High blood pressure

[Trav62]

HBP,Hello All I have had HBP for years however has increased dramatically just been put on Amlodipine 10mg it was 210/110 when at hospital but I have white cuff syndrome so it goes even higher,I have a wrist one which worked ok ? I also have a fit bit but reading always differ greatly,Any ideas and suggestions welcome x

[Happyrosie]

Hello Trav. White coat syndrome - which I used to have too - means that your blood pressure is higher when there is a white coat around you. Like a doctor. I got over it by ensuring I relax for at least ten minutes before a reading, throw away this first reading, then take three more. All the time with eyes closed, no talking and breathing slowly and gently. Now that I know how to relax I can bring the blood pressure down myself, and don’t have to keep my eyes closed.Have you read the website of the charity Blood Pressure UK? Lots of helpful advice there.

I may be reading your post wrongly, but I didn’t think Fitbit did blood pressure? Heartbeats per minute, yes.

[Trav62 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for the reply I will give it a try and look at the Blood pressure Uk site also,i seem to be more afraid this time I have pain in my arm like toothache fit bit does both ,I have bought the Arm one hoping to keep trying at home Thank you so much for your reply

[springcross]

Hi Trav and welcome to the forum. I agree with everything Happyrosie has said and just wanted to add that there is something else you could try - meditation and relaxation techniques - it does help, if you want to try, you can find sites on Google that have some guided meditation videos. I have white coat syndrome too and when I go to the GP, my BP shoots up. Good luck. x

[Trav62 in reply to springcross]

Thank you for the welcome and info what lovely site .I am so anxious at the moment symptoms I have never had before,pain in left arm,severe indigestion,upto last night heart beating in my ear so strange

[springcross in reply to Trav62]

I can tell that you're quite worried about your symptoms Trav so you have a choice - you could always ring 111 and ask their advice explaining your symptoms to them or you could ring your pharmacist in the morning or your GP and tell them you are concerned, again explaining your symptoms or you could ring Blood Pressure UK helpline - Helpline: 020 7882 6218 in the morning - I don't know what time they open, probably between 9.00 - 9.30 am, they may be able to give you some good advice. In the meantime, try some relaxation techniques or meditation (you can find some sites online with guided meditation if you've never done it before and also some breathing techniques which you can also get online. Good luck Trav, I hope you can get some help. Please let us know how you get on. xx

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Trav62]

Have you taken bp meds before?I was put on a lot of meds after an unexpected 244/133 with no meds for this before.I found that I felt very anxious and I had a burning feeling in my chest which was checked out in A&E twice.If you are having any symptoms check it out with a doctor but it may just be the meds. That said, amlodipine is very effective.I take 5mg of it with 2.5mg ramipril as I can't take high doses of either drug (I tried).Mind you, I'm on half of what I was on due to a change of diet and a big weight loss.Hope yours settles soon.

[Paja]

Hi,

I would personally recommend a standard upper arm monitor rather than a wrist monitor. The wrist one I had was off when I brought it to my doctors office and we tested it against his upper arm monitor. I went out and bought one that day.

I take Twynsta which is a combination of 5mg Amlodipine / 40mg Telmisartan and it has kept my BP in check.

Happyrosie's advice is excellent.

[Kangarooiom]

Hi. Just read your post, if you have pain in your left arm and had indigestion last night it would be wise to get checked out by GP or A and E, indigestion pain can be similar to heart problems. Dont disregard undiagnosed pain.

[Trav62]

Hi just had telephone appointment with my GP he says I am on all the right meds and as it’s been 3 days only it will take time to work .He has told me to stop taking BP and try to relax (easier said than done)So I will just have to wait and see ,Thank you for the reply

[seasider18]

The kidney units and main hospitals have BP clinics and yours like mine is way high enough to get a referral. They look for reasons and do tests. I've had blood tests, urine tests and head and kidney MRI's. Overall they are happy with it now but I still get white coat hypertension and digestive problems that cause bloating and chest tightness can put it high as well.

[Trav62 in reply to seasider18]

Thanks for the info I didn’t know that maybe worth asking gp

[seasider18 in reply to Trav62]

He probably won't know about it either. I contacted my nearest one and they said that they would accept me and I told my GP.bihsoc.org/resources/referr...