High blood pressure?

[*Al*]

Very recently I've found out I seem to have high blood pressure and I'm awaiting test to be done. I've had readings of 200/98 at the surgery by the local nurse yesterday, if I look online I should be in hospital! I'm slightly worried thb, I have a home monitor and today I started at 173/104 but is currently 169/95. Any advice?

[darreni]

If you smoke or like a coffee, try to reduce your intake, coffee in particular will raise blood pressure -it does with me as i found out yesterday having finished a costa just as i walked into the surgery.

[grumbledoak]

Calm down! It looks like you were pretty stressed with the nurse and a bit better at home.

The doc won't like the smaller number (diastolic) being over 90 and will want to medicate you. You'll probably have to try a few and keep measuring to find one that works. Otherwise you carry on much as normal.

Being old and/or fat, drinking and/or smoking are all bad for you. But you know that. You can expect some pressure to quit.

[gus607]

Those figures are too high OP,R E L A X or try to.

My recent figures were 237/114 ! in hospital I might add.

[Eleven]

*Al* said:

Very recently I've found out I seem to have high blood pressure and I'm awaiting test to be done. I've had readings of 200/98 at the surgery by the local nurse yesterday, if I look online I should be in hospital! I'm slightly worried thb, I have a home monitor and today I started at 173/104 but is currently 169/95. Any advice?

When are you using your home monitor? I believe good form is to take reading as soon as you rise, seated and before drinking anything. Take three readings and use the lowest.

FWIW I had a minor op recently and my blood pressure was about what yours is at home. This was almost certainly due to "white coat syndrome".

Also, how do you feel about having your blood pressure checked? Personally I dislike the pressure of the arm band and the throbbing of my arm beneath it. I have to concentrate upon relaxing otherwise I read high.

So, my BP varies a lot depending upon a number of factors. Does yours?

[*Al*]

Thanks very much for the advice all, I'm not a smoker, I'm 48 and generally relatively fit or so I thought! The lower number never drops below 90 something but raises to 105 which I know is not too good. Yes I suppose I was stressed when I saw the local nurse and found out from family that high blood pressure runs on one side of our family so I guess my life style will have to change along with some medication no doubt.

[swansea v6]

When taking your blood pressure make sure you have been seated for 10mims, unfold legs, no coffee or cigarettes before (or exercise). And relax!!!

[JumboBeef]

*Al* said:

Very recently I've found out I seem to have high blood pressure and I'm awaiting test to be done. I've had readings of 200/98 at the surgery by the local nurse yesterday, if I look online I should be in hospital! I'm slightly worried thb, I have a home monitor and today I started at 173/104 but is currently 169/95. Any advice?

If I attended you (I'm a paramedic) and got those readings with no other symptoms (headache, blurred vision etc) I would be spectacularly unconcerned. I would advise you to see your Dr within a month to get it checked out.

So stop worrying

[Foppo]

*Al* said:

Very recently I've found out I seem to have high blood pressure and I'm awaiting test to be done. I've had readings of 200/98 at the surgery by the local nurse yesterday, if I look online I should be in hospital! I'm slightly worried thb, I have a home monitor and today I started at 173/104 but is currently 169/95. Any advice?

169/95 Is medium 120/70 is right.When older blood pressure goes up.You might need tablets to control the pressure.

[Flibble]

Foppo said:

169/95 Is medium 120/70 is right.When older blood pressure goes up.You might need tablets to control the pressure.

120/80 or 115/75 are "ideal" depending on who you ask.