Blood pressure

[Chelsazzy]

Hi can anyone help me at all ? I have recently been getting headaches dizziness and blurry eyes etc I had pre eclampsia when pregnant 8 years ago and feels same so I happened to check my blood pressure and I bought machine to monitor my reading was 170/108 and at this is on resting it finally comes down mostly late at night like 11 pm to 127/87 that’s lowest during day it fluctuates but is always 160/90 or higher is this hypertension ? From what I have read it seems to be I spoke to gp getting 24 hour monitor but I really don’t think they’re taking it serious I’m 28 I am overweight but I don’t drink smoke or any the other things that can raise blood pressure I would be very grateful if anyone has an info or tips to help me feel better x

[Dovedale4]

Those readings are quite high but you do need the 24 hour monitor. Most GPs will only start medication when lifestyle changes do not bring it down, especially at your age. I'm not really sure how much of a part weight plays since I am only 7 stone and I have high blood pressure. I had the same symptoms as you when I was diagnosed but you do need a proper diagnosis from your GP. Blood pressure does fluctuate during the day, depending on what you are doing. My readings (over 7 days) were about the same as yours but almost always came down in the evening (higher in the morning). I think you should try not to worry and wait for the 24 hour monitor and then take it from there. I hope this helps.

[Chelsazzy in reply to Dovedale4]

Thanks very much for reply this is me been sitting resting as my sons isolating I’m normally ok the go all day as I run my own business etc I always do it twice to make sure it’s best reading just have to wait on the 24 hour blood pressure monitor to confirm it I think x

[Dovedale4 in reply to Chelsazzy]

I think you need to take it 3 times and then take the average in order to give an accurate reading. It must be very stressful for you with your son isolating and that will undoubtedly have a bearing on your blood pressure readings. Yes, the 24 hour monitor will give the true picture. I didn't have that, I just had to take 4 readings a day for 7 days and was then told that I needed to start medication. I hope I have been of some help!

[seasider18 in reply to Dovedale4]

II was told by the hypertension clinic to take three readings over a ten minute period. If the first one is much higher than the next two to ignore it. My GP accepts my home readings now as I have white coat hypertension. I can get a very high reading in the surgery and back to 'my normal' ten minutes later at home

[Happyrosie]

When you take your bp make sure you’ve been sitting down quietly for ten minutes. As the previous poster says, your bp goes up and down depending on what you’re doing. For example, if you go upstairs your bp has to rise, otherwise you’d never get there! If you haven’t already, I suggest you read the website of Blood Pressure UK. Which is very helpful.

[Chelsazzy in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank u yeah I have this is me resting self isolating I dread to see what it is when I go out

[Ianc2]

Try and lose some weight by cutting out sugary foods, it usually has a direct effect?

[Hidden]

Hi Chelsazzy....sorry to read of your present situation...First things first....you are young which means your circulation can withstand these kind of fluctuations without any serious consequences.

I am 66 and recently went through exactly what you described, last November i started getting some very bad headaches and blurred vision....i had a BP monitor and yep...my normal readings of 120/70 became 200/12O...i was beside myself....not able to seek medical help because i was abroad...i took everystep to control what i could until my return to the UK.

Sometimes during periods of stress , overwork, inactivity, viral illnesses can push readings above normal.If you are lucky enough to realise this you can start to address things before a major event does it for you.

My journey led me to use foods that produce higher levels of nitric oxide in the blood....because NO relaxes the arteries thus lowers circulating pressure....The best for me has been Olive leaf extract....lots of evidence supports this on the internet....as does beetroot juice, flaxseed...hibiscus tea...garlic extract...Just experiment.

Other things you must begin to try....regular walking 20-30 minutes a day...will burn off the stress hormones, relax the major muscle groups raise serotonin....this makes a real difference over time.Incidentally you burn off more fat than running so it is ideal in losing those extra pounds...which further reduce those high readings.Aerobic is better than Anaerobic for burning fat.

Are you consuming lots of carbs, or sugary snacks?These deplete the minerals that relax you, lower your anxiety by introducing magnesium into you life.

This mineral is sadly lacking in todays diet, and helps combat the high calcium intake us westerners now consume.Calcium will contract muscles and arteries which in turn increases BP...and its opposite balance act is magnesium, which relaxes the body and calms the mind....and decreases BP.....There are several types, the best all round is Magnesium Glycinate, easily absorbed very good for helping anxiety related issues.Threonate, taurate, oratate...too ...a woman needs about 350 mg a day...men its 400 mg.

Even running a bath with epsom salts will help.That alone may be enough to bring these numbers down.

Lastly cultivate and keep yourself calm and relaxed....develop/master the art of relaxation...easier said than done...keep a regular time of day to practice relaxation without unwanted interferences, distractions, noise, people etc....and master this...its important.

Of course the last resort is to opt for blood pressure medication, which often brings with it some unwanted side effects...The above suggestions will work alongside with prescribed meds.

I must apologise if this seems OTT...everyone is different and responds differently to both natural and pharmacological treatment plans.

You can get this back under control.....try to focus and stay calm this is fixable.

[rosyG]

If you can lose weight your bp will improve. Also no salt in diet etc.

[chaosqueen]

Hi, I too have a history of pre-eclampsia (39 years ago) and am on continuous medication for hypertension. Try to lose weight (not a quick fix I know) and exercise more if you can but ultimately you may be heading for anti-hypertensive meds. Keep putting pressure on your GP (or whomever they allow you to see). They may be delaying because they have run out of monitors for the moment. Don't downplay your symptoms. They are serious. Good luck.