Anyone know about HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

[MrsWho]

I was dizzy/overheating at tthe gym last week and they advised I saw Nurse/GP about my blood pressure as we suspected it was low.
BUT saw someone on Monday and the best of 3 was 134/100 and she recommended going back today and having it done again.
This am it was 142/100 (best of 3)

The Nurse wanted me to see Gp but I couldn't make the only available appointment at lunch time) and now have one for next Friday teatime.

I am now worrying which won't help any suggestions for causes/slef help?

TIA

ooh you are young

may just be because you are poorly (do you normally get headaches?)

mention the history of strokes - they'll almost certainly do a cholesterol check then (high cholesterol can also run in families)

Mam had the 24 hour thing done a couple of times.Don't think I could work with it on though .

are you on the pill?

Dad has high chloestrol (sp?) but none of the rest do .

NOt preg (did suspect but it was very unlikely )

No pill (can't take it cos of the migraines)

It's more common in the 40+ age group to develop high BP.

BUT you say you have a big family history of strokes; high BP can be a factor tbh.

You are only young, it may well be the white coat syndrome but you do need to eat well and keep at a healthy weight in view of your family history.

Low fat, 5 a day, oily fish etc.

Am veggie, eat about 10 portions a day its the one thing I am good at !

Very big chocoolate weakness though have gone off it recently

I (rather annoyingly) have high cholesterol through my dad

you know, they often don't find a cause but I think they might be quite cautious because of your headaches (which aren't necessarily linked but can be if they coincide with a sudden increase in blood pressure, I think - I'm not medical) and the stroke thing.

Most importantly, I'd try not to panic. I know that's easier said than done but you've got another 7 days to wait so try not to let it get to you.

I know you've said you don't add salt but remember to check the labels on stuff you eat (especially thing like bread which are loaded with salt so easily jack up your levels).

so, Mercy, can white-coat syndrome really give a high reading for someone that has normal Bp 'really'?

Well, according the BP Association that can happen.

I do think it can be a bit of a viciuos circle tbh. When I have my BP taken I'm now quite anxious for a couple of days before hand

I hate going to DR/hosp for me so get anxious enough anyway and especially when I have limited time as they are always running late (even at my 8.10 appointment!)

mmm, me too, Mercy

mrsWho

the 24 hr tape rules out whit e coat syndrome

also rules out stress at work etc

but when you have the tape done, do you not get het up when the band tightens and it starts taking your reading?

Fair point NP.

But how many people get offered that in reality? (I'd never heard of it until just now)

it is a very accurate tool

i am a renal nurse and its very common

it is (or should be ) the first (or one of) thing they use when someone presents with high bp

Is it worth buying a reliable blood pressure monitor from Boots or Argos and taking your BP in the comfort of your own home? This way you can monitor your blood pressure over several days to get a true picture of what's going on.

Mam just said she waited 6 m for the 24h test

Nanna has a home one not very accurate though

Don't use it if it's not accurate.

I don't!

6 montsh????

thats shocking

my BIL has a home bp monitor - i think it depends on the individual whether they are a good idea or not

as long as you are not testing constantly

and maybe ask your gp for a reliable make

btw MrsWho i hope everything works out ok for you x

Is that you Nailpolish???