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Original poster

Anyone know about HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

82 replies

MrsWho · 18/05/2007 19:33

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

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsWho · 18/05/2007 22:14

So am I allowed to gym? or even Yoga since that de-stresses me?

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsWho · 18/05/2007 23:12

???

OP posts:
popsycal · 19/05/2007 06:35

not sure nrswho. it is quite high
am sure yoga would be fine but i would wait for investigations in your situation
exrercise is imprtant in controlling high bp but i would get checked first i think - especially since it happens at the gym

MaryHinge · 19/05/2007 10:01

My dh had the 24 hour bp thing - just the week after he first went to the doc with his blood pressure. Your GP surgery should have one. Maybe your mum's was a 24 hour ECG? You do usually have to wait a little longer for those.

Original poster
MrsWho · 19/05/2007 14:35

It actually happened during body balance class was the bending down (hence the thinking it was low BP)

Mams was def the BP thing as she has had the ECG as well

I have been swimming and canoeing though already as they were a work thing (but also I don't find them that strenuous)

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsWho · 19/05/2007 14:37

Also am going away on Sat for 8 days!

OP posts:
dinny · 19/05/2007 19:50

sorry, can some knowledgeable person recap - I have another BP test in two weeks as my last one was high (135/90) - what things may help to lower it?

thanks, Dinny (sorry for hijack!)

Original poster
MrsWho · 19/05/2007 20:24

Eating more Fruit and veg
more exercise?
less salt

can't remember the rest

OP posts:
jalopy · 19/05/2007 20:25

Cut out alcohol
No added salt to diet
Avoid processed foods (tons of salt in them)
Loose weight
Take regular exercise
Cut out smoking
To list a few...

Original poster
MrsWho · 19/05/2007 20:26

Welcome to hijack BTW as more posts =more bumps!

OP posts:
Mercy · 19/05/2007 20:30

dinny, that's only slightly above normal!

Why are you worried?

dinny · 19/05/2007 20:48

thanks for the pointers... hmm, am not overweight, exercise 3-5 times a week, eat lots of F and V.... do drink a bit though.... give it up totally?

Mercy, am worried as have to go back again and they say it's high!

Original poster
MrsWho · 19/05/2007 22:41

Is being tired anything to do with this or am I just looking for stuff now?

OP posts:
Fauve · 19/05/2007 22:50

Definitely do yoga, MrsWho, it's one of the things that can really bring down BP, especially the breathing. Also eating garlic really makes a difference, or take garlic tablets if you must. And caffeine (in coffee, tea or chocolate) pushes it up. There are lots of ways you can affect readings, eg you should rest for at least 5 mins with your arm at the level of your heart before having your BP taken. I would say try not to be rushed into taking medication till you've tried lifestyle measures.

Original poster
MrsWho · 19/05/2007 23:05

Dopn't drink tea or coffe and have massively cut down on chocolate/pepsi in the last few weeks (have had cravings for orange juice and raspberries!)

Having asked about the Yoga, I won't actually be able to go for 2 weeks now as the classes are all during the day and I am working o/t this week.Then away for a week

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsWho · 20/05/2007 20:29

Felt really rough today, maybe I am coming down with something? Or maybe it was just the heat as it has been very hot today (and I am normally warm anyway) Or maybe I am looking for things?

OP posts:
Fauve · 20/05/2007 21:04

If you are coming down with something then that could push up your BP.

I always feel really shite when mine's high, that's how I know when it is - although I also have a snazzy Boots BP monitor, one that's recommended by the BP Assn, which is quite reassuring in that you can see what works for you in terms of bringing it down. My fave thing is to have a massage - that really works in bringing down your BP. If you can't do a yoga class, can you just do some deep breathing? That also is v. effective, as is any relaxation technique that you may know.

Fauve · 20/05/2007 21:06

Oh, and I think heat does push your BP up, although I'd be interested to hear if anyone knows that for certain.

Original poster
MrsWho · 20/05/2007 21:17

Did try my Nannas machine today and it came out fairly normal but I'm not sure how accurate it is

(114/80 was the best)

OP posts:
Mercy · 20/05/2007 21:25

Mrs Who, average BP should be 120/80 up to 140/90.

I think you are fine - and tbh worrying needlessly. BUT if you do have consistently high BP reading then there is medication available; just keep up your healthy sounding lifestyle!

Original poster
MrsWho · 20/05/2007 21:36

todays was fine (but machine not very accurate?) the two tests prior to this were high (Monday ,best of 3 was 134/100) (Friday 142/100 best of 3)

Its all confusing me

OP posts:
Fauve · 20/05/2007 22:26

114/80 is brilliant, though, MrsWho. If I were you, I'd be assuming the machine was accurate and that the high readings were caused by nervousness and stress from being at the doc's. Hope you feel better soon Do some resting and some fun.

Original poster
MrsWho · 20/05/2007 22:41

Ta

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsWho · 08/06/2007 21:51

Got my results back (actually by accident as I was on the phone about something else)
chloestrol 3.5
glucose normal
liver and kidneys normal
iron normal

Is it worth me going back to GPs now?

OP posts:
reece · 08/06/2007 22:20

I have had high blood pressure for 3.5 years (since DS1 was born) and I am on Adalat medication for life.
My condition has been inherited from my fathers genes.
As long as I take the medication I should be fine as I get older. High blood pressure is known as the "Silent Killer" so keep a check on it, get the dr.s to advise you and if medicated its not the end of the world.