To think the GP should have believed this?

[Weddingbells6]

Son (18) had two nosebleeds yesterday. I took his blood pressure 3 times and the average over 3 readings was 152/86 which is obviously high, particularly at that age.

He had been sat still for about an hour before I took the readings and I asked him to sit still, breathe properly, not talk etc.

He had childhood asthma and as part of his annual check ups for asthma the nurse saw his blood pressure was elevated (approx 2 years ago) and sent us home with a blood pressure machine to take 3 readings and average them out and to do it twice per day which we did. This is why I was familiar with the whole taking it three times, making sure you’re not talking etc. His blood pressure was still elevated but if I remember correctly they weren’t concerned as it was slightly lower than what she has gotten in the surgery (I think it was in the pre blood pressure category, think yellow or orange) I trusted them that it was okay as they didn’t feel any further investigation was necessary but in hindsight I should have had this checked more frequently.

The GP today took his BP twice and both times it was 153/87. We had been sat relaxed in the waiting room for 30 minutes, no caffeine etc. I explained that if he looked at my son’s notes he would see that it was elevated last time he had it checked and that I was worried that it may have been high all this time and about the long term affects of that.

The GP advised me / my son to do the same thing we did previously and keep a record over a week which, for the record I agree with and can understand the need for.

But I’m so upset at what the GP kept saying “It’s very unusual for a person this age to have high BP, it could be that you have things on your mind.” “You need to be completely relaxed and take the lowest reading.” And more words to that effecf. It’s like he didn’t believe it could be the case that my son has high blood pressure if that makes sense? It’s not like we showed up today and it was low, it was high both times the GP took it, it was high when the nurse took it, it was high when I took it three times yesterday and it was high when I took it 6 times a day for 7 days 2 years ago. What would it take for him to believe he has high BP? I explained that my Dad died of a heart attack and he asked me how old he was, when I said 70 I felt a bit silly but now I’m cross for not saying ‘but he had hypertension for at least 20 years before that and actually although 70 isn’t considered young it is younger than the average age for a man to die.) I also explained his Grandfather on his Dad’s side had a heart attack (I don’t know how he is now as they’re no contact).

I don’t think it helps that my son looks like the picture of health, he weight lifts and has done since he was 13 so is very muscular.

Surely the GP should have offered some lifestyle advice at least? Or say something along the lines of “If it’s still high then we will look at doing…..” He didn’t ask whether son drinks alcohol / smokes / takes drugs / eats a good diet / caffeine / salt etc. I had just spent an hour talking to my son about how he should probably eat more fruit and veg and up his water intake etc so it would have been nice if the GP seemed to believe his BP was actually high.

I will take the readings and take them back to the GP but WIBU to insist son is checked out more thoroughly if they’re still high? (I kind of already know they will be). AIBU to feel a little like the GP is unreasonable when he couldn’t believe an 18 year old could have high BP?

Just so there’s no drip feeds son doesn’t drink (maybe once every 6 months) smoke or do drugs. He doesn’t have any caffeine at all, no pre workouts, hot drinks or energy drinks etc. However, he does eat more than the recommended amount of red meat so that’s something to look at for us (bodybuilding thing I think). He wanted me to come into the appointment with him by the way because he knew he would need me to remember some of the details.

That's long - sorry.

Exactly, people have different views so let it be to each their own. If you'd like to step back, then do so. Others won't step back as much, and that shouldn't be demonized either.

I am a mum of young adults and understand that you still have to push them to advocate for themselves re medical & other health things. It partly stems from the age-related sense of immortality and also this generation is so conflict-averse that they are afraid to speak up.
If you have a family history of cardiac problems (including stroke), please tell the GP about it. I would hope that your GP orders some bloods (checking liver & kidney function as well as blood glucose, lipids and possibly thyroid function too. *Get it all done with one needle rather than come back for more) also an ecg (non-invasive and takes about a minute.). If his BP remains high, then maybe request a referral to a cardiologist for further investigation.
It took nearly dying at 50 to find out that I have a form of heart failure known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy, despite suffering from cardiac symptoms from an early age. Doctors thought I was too young also. From my perspective, I would rather that younger people with symptoms were investigated as thoroughly as middle-aged people. Treatment is so much more effective when caught early.

Sorry Op, slow reply. I agree it’s tough and some people on Mumsnet are so nippy, haha.

I do partially agree with others in the sense of encouraging him to go it alone at 18, but in the same breath think people that age still need encouragement and guidance (I am only just turned 29 so it doesn’t feel like long ago to me). The GP would be able to talk to him more openly without you there.

See if you can get him to go alone - but sometimes these situations are about letting go of the control / need to know. Kind of like balancing the risk and if there is a health issue, he will learn a lesson from it. I do totally understand how hard it is to do that though.

I do agree it needs some investigation or for him to fess up if he is doing anything re substances or smoking or anything as it does seem a bit unusual. Can’t remember if mentioned already but encourage him to take a food diary and take it in to GP for next appt. And again, check over all and any supplements / protein powders etc. I think long term use they can cause some issues in some people.