Posted , 3 users are following.
went to cvs in store blood pressure monitor and i got that reading and than panicked and
ran to supermarket higher yet than back to cvs and higher again i had worked myself up
into anxiety i made doctor appointment itsw not for thieteen more days I am really stressing
out dont want to take it in store again any suggestions
0 likes, 8 replies
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lily65668 missmuncy
Posted
Given that the diastolic of 88 is only borderline-high, I suspect it was anxiety that produced the systolic of 190. Nothing is going to happen to you in the next 13 days (or 13 months) with a diastolic BP of 88.
In your state of anxiety, it's almost a given that you'll get similar readings when you see the doctor. Rather than accepting medication immediately, I'd suggest that you insist on going on 24-hour monitoring first. However, this can also produce abnormally high readings in people with severe health anxiety.
While waiting for your doctor's appointment, why not invest in a home BP monitor? They're very cheap these days, and reliable too, providing you buy a new model from a reliable supplier. Most pharmacy chains sell perfectly adequate models. Second-hand models from e-bay might not be much of a bargain.
When you take your BP at home, avoid taking it immediately after a meal or drinking hot liquids, and make sure your bladder is empty first. Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, and your left arm supported roughly at heart height. (A dining table will normally ensure that.) Take a few minutes to calm down before activating the machine. Record the first reading, then wait a couple of minutes - still seated - before taking another reading and recording this one too. Then do it a third time and average the three readings - both systolic and diastolic.
There's highly unlikely to be anything seriously wrong with you if you have a diastolic reading of only 88.
missmuncy lily65668
Posted
derek76 missmuncy
Posted
With a 24 hour monitor I waken up the first time if starts during the night and then lay there waiting for it to start up again
lily65668 derek76
Posted
I suspect I'd be the same, Derek, even though I'm not remotely anxious about my BP. I'm a very light sleeper, so I'm sure the cuff tightening on my arm would wake me with such a jump, my BP would immediately shoot through the roof! And like you, I'd lie wide awake the rest of the night waiting for it to go off again, which would probably keep my BP high. Fortunately I have a wise, tolerant doctor like yours, who accepts my occasional spikes of BP in his office and has never even suggested 24-hour monitoring. It's a pity more doctors can't be like that.
missmuncy lily65668
Posted
lily65668 missmuncy
Posted
I honestly can't say, but in any case you don't have anything to worry about as the diastolic was more or less normal.
Once again, I'd strongly advise you to get a home BP monitor. Taking your BP from time to time in the relaxed environment of your own home is likely to produce a more accurate reading, rather than running round from one store to another and working yourself up. I got one on special offer in a reputable pharmacy chain on a visit to the UK a couple of years ago, and it only cost me the equivalent of $30.
derek76 missmuncy
Posted
missmuncy derek76
Posted