High Blood Pressure and Glaucoma Risk at 36...Drs not fussed
Discussion
Just prior to Christmas whilst visiting Drs for serious neck pain and headaches, I had my blood pressure checked and returned a result of 'high' - well within the Hypertension range. Needless to say what followed was 3months of numerous blood tests, ECGs and New Year spent with a 7day Blood pressure monitor.
With immediate effect I tailored my diet cutting alcohol to no more than 1 pint a week (I don't drink much anyway), excluded caffeine and my food intake has always been balanced with plenty of fruit, veg, salad and minimal high fat dairy. I ride to and from work daily (10mile round trip) and enjoy cycling at weekends as I enjoy the exercise. My BMI is well within the "normal" range.
So after what seemed like an eternity of my arm being prodded, squeezed and poked, requests for more tests, the hairs ripped of my chest and ankles, pissing in cups the net result was that my average blood pressure is 'High'. Whilst the Dr appeared concerned throughout, has showed no real concern to do anything to help me manage it...."your doing all the right things" and that was that sent on my merry way. The head aches however have continued and if anything got worse.
So to make sure I'd covered all bases last weekend I went for an eye test, prescription fine no need for glasses however the Pressure Test has returned as "High"...well above the threshold limit for Glaucoma and suggested referral to the Eye Hospital. Fortunately the Optometrist was supportive and agreed to send a letter to my Dr for my referral.
A return Drs appointment has been made forearmed with the knowledge that my headaches are still occurring, that they keep me awake at night, and my home pressure monitor is still showing "High" BP and now potentially at risk of Glaucoma at the age of 36.
My Grandmother has very high BP (controlled with med) and also has Glaucoma and had Cataracts. My Grandmothers Sister dropped dead at the age of 42 in the 70's on the street of a stroke, and Ive recently found out that my uncle has high BP from the age of 51....so there is history down my mothers line of the family (My mother doesn't appear to have any issues). The Dr knows all this yet when mentioned previously this was all brushed aside as some kind of 'irrelevant trivia'.
As a male I should be ignoring the warning signs and getting on with my life and deal with the consequences another time, however I'd like to manage my health so that in the next 20 years I don't have a stroke, heart attack or go blind. I require the assistance of my GP who doesn't appear willing to help or even listen....suggestions?!
With immediate effect I tailored my diet cutting alcohol to no more than 1 pint a week (I don't drink much anyway), excluded caffeine and my food intake has always been balanced with plenty of fruit, veg, salad and minimal high fat dairy. I ride to and from work daily (10mile round trip) and enjoy cycling at weekends as I enjoy the exercise. My BMI is well within the "normal" range.
So after what seemed like an eternity of my arm being prodded, squeezed and poked, requests for more tests, the hairs ripped of my chest and ankles, pissing in cups the net result was that my average blood pressure is 'High'. Whilst the Dr appeared concerned throughout, has showed no real concern to do anything to help me manage it...."your doing all the right things" and that was that sent on my merry way. The head aches however have continued and if anything got worse.
So to make sure I'd covered all bases last weekend I went for an eye test, prescription fine no need for glasses however the Pressure Test has returned as "High"...well above the threshold limit for Glaucoma and suggested referral to the Eye Hospital. Fortunately the Optometrist was supportive and agreed to send a letter to my Dr for my referral.
A return Drs appointment has been made forearmed with the knowledge that my headaches are still occurring, that they keep me awake at night, and my home pressure monitor is still showing "High" BP and now potentially at risk of Glaucoma at the age of 36.
My Grandmother has very high BP (controlled with med) and also has Glaucoma and had Cataracts. My Grandmothers Sister dropped dead at the age of 42 in the 70's on the street of a stroke, and Ive recently found out that my uncle has high BP from the age of 51....so there is history down my mothers line of the family (My mother doesn't appear to have any issues). The Dr knows all this yet when mentioned previously this was all brushed aside as some kind of 'irrelevant trivia'.
As a male I should be ignoring the warning signs and getting on with my life and deal with the consequences another time, however I'd like to manage my health so that in the next 20 years I don't have a stroke, heart attack or go blind. I require the assistance of my GP who doesn't appear willing to help or even listen....suggestions?!
Edited by BristolRich on Monday 20th April 17:54
Edited by BristolRich on Monday 20th April 17:55
HarryFlatters said:
BristolRich said:
suggestions?!
Go and see a different doctor, or manage your current doctor.I managed to drop it by losing weight and giving up booze.
There are plenty of drugs available that can lower BP so surprised your quack wasn't keen to prescribe any. Statins or beta blockers both work with minimal side effects as I understand.
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