Blood pressure
Discussion
Hello,
I've had a few issues recently and COVID means the GP told me to go and buy a BP monitor!
I did and know my BP is high but I'm concerned about peripheral arterial disease.
The machine I bought is an "upper arm device". From Omrom. I used it on my leg to compare the results. They were similar even though both my feet are numb.
Any medical people about? I can see a doctor end of next week but obviously rather get advice sooner.
I've had a few issues recently and COVID means the GP told me to go and buy a BP monitor!
I did and know my BP is high but I'm concerned about peripheral arterial disease.
The machine I bought is an "upper arm device". From Omrom. I used it on my leg to compare the results. They were similar even though both my feet are numb.
Any medical people about? I can see a doctor end of next week but obviously rather get advice sooner.
Both feet being numb could be a sign of multiple disease processes. I'd say most likely neuropathy but there are many other endocrine, neurological, and vascular disease issues.Peripheral arterial disease doesn't usually manifest as numbness alone.
BP measured on the calf is usually higher than the upper arm (esp the systolic figure - the higher reading of the two). This increase is because a) the BP is higher in the legs and B) the cuff is often a little too small for the calf so tends to overread.
BP measured on the calf is usually higher than the upper arm (esp the systolic figure - the higher reading of the two). This increase is because a) the BP is higher in the legs and B) the cuff is often a little too small for the calf so tends to overread.
OP...do you get a cold "socks scrunched up feeling in you toes" after walking a short distance?
When you say numb....all the time or just on exercise?
Do your calves cramp up?
I know when my BP is taken in legs I have to lay down.
I am not a Doctor but have good reason to know a fair bit about PAD.
eta looking at your profile pic........cholesterol levels checked recently?
When you say numb....all the time or just on exercise?
Do your calves cramp up?
I know when my BP is taken in legs I have to lay down.
I am not a Doctor but have good reason to know a fair bit about PAD.
eta looking at your profile pic........cholesterol levels checked recently?
It's more like slight pins and needles in toes and soles but depends on my footwear! It started with a slight numbness in my right shin
nearly two years ago but escalated suddenly recently. I don't seem to be any weaker and no sign of muscle wastage.
That isn't my usual diet! But yes my cholesterol is very high. I'm getting a new blood test in the next week or so as the doctor I spoke to couldn't find my last one...
Edit - corrected the autocorrect!
nearly two years ago but escalated suddenly recently. I don't seem to be any weaker and no sign of muscle wastage.
That isn't my usual diet! But yes my cholesterol is very high. I'm getting a new blood test in the next week or so as the doctor I spoke to couldn't find my last one...
Edit - corrected the autocorrect!
Edited by matt0677 on Friday 2nd October 17:25
catweasle said:
OP...do you get a cold "socks scrunched up feeling in you toes" after walking a short distance?
When you say numb....all the time or just on exercise?
Do your calves cramp up?
I know when my BP is taken in legs I have to lay down.
I am not a Doctor but have good reason to know a fair bit about PAD.
eta looking at your profile pic........cholesterol levels checked recently?
Always numb now but it does worsen over the course of the day. I didn't know about laying down to check leg BP, I'll try that shortly. I usually eat fairly healthily...When you say numb....all the time or just on exercise?
Do your calves cramp up?
I know when my BP is taken in legs I have to lay down.
I am not a Doctor but have good reason to know a fair bit about PAD.
eta looking at your profile pic........cholesterol levels checked recently?
matt0677 said:
catweasle said:
OP...do you get a cold "socks scrunched up feeling in you toes" after walking a short distance?
When you say numb....all the time or just on exercise?
Do your calves cramp up?
I know when my BP is taken in legs I have to lay down.
I am not a Doctor but have good reason to know a fair bit about PAD.
eta looking at your profile pic........cholesterol levels checked recently?
Always numb now but it does worsen over the course of the day. I didn't know about laying down to check leg BP, I'll try that shortly. I usually eat fairly healthily...When you say numb....all the time or just on exercise?
Do your calves cramp up?
I know when my BP is taken in legs I have to lay down.
I am not a Doctor but have good reason to know a fair bit about PAD.
eta looking at your profile pic........cholesterol levels checked recently?
eta https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-arterial-...
catweasle said:
As I said before I am not a doctor but it doesn't sound like PAD to me (certainly symptoms are nothing like mine were)..............incidentally mine isn't caused by cholesterol but I believe it is often a factor and I saw your profile pic.
eta https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-arterial-...
Interesting, advice I've read before said something like it gets worse with exertion and then lessens when you rest. No timescales though. Your link mentions minutes. My symptoms build over the course of a day, even a week.eta https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-arterial-...
So we're leaning toward a nervous problem? I'm still googling all the suggestions above.
matt0677 said:
catweasle said:
As I said before I am not a doctor but it doesn't sound like PAD to me (certainly symptoms are nothing like mine were)..............incidentally mine isn't caused by cholesterol but I believe it is often a factor and I saw your profile pic.
eta https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-arterial-...
Interesting, advice I've read before said something like it gets worse with exertion and then lessens when you rest. No timescales though. Your link mentions minutes. My symptoms build over the course of a day, even a week.eta https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-arterial-...
So we're leaning toward a nervous problem? I'm still googling all the suggestions above.
matt0677 said:
Interesting, advice I've read before said something like it gets worse with exertion and then lessens when you rest. No timescales though. Your link mentions minutes. My symptoms build over the course of a day, even a week.
So we're leaning toward a nervous problem? I'm still googling all the suggestions above.
See how your symptoms compare with spinal stenosis So we're leaning toward a nervous problem? I'm still googling all the suggestions above.
gasman712 said:
See how your symptoms compare with spinal stenosis
Crikey I never would have found that! Symptoms are few according to what I've just read (Mayo Clinic seems to be a good source) but tingling and numbness definitely checks a box. I've had minor balance issues if I've been sat for a while or going down stairs.My mother has arthritis, my niece has scoliosis and my sister has had a serious spinal issue. So if there's a hereditary aspect... I haven't been injured.
Thanks for your advice gasman, not sure what your profession is but you seem to know your stuff!
What, a nurse that deals with vascular issues? You do know that nurses are professionals and have areas of expertise? Or do you think they're pretty young ladies?
Here's a job opportunity if you're up to it https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/leeds-v...
Here's a job opportunity if you're up to it https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/leeds-v...
Edited by matt0677 on Saturday 3rd October 14:45
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