of nasties.I really wish they 'd done something about it at the time.Anyway bp controlled now but a frightening time and a health condition I'd rather not have!I would suggest getting a bp machine and keeping an eye on this.They're not expensive and at least you can avoid the situation I found myself in.

[Hidden]

Listen to your GP, anxiety doesn't help either. If I was lucky enough to get my BP close to yours I'd be busy getting on with life.

[Happyrosie]

In the western world, blood pressure naturally rises with age. So 140 would be high in a 20 year old and normal in a fifty year old.

Keep testing your pressure once every month or so, ensuring that you sit quietly for at least five minutes before the test and don’t talk during. Take four pressures, rejecting the first and take an average of the last three. Armed with this evidence you’ll be in charge, not worrying that the pressure is in charge of you.

All this assumes you’ve access to a blood pressure machine of course.

Regardless, I would suggest you read the UK blood pressure association guidelines on how to keep your pressure within normal limits - lifestyle and diet stuff - which is good for us all anyway!

All the best

[Ropa511]

Hi,

Sounds to me that your BP is not currently a problem, but you should look at your lifestyle to stop it becoming a problem.

Try to get some exercise every day, eat a balanced diet low in salt, and loose some weight if you have not already done these things.

It may also be worth investing in a home blood pressure monitor (cost about £20) and taking some readings when you are sitting quietly at home(NOT after eating or a coffee!)

You will very probably find that your readings are lower than at the GPs surgery.

Good luck! ❤️

[springcross]

I wouldn't be worrying just yet if those were my readings Archway. You should try and forget it for a while as you will only stress yourself out about it (like so many of us have done) and that in itself will raised your BP. There are some good comments on here to listen to. All the best and chill. xx