What does high blood pressure feel like?

[Narcisus]

popeyewhite said:

Has someone told you to wait an hour before doing a test? Why? The first test should reflect as accurately as possible your sleeptime numbers, and tests in the day your daytime (active) numbers.

Don't watch Youtube, make a brew/the bed/breakfast etc...just get up, quick wash, sit down for 10 minutes reading something non-stimulating then do the first test.

Ill let you know how the doctor says to do it tomorrow. Cheers

[Derek Smith]

popeyewhite said:

Why is your first reading that high? What do you do between rising and doing the test? Walk a dog or something?

This is the norm for my readings. It happens in about 80% of them; the first is high, the second two drop. The third is not always lower than the second, but the second is always lower than the first. My practice nurse did it that way, discarding the first without recording the reading. I asked her for an explanation, but she said she didn't know. She said it was possibly 'white coat syndrome' but firstly, she was in blue, and secondly, why the drop? It's not as if she'd stripped off.

When I had a very high reading after a fast drive, on blues and twos, to a hospital, and then a rush to the bed, encouraged by the nurse - brought back memories - my doctor said that pursuits and such are dangerous to the brain. She'd done a paper on this and reckoned that the damage high blood pressure did to the vessels at the bottom of the brain (this post will be devoid of technical language) had a measurable effect on those who did it for significant periods. Garrulous was mentioned, and I said to her that this explained a number of traffic officers I'd met. She didn't like the joke, and I was told it was serious.

[popeyewhite]

Derek Smith said:

popeyewhite said:

Why is your first reading that high? What do you do between rising and doing the test? Walk a dog or something?

This is the norm for my readings. It happens in about 80% of them; the first is high, the second two drop. The third is not always lower than the second, but the second is always lower than the first. My practice nurse did it that way, discarding the first without recording the reading. I asked her for an explanation, but she said she didn't know. She said it was possibly 'white coat syndrome' but firstly, she was in blue, and secondly, why the drop? It's not as if she'd stripped off.

My second reading is normally the highest, I generally take an average of the first and third. I think WCS might explain dropping the first reading as your nurse said, and for the OP nerves at home doing the first test of the day might similarly explain his higher first reading. Maybe.

[Bone Rat]

Hi, an interesting thread, as background I'm a recently retired medic, GP by background originally and spent last 20 years in a regulatory O/H role, often reviewing cardiac results. Also hypertensive since the mid 90s.

Initially picked up while doing BP clinic when the nurse wanted to try her newfangled electric BP machine - 270/160 consistently. Absolutely no symptoms whatsoever, no headaches, no nothing. Saw a cardiologist as routine appointment, normal echo, ECG etc. Then had a 24hour BP monitor, interesting as it would go up when formally checked but the baseline was reasonable at about 150/90,certainly not a panic situation. Diagnosis an increased adrenergic drive due to stressors, treatment was with a low /average dose of the now unfavoured beta blockers.

I had already had ACE inhibitors (no effect), Ca channel blockers (low effect but marked ankle swelling) and a diuretic - hmmm...

Why list this, well I do think it's important to have the 24 hour readings not just spot ones only before starting on long term hypertensive treatment. In my later role I would see people on aggressive hypertensive treatment based on a few surgery readings who's resting 24 hour baseline was much lower, enough to cause quite significant symptoms with hypotension. Remember, hypotension also kills people especially the elderly; low BP causes a fall giving a fractured hip with the risks of immobility and surgery, not to mention just hitting the head - lost MiL just that way.

Also it's important to get the right treatment, in most cases hypertension is totally symptom free but you are introducing treatments that often are not, persistent cough with ACEs, swelling with Ca blockers, electrolyte disturbances, it's important that you don't feel worse on treatment.

[Narcisus]

Thanks for posting great info and insight.

[simonrockman]

When I say "leg cramps" I mean such painful cramp I passed out a couple of nights ago. I'm due to speak to my GP tomorrow.

[Slowboathome]

popeyewhite said:

Derek Smith said:

popeyewhite said:

Why is your first reading that high? What do you do between rising and doing the test? Walk a dog or something?

This is the norm for my readings. It happens in about 80% of them; the first is high, the second two drop. The third is not always lower than the second, but the second is always lower than the first. My practice nurse did it that way, discarding the first without recording the reading. I asked her for an explanation, but she said she didn't know. She said it was possibly 'white coat syndrome' but firstly, she was in blue, and secondly, why the drop? It's not as if she'd stripped off.

My second reading is normally the highest, I generally take an average of the first and third. I think WCS might explain dropping the first reading as your nurse said, and for the OP nerves at home doing the first test of the day might similarly explain his higher first reading. Maybe.

If you want to look at why people's readings vary, this is a good summary:

https://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articl...

[popeyewhite]

Slowboathome said:

If you want to look at why people's readings vary, this is a good summary:

https://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articl...

Oddly that link states the effect of "Heavy physical exercise before measurement" [3] ⇓ 18–20 mmHg [systolic]
Heavy physical exercise for me always results in an increase in systolic... . Perhaps I've misunderstood the chart.

[Biggus thingus]

My story

Mum had always been into herbal/alternative remedies

I went for a job just over 20 years ago and they required a medical. Went along locally and failed on the blood pressure. It was at that point i worked out i had a problem and one that ran in the family. Old Dear prescribed dried mistletoe infused in water and drunk.

I was skeptical but went along and hammered it just before my next medical which the firm had requested at their HO 3hrs drive away. Passed with flying colours

Fast forward and i know when my BP is too high, red face(which Mrs notices before me), head feeling like its about to explode, itchy skin, feels like i can feel pulse in my arms

A jug of water with a couple of teaspoons of dried mistletoe left to infuse overnight and then drink and i'm good to go

I know it won't suit everyone but might be worth a try for some?

[Slowboathome]

popeyewhite said:

Oddly that link states the effect of "Heavy physical exercise before measurement" [3] ? 18–20 mmHg [systolic]
Heavy physical exercise for me always results in an increase in systolic... . Perhaps I've misunderstood the chart.

Maybe it differs according to length of time after exercise? If I go for a run then leave it an hour or so mine will be lower than normal.

[98elise]

Slowboathome said:

popeyewhite said:

Oddly that link states the effect of "Heavy physical exercise before measurement" [3] ? 18–20 mmHg [systolic]
Heavy physical exercise for me always results in an increase in systolic... . Perhaps I've misunderstood the chart.

Maybe it differs according to length of time after exercise? If I go for a run then leave it an hour or so mine will be lower than normal.

If I take mine an hour after the gym it's significantly slower than normal, almost back to acceptable levels.

[The Hypno-Toad]

simonrockman said:

When I say "leg cramps" I mean such painful cramp I passed out a couple of nights ago. I'm due to speak to my GP tomorrow.

I've never passed out so yours must be really bad but I have had to stop myself from screaming on a couple of occasions. Apparently getting a new firmer mattress can also help.

[Narcisus]

Update from this morning

Was in the Doctors a while.

What was said....

I need to cut out Caffeine and booze. Don't drink much anyway but liked the odd Costa.

I need to lose at least a stone and exercise more

I need to go for a blood test etc in 10 days or so

Pressure checked in the doctors was hovering around 165/106 apparently at the Walk In on Saturday it was 195/110

She wanted to start treatment immediately and has prescribed Ramipril

She says I will now probably be on some form of medication for the rest of my life


Certainly am eye opener for me I maybe 52 but I certainty don't feel it. The thing is I cant remember the last time I had it checked. I could have been like this for 15 years !

Doing a bit of investigating it appears Tinnitus can be a sign of high blood pressure. I've had it for years would be amazing if lowering the blood pressure also helped the Tinnitus ..

[McAndy]

I can recommend the Aktiia product.

https://aktiia.com/

Started using it end of last year and has given me reliable 24 hour data with no issues. Calibrated against Aktiia-own cuff and Omron cuff at least once per month, so I have confidence in the data.

[Narcisus]

McAndy said:

I can recommend the Aktiia product.

https://aktiia.com/

Started using it end of last year and has given me reliable 24 hour data with no issues. Calibrated against Aktiia-own cuff and Omron cuff at least once per month, so I have confidence in the data.

Thanks that looks interesting especially if it means I don't have to mess about with the monitor twice a day ?

[McAndy]

Narcisus said:

Thanks that looks interesting especially if it means I don't have to mess about with the monitor twice a day ?

Exactly that. It has been perfect for discussions with my GP, and I always share data along with the Omron calibrations since the product/algorithms are so new. It has enabled me to identify trends and keep an eye on things post-exercise to ensure I'm operating in a safe zone.

[Derek Smith]

Narcisus said:

Update from this morning

Was in the Doctors a while.

What was said....

I need to cut out Caffeine and booze. Don't drink much anyway but liked the odd Costa.

I need to lose at least a stone and exercise more

I need to go for a blood test etc in 10 days or so

Pressure checked in the doctors was hovering around 165/106 apparently at the Walk In on Saturday it was 195/110

She wanted to start treatment immediately and has prescribed Ramipril

She says I will now probably be on some form of medication for the rest of my life


Certainly am eye opener for me I maybe 52 but I certainty don't feel it. The thing is I cant remember the last time I had it checked. I could have been like this for 15 years !

Doing a bit of investigating it appears Tinnitus can be a sign of high blood pressure. I've had it for years would be amazing if lowering the blood pressure also helped the Tinnitus ..

Not much comfort to you, but at least you know, and are having treatment.

I'm surprised salt wasn't mentioned. I have to take a diuretic and having an enlarged prostate exacerbates the situation. Still, I know the locations of all the public loos in mid Sussex.

I have prostate cancer and the pills I am on appear to have raised my blood pressure.

[Derek Smith]

Slowboathome said:

If you want to look at why people's readings vary, this is a good summary:

https://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articl...

Thanks for that link. It was interesting. Like everyone, I bet, who gets a home BP testing device, I experimented with mine.

The effect of certain forms of exercise is surprising, it plummeting. No wonder some people need a fag. Feeling sleepy seemed to have little or no effect, but watching a disturbing film, such as extreme violence or violence against children made it shoot up. I got to the stage where I could think lower BP by having an image in my mind or by watching 'calming' films. A love story my wife picked made it drop considerably. The Age of Adeline, but the cost of some methods of reducing BP can be too high. I think the loss of the will to live was the cause.

[Narcisus]

Derek Smith said:

Narcisus said:

Update from this morning

Was in the Doctors a while.

What was said....

I need to cut out Caffeine and booze. Don't drink much anyway but liked the odd Costa.

I need to lose at least a stone and exercise more

I need to go for a blood test etc in 10 days or so

Pressure checked in the doctors was hovering around 165/106 apparently at the Walk In on Saturday it was 195/110

She wanted to start treatment immediately and has prescribed Ramipril

She says I will now probably be on some form of medication for the rest of my life


Certainly am eye opener for me I maybe 52 but I certainty don't feel it. The thing is I cant remember the last time I had it checked. I could have been like this for 15 years !

Doing a bit of investigating it appears Tinnitus can be a sign of high blood pressure. I've had it for years would be amazing if lowering the blood pressure also helped the Tinnitus ..

Not much comfort to you, but at least you know, and are having treatment.

I'm surprised salt wasn't mentioned. I have to take a diuretic and having an enlarged prostate exacerbates the situation. Still, I know the locations of all the public loos in mid Sussex.

I have prostate cancer and the pills I am on appear to have raised my blood pressure.

Yes cutting stuff out etc is a no brainer if it's going to save my life hopefully popping a pill every day and a bit more exercise will sort things out and I can carry on as normal.

Hope everything works out for you Derek and thanks to all for advice / help

[Derek Smith]

Narcisus said:

Yes cutting stuff out etc is a no brainer if it's going to save my life hopefully popping a pill every day and a bit more exercise will sort things out and I can carry on as normal.

Hope everything works out for you Derek and thanks to all for advice / help

Thanks. Things going well.