huge difference in blood pressure readings in 30 munitues

[kpeters001]

I am now 58 years old female. Two years ago after my eldest son unexpectedly passed away my blood pressure drastically went up from my normal 129/90 to somewhere between 203/113 and 160/100 for about four months. I went on Lercanidipine 20mg once a day (also Estradiol HRT). In less than 6 months, I lost 30 pounds (2.2 stone) and changed my diet to resemble Keto and do intermit fasting 16/8. My blood pressure was 150/98 to 125/90 for months. I am vaccinated and boosted. I did get covid in January. I was pretty sick (like a really bad flu) but did not need to see a doctor. Then recently about two months ago I have been getting tingling and even burning in my left thigh and feet (mostly left but sometimes right). If I lay on the floor and do pelvis tilts and bridge exercises and also Asian squat for tewn minutes it helps. Unfortunately, it is very upsetting. On top of that tho, I live in the UK my very frail elderly parents are in the states. Every holiday I have during school times I go to the States to sort their needs out. It is not a holiday and it can be stressful. I am scheduled 22 July to go this summer for two half weeks followed by a trip to Colombia for another 2 weeks to visit my younger son's girlfriend's family. For the past three weeks I started to feel dizzy again (I use to have BPPV veritgo) but I am not sure if it's low blood pressure, nerve endings, whatever, especially since I do have my blood pressure monitor with me wherever I go. I started to take my blood pressure at home again. I take readings for the mornings and late afternoons. I take about ten readings within 30 minute periods. Now my blood pressure ranges from 160/102 to 113/78 in 30 minutes in the morning. In the afternoon it has been 170/105 to 132/88. 5 readings would be near to the high end two will fall around 140/95 to 135/93 and then the last two would be the lowest reading 113/78 and followed by a jump to 125/85. Is that too much of a swing? My doctor has now added doxazosin 2m twice a day to my lercanidipine.

[Happyrosie]

Are you taking all your readings after ten minutes rest, eyes closed, breathing slowly, no talking? If no, then this could be the answer.

[kpeters001 in reply to Happyrosie]

I try to remain calm. On my sofa. Looking out on my garden which is my favorite spot. I try to ignore the first two readings. I tell myself my blood pressure monitor hates waking up. I take ten readings three times a day. At this point, I'm getting used to the uncomfortable squeeze. Still, I'm getting high numbers and then its goes down 20 0r 40 for systolic and 10 or 20 for diastolic.

[Happyrosie in reply to kpeters001]

I’m no medical professional, but in your place I would talk to my GP. If you can’t get a slot, ring Blood Pressure UK, the charity, who might be able to give advice.

[kpeters001 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for the suggestion! I will give them a call.

[BeaSea1]

Firstly, I am so sorry for your loss. You have an awful lot going on, and unsurprisingly your BP is erratic. I hate taking my readings and the tightening sensation that feels like my arm can't take being squeezed anymore, sometimes think it puts my BP up. Would it be worthwhile getting a second opinion on what is happening with your BP and the different meds, to allay your fears before you travel to the states and Colombia. Also give yourself enough time between readings and try to relax between them, easier said than done I know. I hope you can get your BP stabilised and that your trip goes OK. Take care. X

[kpeters001 in reply to BeaSea1]

Thank you for your words. I have taking readings while laying on the sofa almost likeing laying flat. Not completely as my torso is upright. During those times my bp readings are low: 122/78, 117/80, 117/91. While sitting in a chair with my feet on the floor my readings are 144/92, 131/89, 130/97. Then I thought what about if i am standing? Just standing. No walking etc just quietly standing and then my bp is 164/101, 164/105, 158/113. I looked it up and there is a condition called orthostatic hypertension. If anyone knows anything about it, would exercise help it?

[bryzy69]

I was taken off Doxazosin, due to high heart rate/palpitations.

[kpeters001 in reply to bryzy69]

Thank you for your reply. I will keep an eye out on that. So far my heartbeat has been the same old usual a bit high around 90s

[peter999999999]

the lowest readings are the proper ones its when you are rested,forget the others, they go down then start to go up a bit so your low ones are good in my opinion, im happy at 150/90, i like blood to be pumping to my brain and not dizzy etc,mind you i dont take bp pills anymore,

[kpeters001 in reply to peter999999999]

Thank you for that! Good to know.