High Blood Pressure.

[Gertied0g]

I have been suffering with high bp now for over 8 months. This evening it was 202/80.

I dont get to see my gp but have spoken on the phone. I always think she just wants to get away as quickly as possible. She keeps increasing my dosages of the 3 types of medication but still I have this problem.

Has anyone any advice please.

[Happyrosie]

Hello Gertied0g. I’ve a few thoughts for you.The first - I’m assuming you’re taking your BP at home - is this: when you take your pressure have you been sitting down quietly for at least ten minutes? The figures that we (doctors and hypertensives alike) work to assume that you are at rest. Before you take the reading, with your cuff on and ready, sit quietly then take three slow breaths and inflate the cuff - no talking! Take three pressures, and if the first is much higher throw it away and take another.

Secondly, maintaining good pressures is mainly down to us, the patients. Blood Pressure UK gives lots of helpful information on their website about lifestyle and diet.

I don’t know how long you’ve been on this medication but it might take a few weeks to settle down and work.

I hope this is helpful

[Gertied0g in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for your thoughts. Although I said I'd had this for 8 months, I have had high bp since 2013 but have kept it under control till about 8 months ago when it suddenly became worryingly high. I have a pretty sensible diet though it's difficult with more than one problem to deal with. I walk my dog for between one and three hours every day and I try to sit quietly before taking my blood pressure. I have managed to get it to a reasonable level in the mornings but later in the day it goes up to such as 200/80. I apparently now have leaky heart valves and our GP surgery is not much help. I feel pretty fed up but try to keep positive.

[Happyrosie in reply to Gertied0g]

Oh dear .... I’m so glad you are walking as I think walking is the cure for a lot of things. That and drinking lots of water.The pressures you give are really quite high - as you know. Is a cardiologist involved yet? To look at the leaky valve?

[Gertied0g in reply to Happyrosie]

I have been referred but several months waiting list.

[Happyrosie in reply to Gertied0g]

I’ve just replied, then I saw an earlier post of yours to which i and others had replied too. I’m quite concerned that your doc is fobbing you off. Maybe ask to consult with another doc in the practice?

[ling in reply to Gertied0g]

What medications are you on?

What other medical conditions do you have?

Is the high BP always like that, as in a very high systolic and normal diastolic?

Best wishes.

[Gertied0g in reply to ling]

Hello ling,I take 10mgs ramipril, 5mgs bisoporol, 16mgs doxazocyn.

BP is like that all the time.

I also have anaemia and IBS plus high cholesterol and have in the past had a mini stroke.

[ling in reply to Gertied0g]

The BP with the high systolic and normal diastolic, needs to be addressed. This isn't the usual hypertension where both systolic and diastolic readings are high.

The hypertension could be a reason for the leaky valves.

Are you on a statin for the high cholesterol?

Are you seeing a cardiologist?

Is the anemia well managed?

I totally understand about the IBS as I struggle with that as well. It's really a pain to manage when you want to maximise your diet for health reasons.

[springcross]

Hi Gertie0g. Have you tried the helpline on Blood Pressure UK Helpline: 020 7882 6218

Maybe they can advise you on where you can go from here whilst you are waiting for your referral appointment. Your GP could surely chase up that appointment and I agree with Happyrosie about seeing another GP in your practice. Good luck. xx

[onadiet]

Try ringing Medocs as that is high. May be worth going to A&E as they can do tests there and then.Then you can get help or even reassurance which we all need.Had to go many times myself .