Advice on controlling BP

[nlldavies]

I'm looking for advice on how to stay calm and stress free while having BP checked. My BP is at the higher end of normal most of the time (on medication for hypertension) but BP will shoot up under minor stress or anxiety.

This is causing me a problem with joining a gym as my BP is high when being measured as part of the initial assessment ... I am unable to start exercising until its sorted. When I get home and measure myself its back to what is normal for me.

Is there anything I can take for a couple of days to calm me down a bit?

Thanks

[dave_s13]

Letter from your gp to take to said gym will be the easiest way round it.

Or get a pair of trainers and save on the gym fee.

[goldblum]

You had your BP checked when you went for a gym induction?

[Cupramax]

goldblum said:

You had your BP checked when you went for a gym induction?

Yes, most do it now, duty of care to ensure the person is fit enough to engage in strenuous activity. If they dont check and you do yourself a mischief they can be sued.

dave_s13 said:

Letter from your gp to take to said gym will be the easiest way round it.

Yes, I had to do this as I had the same problem, any minor anxiety, however insignificant, sends my BP sky high.

[Podie]

Cut caffeine, artifical sweetners, alcohol, do some moderate exercise (e.g. walking) and avoid processed food.

That aside, controlling it beyond HT medication will be tough. Typically, it should be lower in the morning. If the GP has suggested medication, they should be able to clear it with the gym.

Edited by Podie on Friday 30th September 11:46

[dave_s13]

BOOOOO!!!!!

I would def recommend seeing the GP as it may be the case that you have elevated BP and there's fack all you can do about it without medication.

[Victor McDade]

Given you're already on anti-hypertensive medication maybe you need to see your GP again to adjust the dose or try something else?

Or if it's just a case of temporary stress raising it then try some deep breathing exercises before you're getting it measured.

Or ask your GP if it would be safe for you to double up the dose just on the day your having the BP checked at the gym.

[shouldbworking]

I suffer from a bit of the whole white coats syndrome - weirdly just for BP checks - think its the feeling of constriction I dont like.

So far ive not found a way of controlling my BP effectively for them at all that probably doesnt help. I dont have any problem with mine though, it just reads high normal rather than normal. bugs me though as Ive had minor surgery before, ecg, blood, scalpels and all that out and my HR never went over 50.

[goldblum]

Cupramax said:

goldblum said:

You had your BP checked when you went for a gym induction?

Yes, most do it now, duty of care to ensure the person is fit enough to engage in strenuous activity. If they dont check and you do yourself a mischief they can be sued.

dave_s13 said:

Letter from your gp to take to said gym will be the easiest way round it.

Yes, I had to do this as I had the same problem, any minor anxiety, however insignificant, sends my BP sky high.

I run various fitness type classes and train private clients.I ask that they fill in a medical form and sign a disclaimer,however I think conducting physical

tests on clients to check their medical suitability to train is not within my remit:I trust the client to fill in the application honestly.I use the premises at

six gyms,four council owned and two private,neither require physical checks beyond the norm.I'm well aware of Duty Of Care etc,and obviously am fully insured.

A BP test is not required for my cover,nor have I heard of anyone needing this test,until now.

[nlldavies]

Thanks for the replies. I was measured at 144/92 and have been told by many that although high its not that bad short term and that a slightly high diastolic is not too much to be concerned about.

Popping back tomorrow for another BP check.

[Victor McDade]

nlldavies said:

Thanks for the replies. I was measured at 144/92 and have been told by many that although high its not that bad short term and that a slightly high diastolic is not too much to be concerned about.

Popping back tomorrow for another BP check.

144/92 should not stop someone from exercising - it's a shame the gym are being so pedantic about things.

[Cupramax]

goldblum said:

I run various fitness type classes and train private clients.I ask that they fill in a medical form and sign a disclaimer,however I think conducting physical

tests on clients to check their medical suitability to train is not within my remit:I trust the client to fill in the application honestly.I use the premises at

six gyms,four council owned and two private,neither require physical checks beyond the norm.I'm well aware of Duty Of Care etc,and obviously am fully insured.

A BP test is not required for my cover,nor have I heard of anyone needing this test,until now.

I'm not questioning what you do, or saying its mandatory. All I was saying was the health club I'm a member of carried out a BP test as part of my induction, Roko for the record. Their test found I was high, which I knew already and I had to get a doctors note before they would allow me to use the gym.

[goldblum]

Cupramax said:

goldblum said:

I run various fitness type classes and train private clients.I ask that they fill in a medical form and sign a disclaimer,however I think conducting physical

tests on clients to check their medical suitability to train is not within my remit:I trust the client to fill in the application honestly.I use the premises at

six gyms,four council owned and two private,neither require physical checks beyond the norm.I'm well aware of Duty Of Care etc,and obviously am fully insured.

A BP test is not required for my cover,nor have I heard of anyone needing this test,until now.

I'm not questioning what you do, or saying its mandatory. All I was saying was the health club I'm a member of carried out a BP test as part of my induction, Roko for the record. Their test found I was high, which I knew already and I had to get a doctors note before they would allow me to use the gym.

Yes apologies, my post does come across a bit strong.Hope you enjoy your new gym.

[bacchus180]

if you think your BP is too high in high pressure circumstances, or at different times of the day the only way to be sure is to take a 24hour test.

If you are being treated for hypertension even if it is mild, its worth doing, then you can adjust your meds to cope.

ideally, or realistically you need to keep your diastolic at less than 85. As my endocronologist explained. its not a myth. you can draw a perfect graph between high bp, age and mortality.


I'm on three different meds.. it keeps me in the low 80's provided I behave like a saint.

[996c2]

bacchus180 said:

if you think your BP is too high in high pressure circumstances, or at different times of the day the only way to be sure is to take a 24hour test.

See your GP for the 24h BP monitoring. It's a machine you wear for a day at home/work. It's the new recommended method for diagnosing high BP.