NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE OVER 80 yrs.old ET

[azaelea]

Hello friends, quick question….what blood pressure readings do any over 80 yr ladies with ET JAK 2+ have please? My GP has just told me my BP is too low for my age at : 112/55 -129/63 105/61 and has told me to stop taking my daily tablet of Verapamil . I am wondering what effect blood pressure has on ET risks for clotting. Since stopping 3 days, readings are 149/ 74 - 112/69 -147/81. I’d be glad of any views please. Kind regards, Fran

[hunter5582]

It does look like you were heading towards hypotension. It is understandable the doc would discontinue the Verapamil. Hypotension can cause a number of problems, including orthostatic issues like feeling faint on standing (happened to me when BP med was too high).

You more current BP reading look OK , Systolic is a bit high a few times but Diastolic looks really good. At age 80, pretty good overall.

You are correct that hypertension is a complicating factor when you have ET. Any cardiovascular issue increases risks with ET. It is worth continuing to monitor your BP.

Suggest getting a case-specific answer to your question from a MPN Specialist. Your GP is much less likely to be aware of your specific risks with ET.

All the best.

[azaelea in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so much Hunter, once again for your thoughts and information. I hoped to get your views. I have a telephone appointment with my Haematologist on Monday 13 th March when I shall certainly ask for her advice Re. BP and ET meanwhile I will continue to monitor my readings. Best wishes and hoping you are keeping well. Fran

[DJK12]

I have the opposite problem from you in that my blood pressure started rocketing possibly caused by EPO injections which have been temporarily stopped and BP medication doubled. This is being coordinated between the consultant and GP. The two doctors and I, more importantly, are keen to get the BP to a normal figure. I've always gathered that with an MPN it was essential to keep blood pressure under control, but then in an ideal world everyone should.

Is your GP monitoring it now after you stopped the drugs? I am filling in a form twice a day for a fortnight and then have to consult the GP again. At the bottom of the form it has target BP figures:

Over 80 145/85

Under 80 135/85

I am getting more accurate figures after putting the sleeve on and sitting quietly for 5 minutes reading a book and then doing two readings with a minute apart. Also not having any caffeine or exercising for 30 minutes before doing the reading is important.

Hope you get it sorted.

[Mirror368 in reply to DJK12]

I was told when you are sitting quietly for the 5 minutes you should have your feet flat on the floor.

[DJK12 in reply to Mirror368]

Yes I always sit on an upright chair and avoid crossing my legs. Of course the 'quiet 5 minutes' is impossible when the GP or practice nurse has to do it and no doubt many of us have had false readings from white coat syndrome.

[Mirror368 in reply to DJK12]

The nurse always takes my bp first. Then my GP comes in later and it is always lower.

I have an Omron 7 bp machine…I just bought an electric device to plug in from Amazon so I can get more accurate readings than with batteries.

[azaelea in reply to DJK12]

Thank you for your reply. Yes my GP is monitoring BP I have an appointment on 14 th but he didn’t tell me to keep daly readings. I am doing it once a day however of my own volition. I note what you say about 5 minutes relaxing first. Do hope your BP gets to normal very soon.

[DJK12 in reply to azaelea]

It is thankfully coming down gradually but what a palaver all the testing is. However it's worth taking it morning and evening at roughly the same time to give a clearer idea as to what is actually going on plus taking it twice at each session with a minute between. I certainly find it slightly lower at the second test.

[Cokopops]

Hello. I’m almost 80..Diagnosed with ET 3 years ago (first day of look down..by phone) and prescribed hydroxycarbamide and aspirin My blood pressure is normally 145/85. I’m on 10 mg candesartan.

[azaelea in reply to Cokopops]

Thank you for your reply. Your BP looks good. I’m on Hydroxycarbamide and Clopidogerel. Thanks for your readings, it helps to compare with others in same boat.

[ritaandscooter1]

My mom who is 86 has had high blood pressure for years (doesn't have an MPN) and she has controlled her high numbers by going on a diuretic instead of a BP medication. It has worked for her. Might mention it to your doctor as an alternative. Kerry

[azaelea in reply to ritaandscooter1]

Thank you for your reply. I am on a diuretic , BendroflumethiaIde as well as the Verapamil. He gave the choice of which to stop but stopping water pill previously led to swollen ankles, so opted for BP one. Thanks anyway.