Very high blood pressure suddenly

[Boofers]

I had my BP checked back in Apr 2023, and it was borderline high, so they asked me to do a 2 week diary - take it 3 times, give lowest reading, twice a day. The usual. I forgot, then took it in June and it was 188/102 and I got such a shock I assumed I was having a panic attack and - because I'm an idiot - I ignored it, as I thought it was fine in April, so it was just stress. I monitored it in January for a few days, where it was still very high. I was really worried at this point and got in touch with my GP and the nurse sent me straight to see the doctor. The doctor was quite aggressive, told me 5 days wasn't enough, especially if I hadn't taken it three times, for each reading, said it was a waste of time, and she couldn't diagnose anything from that, and gave me a diary to fill in for 2 weeks, with an appointment in 3 weeks. Asked if I had private medical, so I could go to them for help with my IBS (as I suggested maybe that was the cause?) Also said if I was dizzy, had a bad headache or trouble breathing I should go to A&E.

Now - I DO realise what an idiot I am for not dealing with this straight away, last year, so that's on me. However, over the last few weeks my BP has been consistently above 185/100 - and I'm already taking Ramipril 5mg every day - isn't this worrying? My appointment to have the 2 week diary checked is next Monday. I do understand this is necessary, but isn't BP this high worrying, regardless of how few days I'd initially written the results down?

I'm sorry to ramble on, but one one hand, aren't we told BP over188/100 (I've got to 192/120) means go to A&E immediately, whereas my doctor doesn't seem to think this is anything to worry about?

If anyone reads this far thank you - I apologise, I'm venting because I've just got myself in a bit of a state about this today, being told 'pop along to A&E if you feel poorly' isn't very reassuring, although the hospital would be the best place to be at that point.

I think I'm just asking - all of you who live with high blood pressure - this is not a crisis, they just need a 2 week consistent reading to decide how best to treat it, don't they. It's not as bad as I'm imagining? Thank you x

[Happyrosie]

your last paragraph, Boofers, probably is on the right lines. As long as you are using this last year’s experience as a learning tool - don’t ignore high BP readings!. I’ve several points to make

The Doctor has probably told you to rest before taking a reading. This means in effect at least ten minutes (my husband needs about 12, me less) sitting down doing something soothing - read a nice book, listen to music) with the cuff on. Make sure you’ve something to write on and with so you do not get up.

When you are ready, take three slow breaths and start the machine, close eyes and absolutely no talking. Probably throw the first reading away and take an average of the next two or three. Try to do this at roughly the same time each day for consistency.

My blood pressure journey started twenty years ago and I was told then that often two separate types of pill are prescribed, one first for three months then another added. This is probably still the case.

Your doc should have started you on the diet and lifestyle route, or directed you towards the right resources to do so. I think a good resource is the website of Blood Pressure UK.

Where did you get the information that 188 etc is an A&E case? Acceptable levels vary by ethnicity, sex and age.

[Boofers in reply to Happyrosie]

Again, I know this is wrong, but I'm not terribly logical when I have an anxiety attack, but I was aiming to go to the NHS website, and unfortunately got a page that said 188/120 is Very Bad. I did actually read the NHS info, which is when I called my surgery.

I think it's related to having IBS - I've seen an NHS dietician so I know the main things which set it off, but it's become so bad I'm having trouble eating pretty much anything, so I think my restricted diet is causing the problem. At least I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist who specialises in IBS now, so I'm hopeful about that. I'm older, so that is a factor, but my BP has always been borderline, except when I have an IBS attack, when it shoots up. Unfortunately, most doctors response to IBS is 'you can get things at the chemist. Bye'.

Thank you for your reply and advice, I'll be as consistent as possible, and I'll look at the BP UK site. Have you and your husband managed to get your BP under control now - I'm guessing you have?

[Happyrosie in reply to Boofers]

Mine has been under control for 20 years and indeed within the last 18 months have dropped one medication and halved the dose of the other. I’m about 110/75. My husband is just over 140/ something but he’s allowed to as he is 81. Both well controlled in other words.

Anxiety makes the bp shoot up - as you know!

[Boofers in reply to Happyrosie]

Hi Happyrosie, as you were kind enough to reply to my panic-stricken question, I thought I'd update you: it turns out my blood pressure is absolutely fine. The GP I saw today is a specialist and, decided to take my BP with a manual blood pressure monitor. Apparently these are the most accurate, but you have to be trained to use it, so it's not usual to do that. She took it twice and said 'eh, it's absolutely fine'. Told me, in future, to insist they use the manual monitor and said to not bother doing the BP diary any more, I didn't need it. I'm kind of still in shock, but in a good way. I wish you all the best and thank you for your encouragement!

[Julieclev08]

good morning I so feel for you 😀The problem with high blood pressure is it makes you anxious when you see the numbers go high 🤷‍♀️. I know from experience the numbers can jump up and down well mine do and I’m still here 😜Definitely agree with Rosie sitting still and trying to remain calm when taking is a must .Try and stay calm I’ve been on that many medications to bring my numbers down .Five years on I’m only just under a cardiologist after having to go to hospital with a reading of 220/115.Even then it got to 240/140 after sitting in A and E all day .They obviously weren’t worried 🤷‍♀️And to be fair i felt ok .

I think it is all about how we all live with blood pressure in our own way without it taking over our mind worrying .Easier said than done but also not ignoring the riseing numbers.

[Boofers in reply to Julieclev08]

Thank you - you're right, they're the experts and if they're not worried, I should stay calm too. I really feel for you, that you're still going through tests five years later! I do wish you well. I appreciate you taking the time to reply, I need to stay calm and not worry about it so much, it's only going to make it worse! Hope you get a good result soon

[Julieclev08 in reply to Boofers]

I come on this forum to calm myself all the time .sounds stupid but knowing there’s people out there going through the same thing .When I was first diagnosed I thought I was going to drop down 😂it frightened the life out of me .I know what it’s like to worry and get anxious about blood pressure 😬I’m happy to reply and give reassurance ❤️❤️

[Sleepyholllow in reply to Julieclev08]

I do Exaxtly the same, it's thoroughly frightening!!

[Boofers in reply to Julieclev08]

Hi Julie, as you were kind enough to reply to my panic-stricken question, I thought I'd update you: it turns out my blood pressure is absolutely fine. The GP I saw today is a specialist and, decided to take my BP with a manual blood pressure monitor. Apparently these are the most accurate, but you have to be trained to use it, so it's not usual to do that. She took it twice and said 'eh, it's absolutely fine'. Told me, in future, to insist they use the manual monitor and said to not bother doing the BP diary any more, I didn't need it. I'm kind of still in shock, but in a good way. I wish you all the best and thank you for your encouragement!

[Julieclev08 in reply to Boofers]

I’m so happy for you 😍

[katieoxo60]

Just to put your mind at ease Boofers, my BP when done at hospital was204/121 still same over three readings was treated for hypertensive urgency, then I went home around 7 hours later with no treatment. Ended up over a six month period trying to get a suitable outcome with GP treatment which has shown a Kidney problem too. Yours is highish but with pills can be reduced I am sure but your Dr needs the readings to say why he is treating you. Stay as calm as you can it usually is a month of readings . Oh and I have always been above chart readings since in my late twenties I will be 76 next month. Best wishes for getting your BP under control. PS I have lost 4 kg s but my bp is still above average.

[Boofers in reply to katieoxo60]

Hi Katie, I'm sure I answered you yesterday, but I can't find the reply now. Thank you for replying. I feel for you - that's a long time to be dealing with high BP, I'm glad to hear you're ok. It's one of those things a person has to live with, it's just worrying when they mention kidney disease, strokes etc, and that doesn't lessen your BP at all! I'm reminding myself that they know what they're talking about, if they had any concerns they would have dealt with it straight away, so I need to be calm about it. *heavy sigh* I am trying... Reading everyone's comments on this forum helps so much, being reminded I'm not alone and there are people who completely understand. It's very comforting, and I appreciate it

[Boofers in reply to katieoxo60]

Hi Katie, as you were kind enough to reply to my panic-stricken question, I thought I'd update you: it turns out my blood pressure is absolutely fine. The GP I saw today is a specialist and, decided to take my BP with a manual blood pressure monitor. Apparently these are the most accurate, but you have to be trained to use it, so it's not usual to do that. She took it twice and said 'eh, it's absolutely fine'. Told me, in future, to insist they use the manual monitor and said to not bother doing the BP diary any more, I didn't need it. I'm kind of still in shock, but in a good way. I wish you all the best and thank you for your encouragement!

[katieoxo60 in reply to Boofers]

That's good news , wish mine was the same. I have two appointments at hospital due to a dodgy Xray result. But at present my BP is roughly same as normal not like the hospital reading. Have to contact DR later to change my blood test request for Monday, its all urgent I am afraid but possibly nothing to worry about really. But does not help the BP does it. Take care & keep calm. Thank you for reply.

[Sleepyholllow]

hi boofers,

I totally get how you are frustrated, but you can only do your best, I've been diagnosed about 5/6 years now with high BP, I'm 65 now, the advice given to you here is exactly right in my opinion, really relax when taking the readings, I've given up taking readings as it stressed me out so much, I've had a 24 hr monitor on this week and the average readings are above normal even at night, so meds have been doubled, which adds to stress because of the side effects, I take Lercanidipine which is at least the third medication I have had due to intolerance!

I suppose the point I'm trying to make is that it's a vicious cycle, the only advice I can give is do your best with diet and exercise and whatever meds you take, don't let it take over your life, because I have done this, life is too short, hope things improve for you, best of luck .

[Boofers in reply to Sleepyholllow]

Hi sleepyhollow, thank you! I'm interested - what sort of intolerance have you had? I've changed meds once because it was setting off my IBS.

Also, I'm a bit confused - my blood pressure is high, but if I do some meditation, listen to some soothing music etc it drops by about 20 points - but that's not realistic! If it's high for 90% of the time, then that's what they should be looking at, surely? Not the low figure I get after about 10 minutes of soothing music and meditation. I can't spend all day with earphones glued to my ears to keep my BP down. If you have any thoughts on this I'd be interested to hear? Thank you for your reply, and I wish you all the best

[Sleepyholllow in reply to Boofers]

I suppose just speaking from experience, the only way to see the changes is through the continuous monitor, which we can't be wearing all the time, surely they will take the average of your numbers throughout the day?

To answer your question re intolerance, the first med for bp they put me on initially in 2018, gave me very severe headache and joint pain, the second one the same, this current (Lercanidipine 20mg) is the least worst, with a couple of hours of headache and pounding heart rate which dissipates after some time, it's by no means easy, but at this stage I'm terrified not to take it,

I don't know if there is a medication that doesnt cause reaction, if there is, someone please tell me!!!

[Boofers in reply to Sleepyholllow]

Hi Sleepyholllow, as you were kind enough to reply to my panic-stricken question, I thought I'd update you: it turns out my blood pressure is absolutely fine. The GP I saw today is a specialist and, decided to take my BP with a manual blood pressure monitor. Apparently these are the most accurate, but you have to be trained to use it, so it's not usual to do that. She took it twice and said 'eh, it's absolutely fine'. Told me, in future, to insist they use the manual monitor and said to not bother doing the BP diary any more, I didn't need it. I'm kind of still in shock, but in a good way. I wish you all the best and thank you for your encouragement!

[Sleepyholllow in reply to Boofers]

Wow, that is really great, delighted to hear that, good luck and stay well x

[Happyrosie in reply to Boofers]

Boomers, let me interrupt you here! It’s absolutely normal for your pressure to go up if your brain (and autonomic nerve and hormone systems) thinks the body needs more oxygen and food to power your muscles. The pressure goes up because the cells need more food and oxygen. If you are sitting comfortably in your arm chair and think “oh I left my glasses upstairs I’ll have to nip up and find them” your bp will be up before you even stand.

The baseline figures we are given (say 120/80) assume that’s the relaxed reading - otherwise, thinking logically, you could never get a baseline. Does this make sense? Get back to me if my explanation doesn’t make sense.

[Cyclamenfan]

Try not to worry, Boofers, you are heading in the right direction now with an appointment to see the Doctor with your BP chart. This is not a crisis even though you feel very anxious about it.

It’s a right fag having to take it so many times at home but the Dr needs to see the pattern over these days and especially as with many people their BP goes up just because they are seeing a GP. I know mine does. They don’t want to prescribe you too little or too many meds which is why the chart is useful for them.

I started years and years ago on 5 mg Ramipril (am 72 now) but am now on 10mg, plus 7.5 mg Felodopine (because Amlodopine gave me a burning foot and Indapamide gave me terrible fatigue). So it’s all a bit of an experiment until they get the right level of meds. You might be put on a water tablet first with the Ramipril….

I suffer with anxiety which doesn’t help, (sorry to hear about your IBS.). It doesn’t help that your doctor was a bit grumpy either but it’s bound to be better this time when you hand the chart over! Would be interested to hear how you get on.

[Boofers in reply to Cyclamenfan]

Thank you for replying, and listing your meds, it's good to have something to compare mine to. I sympathise about the anxiety, I'm the same and I don't think that's helping. I've got myself so confused and anxious about all this, I know I'm not doing myself any favours, but it's so hard to stay calm when you don't know what's going on. I called the surgery and checked who I would be seeing and it's the the nurse I saw before who was lovely, and really calm, so I feel better about that. I'm glad to hear your meds are settled, and will report back once I've seen her, because I'm sure I'll be calmer by then!

[Boofers in reply to Cyclamenfan]

Hi Cyclamenfan, as you were kind enough to reply to my panic-stricken question, I thought I'd update you: it turns out my blood pressure is absolutely fine. The GP I saw today is a specialist and, decided to take my BP with a manual blood pressure monitor. Apparently these are the most accurate, but you have to be trained to use it, so it's not usual to do that. She took it twice and said 'eh, it's absolutely fine'. Told me, in future, to insist they use the manual monitor and said to not bother doing the BP diary any more, I didn't need it. I'm kind of still in shock, but in a good way. I wish you all the best and thank you for your encouragement!

[Cyclamenfan]

So very pleased to hear this great news for you! Last time I was at my GP’s he also took my BP manually; did it with the machine first and then delved about in his tatty old doctor’s bag and said he was going manual! (He’s a hoot!)

Going in to the nurse for another check next Monday, and a further blood test to check on the inflammation in my shoulders and back, and then I hope we’re done.

He added 2.5 mg to my Felodpine meds and I am hoping this has done the trick to get it under 140/90.

You must be so relieved, take care and best wishes,

Cyclamenfan