High blood pressure

[PositronicRay]

Hi All

Mrs PR needs a cataract op, went along to see the consultant and they inform her of high blood pressure, they won't operate if she has high blood pressure on the day. No history of it although her mum did have a heart attack 10yrs ago.

So borrowed her mums blood pressure machine, been checking over the last few days and it's staying high (174/84 this morning)

How long should we leave it before going to the GP?

[anonymous-user]

What do you mean how long to leave it?

[PositronicRay]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

How long did that take to work?

[PositronicRay]

Badda said:

What do you mean how long to leave it?

Should we just monitor it for a week or so, or should we go to the docs straight away?

[mikeiow]

Good question. I would book in now....although I do remain convinced that no-one really knows what causes it or indeed what the bad health impacts really are!

I have high blood pressure.....identified during an eye exam about 7-8 years ago.
Went to the docs: they confirmed (similar numbers), despite feeling fine (I am a bit overweight, but do some exercise with volleyball and walking).
Doc recommended Ramipril....well, I quickly developed "the Ramipril cough" which affects a reasonable number....awful, couldn't breath!
Stopped that and am now on Candasarten and Amlodopine. Dropped it down....but has crept up this year, & I am now showing higher readings once again.
I suspect getting decent exercise and losing some weight is my key to lowering it. Many say beetroot juice helps, but I struggle to drink it (despite loving beetroot!).

Good luck!

[anonymous-user]

PositronicRay said:

Badda said:

What do you mean how long to leave it?

Should we just monitor it for a week or so, or should we go to the docs straight away?

It's a fairly high systolic so I'd see the GP now if I were you. What's her diet, lifestyle and BMI like?

[anonymous-user]

mikeiow said:

Good question. I would book in now....although I do remain convinced that no-one really knows what causes it or indeed what the bad health impacts really are!

I think both causes and effects are fairly well known really.

[PositronicRay]

Badda said:

PositronicRay said:

Badda said:

What do you mean how long to leave it?

Should we just monitor it for a week or so, or should we go to the docs straight away?

It's a fairly high systolic so I'd see the GP now if I were you. What's her diet, lifestyle and BMI like?

BMI is 20, diet low fat, not too sedentary (weekly exercise class, walks rather than takes the car, a spot of dog walking etc) Drinks too much, probably too much caffeine.

[mikeiow]

Badda said:

I think both causes and effects are fairly well known really.

Really?
Please show your workings!!

First line from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-...
"In most cases, it's not clear exactly what causes high blood pressure (hypertension)."

So a whole bunch of possible things, but nothing conclusive.

The effects are broadly documented....but again, when I first got diagnosed, I did chase into this a bit, and couldn't easily find any proper medical studies, it was all a bit vague and woolly.

The one thing I do know is that none of us get out of here alive!

[LordGrover]

What does 'low fat' diet mean?
Does she eat meat/poultry/fish? Dairy? Eggs? Processed/manufactured products? Alcohol? Coffee/tea? Fresh fruit and veg?

[PositronicRay]

LordGrover said:

What does 'low fat' diet mean?
Does she eat meat/poultry/fish? Dairy? Eggs? Processed/manufactured products? Alcohol? Coffee/tea? Fresh fruit and veg?

Alcohol and Coffee are both a bit high, otherwise fairly balanced, fish, chicken, pasta, rice, veg,

[Mark Benson]

Mine was similar to your wife's, spotted by my GP when I went for the medical for my race licence.
I'd suspected for a while but hadn't done anything about it, I kept telling myself to wait a while and cut out caffeine, do more exercise etc. etc. and it would go down of it's own accord.
It didn't. I'd cut out caffeine for a while then slowly creep back, I'd lose a few pounds then give up, I'd do exercise for a few weeks then stop.

Doc only signed me off on the agreement that I go on Ramipril, I did and also signed up for the gym. I've stuck with both (didn't get the cough thankfully).
I need another medical for the race licence in January (2 years since the last one) and my pressure has been under 135/80 (my target) for ages now.

I'd encourage her to go to the docs anyway.

[Pickled Piper]

Book an appointment at the GP. Also, take some more BP readings to show the GP. Same time of day etc.

Have a look at the website of the British Blood Pressure Association. Lots of very helpful information on managing hypertension.

[Defcon5]

Mine was 166/106 yesterday, I don’t think I’ll make it to xmas

I have got flu and a chest infection mind you, so I’m blaming that

[PositronicRay]

Thanks all appointment on Thurs.

[robsa]

I have always been at the high end of normal, and was put on beta blockers for migraine. This also dropped my blood pressure (which they are also prescribed for). May be worth considering?

[CoolHands]

When I gave up alcohol mine went from a bit high (amber on the guides) back to good (green).

[Big_Dog]

Make sure that you are testing her BP after sitting down for a few minutes then check morning and evening. These figures will help your GP def go see them. Been on 7.5mg of Ramipril and lost some weight via more exercise mines now 121/70 from 148/86. No problems with the ramipril.

[anonymous-user]

mikeiow said:

Really?
Please show your workings!!

First line from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-...
"In most cases, it's not clear exactly what causes high blood pressure (hypertension)."

Carry on reading...