Anyone Else Had A High Blood Pressure Reading?

[JediJim]

Hi everyone,
So I’m 39, reasonably fit and well and have served in HM Forces ( ok was a while back).
Never had a problem with high blood pressure until this week.
Went for a basic medical for a job and the nurse wouldn’t pass me due to having a high blood pressure reading, twice! Admittedly I was nervous the whole day as I also had to do an interview before hand. The medical was the final part.
So been told to see a GP and rebook the medical within the next few weeks. I’ve booked an appointment next week at my doctors.
But my concern is I don’t know if it is higher than it should be because of white collar syndrome! I’m worried that it may high when I go to medical centres and normal every other time.
I run 2 or 3 times a week, cut out caffeine and eat lots of fruit and veg. Rarely drink alcohol too. So I’m a bit concerned why it was so high with no symptoms and a fairly healthy lifestyle.
Anyone else had a similar problem?
Many thanks

[Egghead68]

Yes. Got it in my early 40s healthy lifestyle, running etc. Could just be a blip but if it’s consistently high you might need medication to bring it back under control.

[JediJim]

Thanks Egghead68. Did you lead a healthy lifestyle before you got it? Did the medication work and if so is it true that it permanent?

[WitchQueenofDarkness]

Yes - I have no risk factors either and have been in a fairly animated conversation with my GP about medication! I don't smoke, am a heathy weight, drink little alcohol and walk 5 miles+ a day.

I'd spend £25 on a home meter and take a few readings yourself. I take 3 at a time - my first one is usually high but will drop 15 points by the time I take the 3rd one! You'll soon know if it is a blip and if you take them with you when you go for the medical you'll have some evidence to back up what your blood pressure is.

I have refused the drugs at the moment as I don't think I need them.

[JediJim]

May sound daft but if you’re prescribed medication do you have to stay on it forever? Also is it NHS funded? Sorry thinking worse case scenario here!

[Egghead68]

@JediJim yes to all. My GP said it must be genetic (my grandmother had it). I think a few people manage to come off the meds by improving their lifestyle but if it’s already good then there’s nowhere to go. In my case my lifestyle has got worse and then better again in the intervening years but that’s made no difference to my BP.

[Egghead68]

P.S. you have to pay the normal prescription charge for the medication if you need it. There are several medication options so they can find one without side-effects usually. Hopefully in your case it’s a blip though.

[Hovverry]

I had an extremely high reading at a hospital appointment and was told to see my GP. He sensibly told me to buy a Bp monitor (£20) and record Bp twice daily. This showed that, at home, Bp was absolutely normal. I’d expected my op to be postponed and to be put on medication for life, so relieved that I have nothing to worry about.

[Herocomplex]

You can ask for a 24hr monitoring check. You get fitted with a monitor and it shows how you your BP changes over 24hrs. Mine is high at the dr’s and good the rest of the time.

High BP is largely symptomless sadly, but it’s very risky. Better to know and get it treated.

[JediJim]

Yes thanks for your replies. Regarding my job medical, I have to pass the basic medical. So will maybe do that in a few weeks time after I’ve seen my GP. I think I’d get nervous having my BP taken at any medical type place. Yes I do have my own reader which I’ve had in a cupboard for a few years but found my readings were high to begin with then got lower. Obviously you can relax more at home as there is no pressure- pardon the pun.