Hypertension challenges?

Hi Helen,

Do you find that there's enough support available for yourself and other patients? and if so what kind of support is there? eg. support groups, discussion forums like this one, relatives, etc.

I've had labile hypertension for fourteen years that has never been controlled so can speak with some experience of treatment both in Scotland and England. 

It's not support that we need but experts in the treatment field as most patients are unhappy with the drugs they are prescribed and many stop taking them. This group is not typical as we are here seeking and trying to spread information. My GP says that overall 40% of drugs prescribed are not taken.

GP's are not experts and although Hypertension is widespread among their patients they can only devote a small part of their time to it. Very few patients ever get investigated to find if there is an underlying cause.

Cardiologists treat heart disease not early hypertension that might lead to it. Cardiology patients in my experience seldom see the consultant but an ever changing series of registrars or assistants who keep popping out to ask for advice from someone above.

Look for hypertension referral centres, they are very thin on the ground.

The one I go to is the only one in Sussex (for 1.6 million people) and only has four half day sessions a week.

 

Derek76, would you say that a possible solution would be better communication between patients and professionals? Perhaps more a direct/personal communication system?

We need better educated Consultants and registrars.

This year when taking Warfarin an assistant registrar also wanted me to take Amiodarone. My INR practically doubled over the next week. If prescribed Amiodarone the warfarin dosage should be reduced. American leaflets with drugs spell this out. British ones dont and the wording in BNF is not very clear on the point

When I stopped Warfarin due to side effects two registrars said that they would ask my GP to prescribe one of the three new anticoagulants. I told the first one that they are contra indicated for patients with artificial heart valves. He looked up BNF and said that two were but the third one was OK. At that point his student came in and told him that one was also contraindicated.

At my last consultation another wanted to prescribe the new anti-coagulants. I told him, contraindicated... Rubbish, Who told you that he asked. He then went to ask the senior consultant and came back saying that The Boss says that they are OK.

I wrote to the three manufacturers of the drugs and each said that their product was contra indicated for patients with mechanical or tissue heart valves.

What chance does a non-questioning patient have?

so in what way do you feel unwell with the meds  with atenolol its hair loss and weight gain arrrrrrrrrrrgh awful and it can cause diabetes  aswell

A bit like the nastier the medicine tastes the more good it will do you?

Hi Derek

I'm in my 4th year of study, working on my honour project. I have a particular interest in wearable technology and it's application in the medical field, especially with the current boom in self-monitoring (fitness apps, personal health devices etc.)

At the moment I have some initial concepts, but I don't want to think about them too much or I'll limit myself.

Initially I'd like to gain some understanding of where I can apply my design skills to tackle a major issue for hypertension patients. So any insight into the day-to-day life of an individual with hypertension will be extremely beneficial.

All the best,

You can have a probe inserted into your heart and broadcasting your ever changing BP.

Crikey Derek. Wasn't aware of the probe idea. Think I will pass on that though despite my obsession with readings!!

I've started taking my blood pressure before and after meeting up with various family members and friends.  You are not the only obsessive, Fisherman!

Which family member puts your BP up the most your MIL or your nephew's new girl friend?

Don't tell them but it's definitely the daughters!

Hi Fisherman,

Thank you for your response!

I've actually been looking into embedding the technology in your HBPM into clothing! Do you find that the need to take your BP readings can sometimes prevent you from doing things you want to do throughout the day? In other words, does it have a tendency to break up your day?

regards,

Hi. I am reading this thread with interest. I think it fair to say that all of us suffering from hypertension are frustrated with, in many cases, the lack of understanding from the medical profession about our dislike of taking drugs that sometimes have little or no effect. That is why embarked on my personal "crusade" to try and sort out my high blood pressure. I AM obsessive about my readings as I have no idea what is good for me and what isn't. For example I now know that walking is good for me as I take a reading before and after. But what about foods? I can hardly get out a monitor in a restaurant or pub! So a discreet way of measuring bp would be great. The clothing idea sounds very inventive.

I have to say though that this forum has probably helped me more than anything since my diagnosis!

Nip out to the toilet to take your BP or have your cuff round your arm with the end pohing out of your shirt and then attach the monitor. If it beeps people will think it is a new ring tone:-)

Great idea Derek. My wife and me think a beeping monitor sound would make a great ring tone!