High Blood Pressure?

[ihearttc]

My BP was checked at my hospital appointment a few months ago and was quite high (145/98 I think). They decided it was just me stressing about the appointment so left it. Had another appointment last week and was still high (140/93) but again they thought it was just because I was worrying about the appointment.

Had my eyes tested yesterday and optician took a picture of the inside of my eye and said that some of the blood vessels were "wobbly" and that indicated very high blood pressure and I needed to get it checked asap.

I have had a very funny head for about 3 months...it feels all fuzzy most of the time but then clears and will be fine for a few hours. Im now wondering if its all linked.

As a bit of background I had Pre-Eclampsia with DS2 who ended up being born at 32 weeks because of it. My BP at one point was 180/125 and had to take Lebetelol for 3 months afterwards but it came down and Ive been fine ever since.

I won't lie Im actually quite scared. Ive just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis so really don't need anything else as well.

Can you take Lebetelol outside of Pregnancy or is it a BP only for use in pregnancy?

I'm not a medical professional but I would suggest you go to your GP and get it monitored properly. I know that White Coat Syndrome can make your BP rise, but don't ignore it either.
Do you know anyone who has a home BP kit so that you could also take your own readings?

Please see GP but don't panic. My DH has had to take BP meds for nearly 20 years
The issue (I think but I'm no medic) is with undiagnosed high BP. If you get it diagnosed and treated then you'd be fine.

I've had high BP for years,not runs in my family. The good news is that usually it can be well controlled with meds and there are several to chose from if one doesn't suit.

Nice guidelines suggest that patients should have a 24 hour monitor as well as bloods etc before starting treatment because 'white coat' hypertension is really common. Unfortunately most surgeries don't have enough equipment to do this.

Definitely see your GP. The muzzy head could be completely unrelated, hypertension is often silent. It is a risk factor for stroke and heart problems in the future rather than putting you at immediate risk ( unless stupendously high) so don't panic. Hopefully you will also get/ take advice about lifestyle, which is massively important.

Hope that is helpful and you soon have this controlled.

Lots if folk get white coat syndrome as well.

You do need to see your GP and it does need monitoring. I have perfect BP but came up high 18 months ago, but found it was related to another health issue. Fixed that and it's perfect, even having BP done pre operation.

Get it checked. Long term high BP isn't good. Exercise is great to reduce BP.

A systolic of 140 isn't that high but it is higher then 'normal'. If you are having headaches as well (any nosebleeds, dizziness?) then you should probably see your GP for further assessment.

I've tested with high blood pressure recently. Each time it has been put down to white coat syndrome, but I think there is a pattern emerging. I bought a monitor and I found that the underlying level was slightly above normal.

I have managed to bring mine down though through diet and exercise but I continue to monitor regularly.

I am wondering if the blood vessels in your eyes are from when it was high in pregnancy? I have had some very high readings (prior to an op for example) and my eyes have not been affected.

I have only occasionally had headaches and have put them down to migraines.

justanotherquestion I did explain that Id had PE and wondered if they had been "damaged" so to speak because of that and she said they normally go back to normal after high BP so it was high now.

Couldn't get appointment today so will try again tomorrow.

I feel really rotten tbh-Ive got an awful headache and feel dizzy (no nosebleeds though)