Confused about blood pressure reading

[granny-b]

Had to see my doc this morning because of side effects of methotrexate. I rang at 8am and joined the queue at no 13. Imagine my surprise when the answer to my question 'I don't suppose Dr M has an appointment today (I knew she wasn't on the 'on the day' rota) was 'yes at 10.20'.my ghast was truly flabbered..

Anyway to my question. I had my blood pressure taken twice. It was 179 (too high) over 63 (rather low). So what does this sort of combination mean in terms of blood flow? Last reading was low on both counts.

I have GCA in my aorta, aortic arches and all the other large arteries.

My guess is that these readings might be heart related but I would much prefer a view from a medical person.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

None of us are medically qualified so in that respect you will have to ask your doctor I fear! Though this may help:

bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPr...

However, while a high systolic reading (the 173) may well be partly due to white coat syndrome, there is a condition that develops as we age that causes this. But it would be wrong to make such a judgement on the basis of just readings taken at the surgery and a 24 hour Holter recording is needed - it measures your BP for 24 hours, usually every 1/2 hour during the day, hourly at night. That gives a much more natural reflection of your BP. If I had large vessel vasculitis as you do I would want to be referred to a specialist in such things - but I doubt there are that many outside London. Prof Mason at the Hammersmith is the guy if I remember rightly, and something suggests Prof Ann Morgan at Leeds may be in that field.

[granny-b in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro. I was hopeful you could point me in some direction. At the moment I can't get to the link but I will try again soon.

I went with sore gums, a headache and diarrhoea which I associated with methotrexate. This bp thing came up because she checks it while I am there.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to granny-b]

It took ages to download for me - no idea why.

I got the impression that any so-called pred side effects increased when I was on methotrexate - and raised BP is one.

[granny-b in reply to PMRpro]

Got in now. Thanks, straightforward enough.. Keep taking the meds! Doc agreed to a small change and away we go again.

Hoping for a better day today although got a grumbling head since about 1am. Do NOT want that today as I share my birthday with Burns. Last year a neighbour brought his bagpipe's over and played for me. Not everyone's cup of tea but it made me very happy. (I live in East Anglia so just coincidence.)

[Constance13 in reply to granny-b]

I like bagpipes but.....! We belonged to an International Club over here (Germany) and Robbie was celebrated every year. The piper went round to each table and played to them . Of course it was rather, LOUD, especially if he stood next to you! Lovely evenings though. A friend ordered a piper for our daughter’s wedding (she can’t stand them)😀, the guests loved it though.

[granny-b in reply to Constance13]

You can imagine him playing in my small living room. At home he is only allowed to play in the garden or garage. I have recently discovered that my great grandparents moved from Ireland to Scotland and my grandfather was born there. So I have the luck of the Irish and the stirring spirit of the Scots. Watch out... X

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

We had a friend in Germany who played the pipes - he played at OH's surprise 40th party. And both daughters had pipes at their wedding - I love them at the right distance and that isn't actually that far away!

[Slowdown in reply to granny-b]

A very happy, headache-free birthday, granny-b(urns) and I hope the pipes play for you today

[granny-b in reply to Slowdown]

My piper is 80 and has COPD so we will see. X

[Ruadh in reply to granny-b]

Happy Birthday Granny-B - I've hae me Haggis at the ready - MacSween - have a good one -

[PMRCanada in reply to PMRpro]

My GP ordered me to wear such a blood pressure Holter for 24 hours at my first appointment with him. I had just moved to a new area, and he was my new Dr., and trying to sort out a number of presenting issues (high blood pressure, mysterious symptoms - PMR not yet diagnosed). The results showed my bp went up as high as 212/95.....and that was while I was sleeping. Both my mom and dad had blood pressure. So I was put on medication for hypertension (with a bit of diuretic) and it worked like a charm.

Awhile later I was diagnosed with PMR and read that one of the side effects was high blood pressure, so I swapped out my diet for a low carb/sugar/salt option, dropped 30 pounds, and was able to cut my bp medication in half. Despite this, my bp always soared when I met with my (former) rheumatologist (she was awful).....the white coat syndrome PMRpro mentioned.

My GP is open to me continuing with healthy lifestyle changes, and having me try eliminating my bp medication altogether. This would involve wearing a 24 hour Holter once more, and ongoing weekly checks to ensure it doesn't creep up again. Heredity may dictate ongoing medication, albeit at a small dose. Of interest, my GP mentioned that sugar is much more of a culprit when it comes to hypertension, than salt. Of note, I take my bp at our local pharmacy once a month just ensure I am staying on track.

Hope your medical professionals manage to get it all sorted. Given your diagnosis/conditions, follow up by specialists sounds like it would be appropriate. Wishing you all the best, and do keep us updated.

[alvertta]

When I was diagnosed with GCA my heart specialist put me on a Holter monitors for 7 days. A pain to keep it on for a week but a very thorough analysis of how my heart was. I have had high BP for several years so another thing to watch. I live in Ontario Canada and it is not hard to find a cardiologist in my community. I suggest you try to be referred to a cardiologist for a thorough look see. I also do an annual stress test on a tread mill. Need to keep on top of this. Good luck.

[granny-b]

Update.

The blood test came back with a rise in my CRP from 9 less than 3 weeks ago to 52 yesterday. I don't do subtle.

Doc and consultant in contact. I am getting rather edgy waiting to hear.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to granny-b]

Of course, raised inflammation in your arteries is likely to increase BP - I wonder what the chances are that the lower figure was wrong?????

Do let us know what they decide - I'd like to think it included putting up your pred dose!

[granny-b in reply to PMRpro]

Have started another thread for update.

[AndrewT]

Dear granny-b,

I'm sorry, to say this, but...You WILL have to go back, to your Doctor- or Consultant- on this one. Generally speaking, these results do 'Relate to' heart function though, the 'Whys & Wherefores' are rather a mystery to most of us.

Without in any way, being 'funny' with you, as your name is 'granny-b', are you maybe an Older Person? If so, and I know that you don't like doing this- none of us do- 'Play' the Confused Old Lady card. That you have a Medical Condition, is also relevant. Even if you are only forty-eight, still go back to the Doctor!

Can you let us know, how you get on please granny-b?

Good Luck, and Best Wishes from us all.

AndrewT

[granny-b in reply to AndrewT]

Sorry for not replying sooner AndrewT. I have had a tricky few weeks of ups and downs. In subsequent posts I have described my A&E and scan 3 weeks ago. I see my vasculitis consultant again this coming week. So lucky to have an expert locally.

[AndrewT in reply to granny-b]

Good Luck granny-b, we are all 'Rooting' for you.