I'm feeling hopeless (got denied a job due to BP)

I'm 6'2 250 sometimes 260, but I "carry it well" as my doctor says partially cause I used to hit the gym a lot in my early twenties (a lot of upper body workouts) but I definitely would love to be closer to 200. I still go to the gym 2x a week minimum and do the stationary bike or treadmill at home 2x a week. And I'm very health conscious about what I eat. But I am sucker for red meat which I'm trying to cut down on. I take no MAOI, no tumeric foods. Multi vitamin and super B complex daily.

It's not red meat as such, but aged meats (and cheeses) which are the worst for tyramine. Sausage counts as aged. You can look up more. Worth a try.

Weight does not always correspond to BP, but sometimes it does. If you got down to around 200 odds are it would help the BP a lot.

Gym generally won't do it, has to be calorie/carb restriction, also meal scheduling, other approaches.

Just something of interest here - I used to be a real sucker for spurious health benefit claims of supplements and vitamins etc. As part of another health issue my doctor had all my levels tested - I had so many blood tests over a given period I felt like a pin cushion and joked with my surgery phlebotomist she could get a part in a vampire film! Every single level came back 'normal'. My doctor was very specific in telling me I should stop taking unnecessary vitamins etc and only take them on medical advice if I had presented with a noticeable deficiency. The body flushes the excess from most of them so he said what I was really doing was creating 'very expensive urine' - very amusing but true. I saw a documentary on TV about gut bacteria and how it can affect a whole range of health issues, including weight gain, high cholesterol, high BP, and many more. I asked him about taking probiotic supplements etc., he gave me a print out of a very interesting clinical test report which showed that, without exception, taking supplements or eating so called superfoods with high levels of anti oxidants etc was a total waste of money as again, the body rejects the surplus as it recognises it as a foreign matter - again - expensive pee! By all means request tests but resist the temptation to take supplements or additional vitamins unless really needed. Some vitamins can be dangerous if taken in excess - Vit A, Vit D and Calcium are all potentially dangerous in excess for example. Saving myself a fortune now!

loxie..how true!!! Some people think vitamins are absolutely safe, which in truth, they may not be. I had a Vitamin D deficiency...it wasn't dangerous. I was below the start range with a score of 62. To be within the parameters, I had to get that number to at least 75 & over. Some people go crazy with vitamins taking far more than they need, ending up with toxicity. My previous reading back in May was 72, just below the parameter start. My bloodwork that was done 2 days ago showed that I was finally within the parameter with a score of 76...just one point into the normal parameters, but I am working on boosting that. Now that it's Fall, there isn't much sunshine, although I will be going on holiday to a very sunny spot in December. I take 4,000 mcg of Vitamin D/daily. Anything I read tells me Vitamin D takes a while to multiply in the system, but I am confident I can do this.

I was told I might have a vit D deficiency and schlepped off to do a lot of research into which form was best to take, reputable suppliers etc etc., whether to take Vit D3(which in apparently in synthesised form is not easily absorbed) or to take magnesium (another issue in that it affects how Calcium boosts platelet activation and clotting, while magnesium inhibits them, etc etc .,) only to find my Vit D levels were perfectly fine - even in our miserable climate, wasted time and money for me but obviously for you supplements were needed and good news its worked for you. Enjoy your vacation - i'm envious - another 6 -7 months of gloom here before any hope of warmer sunnier weather 😦

Very interesting information and thanks for sharing that. I think that because of my age I don't really feel the side effects too much, at first I was feeling unbalanced like as if I were going to fall but after a few weeks I adapted.

Hi @Jonathan57679, I can endorse the eggplant effectiveness on BP!

However eventually I got tired of eggplant and was able to use the much more convenient meds.

It may not work as babaghanoush, it has to be roasted just so, and generally the juices preserved, or you may need to eat rather a lot of it to get the effect (which generally I'm happy to do, but not every day!).

It can take some fiddling with meds, combinations, and dosages, more than most doctors want to bother with, but generally I think it can be done, with minimal side effects.

... just wish someone would do a formal analysis of eggplant, it might lead to better drugs!

what was your diagnosis and what did you want the doctors to do that they wouldn't?

jesse04845...this must be causing a great deal of stress for you...not what you need.

I've been diagnosed with things too, (nothing serious, thank goodness), but the pain I experience in my left shoulder is unreal at times. I have the start of the same problem in my right shoulder. X-ray says I have Osteoarthritis in both AC joints., & I've got thickening of the tendons in the left., & the start of the same in the right. I cannot reach behind my back at all with my left arm. I have pain going down the upper muscle in my left arm. All last night I was awake with pain..got very little sleep. Dr. ordered an MRI one month ago,& I can't get the appt. until Jan. 7. Almost a 4 month wait. He says x-ray is fine to see the OA, but ultrasound truly doesn't give a good picture as to what's going on. I reminded him that I've had a long series of chiropractic treatments, have had therapy...& I know a person can only have x-number of cortisone needles.

I fail to see how cortisone would help tendinosis. Yes, tendinosis...not tendonitis. Depending on what the MRI comes up with, I'm going to ask an Ortho Dr. if he/she could do an investigative arthroscopy...a look to see what may be going on. I'm fed up with x-ray, this/that & still having pain. We have to beg to get things done these days, & it shouldn't be. If you complain of pain, the Dr.s antenna goes up because of the abuse of pain medications. I have never asked for medication unless I'm in dire straits with pain., but I can feel it coming that my pain will worsten, & I'll be forced to ask for something. In fact, I'm of two minds to attend the pharmacy later this morning to ask for some Tylenol 1. No prescription is needed for that., & the small dose of codeine will certainly help ease the pain. Sit in the Emergency room at the hospital?...No way.

That will just start a reverse..starting all over again., besides the hospital we have here in our city isn't worth the time or effort.

Hang tight...hopefully, you'll get some answers.

They diagnosed me with hypertension. That causes me a tone of shame because it's always assumed hypertension is the result of us being fat and lazy. I'd already lost 40 lbs before I was diagnosed. But as soon as the diagnosis was made it was followed up with the lecture about losing weight and getting exercise. I already run a mile every morning before work, but the lectures continue. Then they made me get blood work in order to have an MRI done. The doctor told me not to worry because it was going to come back normal. I asked why they were doing it if they already knew the results. She said it's required because of the hypertension label. It frustrates me because my bp isn't that bad. It's 128/82 and I don't take any meds. I'm sick of being shamed by doctors. Ultimately I will probably die prematurely because I will avoid doctors at all costs. They exist only to humiliate us and steal our money. A few years ago I thought they were on my side, but now I know I'm nothing moe than a paycheck at best. To others I'm just another someone that exists for their sadistic gratification. Most of them are evil. There are a few good ones, but they appear to be the minority.

jesse04845...say, what???!!!!!!! You lost 40 lbs, yet you're being lectured about losing weight. You exercise by running a mile every morning. I don't think a lot of people could say the same thing.

You have to get bloodwork done in order to get an MRI done? Are you serious? I have never heard of such a thing!. I'm here in Canada...& just had an MRI done later yesterday morning. I did NOT have to have bloodwork done prior to having it done. "because of the hypertension label". What a load of b.s.

Your bp is 128/82...which is EXCELLENT. Im not aware of your age, but readings of 128/82 would be envied by a lot of people, myself included.

If they diagnosed you with hypertension with readings of 128/82 then they need to do find other things to keep themselves busy. I'm surprised your doctor is going along with this theory that you can't have an MRI because you need bloodwork to be done first. Hypertension doesn't show in bloodtests. End of.

In reality I probably perceive it as lecture more than the reality of it. My PCP no longer says anything because she now realizes the monster I've become as a result of the lose weight and exercise lectures. Well I've done that, but my BP has not come down at all.

The MRI was with contrast and they needed to make sure my kidneys were functioning. It's apparently protocol for anyone with the hypertension label. I was having debilitating headaches, dizziness, and deminished cognition. They wanted to rule out a tumor, but they couldn't schedule an MRI until I had the blood work done.

I was desperate for help, but I wasn't going to get it without the blood work which cost me more time off work and a lot more money. Now I wish I would have fought it.

Anything above 120/80 is labeled hypertension. My BP must be below 120/80 without meds to get them off my back. Anything above either number is hypertension that must be dealt with. My neurologist disagrees. She said the new focus on hypertension makes patients more anxious and have ended up doing more harm than good. It turned me into a phobic monster.

jesse04845...."My neurologist disagrees". See, there's a SPECIALIST who has said your bp is fine. Taking bp meds with readings of less than 130 is downright ridiculous in my opinion. You have a specialist who disagrees with them trying to get your readings sitting at 120/80. It's not possible for a lot of people, & putting the pressure on them about this causes anxiety & stress which only serves to elevate the numbers. I just wrote this this re-read what your neurologist said..the same thing. My General Practitioner said exactly the same a while back, & he's not a specialist. I'm sure your Neurologist explained to you that headaches can be caused by disc and/or nerve problems in the neck. MRI's are very good at picking that sort of thing up. While the doctors wanted to rule out a tumour there are other things that can go on to cause the headaches & dizziness. I have some osteophytes in the neck, & moderate-severe narrowing of the neural foramina on the right side. Headaches??...you betcha. Next time you see your Neurologist ask her about the discs in your neck, etc, unless she has already mentioned them.

Jessie,

I can't do any harm in checking kidney function prior to an MRI if they intend to use contrast. In some cases kidneys take a bit hit when contrast used. As regards BP levels, Normal is now <120 <80 whilst <129 <80 is classified as 'Elevated BP'. These are good standards to aspire to. Long standing hypertensives who can achieve 'Elevated' are doing well in my opinion and should be congratulated.

Paul

Conns...No offence intended here, Bud..but I don't agree with what you say regarding the 120/80, & 129/80 being elevated. Not everyone is able to achieve those numbers. In fact,it's next to impossible for them to do so.

Age must be taken into consideration. Also, if there's anything going on in the body, it needs fixing. When fixed, the bp will come down, but doctors don't look for what's going on or what could be going on. There wouldn't be a doctor anywhere here in Canada who would put anyone on bp meds with readings like 129/80. Again, age, etc. comes into play.

You can't do any harm physically. However when you force someone to take off work which results in lost wages plus adding extra medical expenses in the mixed financial hardship is the result. If there is a 95% chance all is well. Where does risk verses benefit come into play? As far as the numbers go, I'm at a point where I will avoid going to a doctor even when I'm really sick because of all the stress and anxiety they heap on me because of my BP being 128/82. Is it better for my health to scare me away from medical care or to accept the fact I'm doing all I can. Running a mile before work every morning and following the dash diet should count for something. And it does until I go to a doctor.

I totally agree with you Mike that 129/80 would be miraculously good for the majority of us who are older and possibly less fit. However, we all know that doctors are singularly unable to apply common sense and they blindly follow latest issue guidelines from such as N.I.C.E - who in turn are invariably influenced heavily by the pharmaceutical industry who manufacture BP meds, statins, etc., and need to keep their sales levels high! Unfortunately this makes us all very cynical and much like Jesse, we sometimes end up being totally stressed and even mistrusting of doctors' advices. My partner has at times had dangerously high BP levels, through no fault of his own (eg diet, weight, etc., all within 'normal' range). His doctor is thus very happy when his BP falls to anything below say 135/90 but obviously has to apply the rule of thumb that this is still significantly elevated as dictated by 'guidelines' however in our case, he breathes a sigh of relief when it drop below those numbers. I on the other hand am supposed to get mine below 120/80 - totally impossible at my age even though I have no other health issues affecting BP. Therefore I would point blank refuse to take BP meds unless my BP rose above say 130/85 - I've watched my poor partner suffer horrendously with countless changes of meds and ill effects but he has no choice, - I do.

The stigma that hypertension is the result of being too fat and lazy. I go so sick of the lecture about not being active enough. Then they just started to pressure me with meds, but the side effects made it virtually impossible to go to work. They told me very few people ever experience side effects. Between the constant lectures about my weight, lifestyle, and the pressure to take meds, I'm almost driving myself insane in an effort to stop the lectures. I really thought I was the only one that's concerned about the side effects.

@jesse04845, I really don't see much of a stigma involved these days, it's far too widespread, includes a fair number of active and at least fairly normal weight people, too. And a fair number of pretty fat folks, do not get hypertension. Go figure.

Again, fiddle the drugs, a lot, don't take the doctor's first try as the only way it can work, there is a lot of variability in people and drugs and interactions. Come back in 20 years or 50 years and maybe they'll understand this stuff better, but today figure it takes a lot of messing around to get it right. And it only makes sense to try. Side effects do not have to be major.

Mike,

The reference to the new BP guidelines comes from the American Heart & Hypertension Conference I attended in Chicago this September. I totally get any 120 readings being excellent for many plagued by hypertension. The new guidelines are still a step in the right direction, especially for the younger generation who are increasingly developing BP issues as a result of poorer diets and lifestyles. Any BP readings of my own from 130 below and I am happy.

Paul

The thing is Jesse that raised BP is not exclusively due to weight or dietary issues - I'm not overweight and am vegetarian, and I eat no junk or processed food and never have but my BP rises sometimes. My partner is also vegetarian and whilst a little overweight, definitely not in the obese category. With him its hereditary. However, being overweight is a primary cause of a whole range of issues such as raised BP, raised cholesterol, type 2 diabetes etc., which is why doctors give such importance to the weight of a patient. However, they are often too aggressive and too quick to assume it's just a matter of overeating when it's far more complex than that. I am sorry you've been made to feel so bad about yourself and that certainly isnt going to help you in your struggles. Do please try to ignore the bigots but also try to understand they are trying to help you get your health back, even though they may be terribly crass in their methods.

Is there a stigma associated with high blood pressure? I spent more than 40 years saying no. Then I got that label attached to my name, and now I know there is. The humiliation that comes with that label is crazy. It's like I've become a felon. I now have a record that will be used against me. There is nothing I can do to clear my name or reputation. The humiliation is almost unbearable, I'm not about to become a science experiment for the medical community. Studies seem to indicate long term use of these meds could cause kidney disease. I guess I will take my chances with high BP. Kidney failure doesn't sound like good health to me.

Conns...I get what you're saying...but as I've previously stated, getting bp readings of 120/80 is next to impossible for a lot of people; myself included. Increasing the medications to get the numbers down serves no purpose in my mind. Find out what's going on in the body, & very likely the numbers will decrease. Being in pain, not feeling well, having other issues that could be very bothersome or minor in nature.& the numbers will go up. Doctors are all too quick at prescribing these meds or adding to them.

I take 4 bp meds. As you might know a pill with a diuretic in it, counts as 2.

My previous doctor, the one I intensely disliked increased the medication because the numbers weren't coming down. No wonder. It got to the point where I was nervous going to the office, nervous waiting my turn, then when I went in to the exam room, the nurse wasn't taking my bp readings properly. The cuff was either way too tight, or very loose. I sat with my feet dangling. After several months, the doctor was becoming irritated because the numbers weren't coming down. He made me feel as though it was my fault. Fed up, I returned to my previous Dr. whom I'd been with for 30 yrs. I left because I had moved...but I returned because I have great faith in him, & he's well worth the drive. He does not talk down to anyone & is a very understanding man. Yes, my numbers could be better even now, but I don't need that stress in my life.

I have shoulder issues, tendonosis, etc.etc. So tell me the pain isn't going to elevate the bp???? Of course it would..& this isn't going to go away any time soon. It will take a while.

Bp readings & medications isn't a one-size fits all. Some in the medical profession need to learn this & absorb it.

loxie..."guidelines"..be damned!!! I think if admitted there are a lot of doctors out there who don't necessarily go by 'guidelines'. It's the PATIENT'S physical makeup they go by. Quite frankly if most people had readings like you have, they'd be happy campers, as would their doctors.

Younger people aren't eating properly most of the time. They eat fast-foods loaded with salt & fat. Their source of entertainment is a cellphone, or computer. They drive to most places rather than walk (if close by).

A new car will run better than a clunker. See where I'm going with this???

A person can also be rather fit..good diet, exercises a few times/week..not overweight, etc. yet the bp can be elevated. Why. This is where it needs to be discovered what's going on in the body to elevate the numbers.

I don't blame you one bit for being frustrated or even angry over this issue you're experiencing. If it were me, I'd be hitting the roof.

Just read your previous reply to Conns - you could be my partner's twin - almost exactly the issues he's been having. They've changed his meds so many times his body must be mightly confused!! He was on a diuretic, which his doctor insisted he stopped because it was ...quote..."likely to raise your blood sugar level" - whilst not being told if it had or not or by how much. His BP started to shoot up after stopping the diuretic and he developed swollen ankles due to fluid retention. As a result of the increase in BP, he was prescribed a second BP med. Still the levels stayed high, so they increased the first med to double the dose. Then he started to get all sorts of side effects, some quite nasty and yet his BP was still very high on occasion. I insisted he go back and demand an explanation as to removing the diuretic - apparently his blood sugar hadnt even been tested - it was just an assumption ! He asked for it to be prescribed again if he promised to keep an eye on his blood sugar. He now takes one BP med and the diuretic and his BP has come down a lot - still high against 'normal' but for him, much much lower, and, no more side effects. We're in our 60's and like you have other wear and tear and pain issues - he has arthritic knees and I have a damaged ankle with OA in it and ruptured bicep tendons which give pain - youre so right , a wholistic approach rather than just a chart is what's best. I now dont care if by not taking toxic meds I'm risking my health, I just know that I feel fitter and healthier without them and my choice now is quality of life not just longevity.

I so sympathise Jesse - I hadnt even thought about BP being a cause of social stigma but youre right - it apparently is. I only discovered this when trying to get reasonably price travel insurance and then realised that a whole range of other things discriminate against those who have elevated BP - it's like a modern day leprosy. As soon as you admit to being on BP medication it's like doors shut in front of you and frowns appear on medical faces - my partner has hereditary high BP - not due to weight or poor diet in the slightest, yet he is treated as though it's self inflicted. Very sorry you too are feeling somewhat victimised.

I'm glad someone sees this. I thought I was all alone.

Perhaps it's time we start getting more vocal about the way people with hypertension are treated. I don't think doctors have a clue what they are doing to their patients. They get so caught up in the system they've forgotten that we are people that deserve to be given a little respect. I refuse to be reduced to nothing more than the number on a BP cuff. I did have one doctor tell me there is no way to get an accurate reading because of the fear associated with having my BP taken. She said a home monitor probably wouldn't be any better because I will be in a state of panic knowing they are monitoring my BP. She is right, and she recognized the monster this label has produced. So if one could see it, maybe there is a glimmer of hope.

jesse04845..I couldn't agree with you more!!!!! A while back I went through exactly the same thing!!! Just looking at my bp monitor caused me to feel anxious, & I do blame all the anxiety I went through with bp readings on my previous doctor. A young cocky-know-it-all isn't good to have., especially when he acts angry over the fact that the numbers weren't coming down. Yes, it felt to me as though he was indicating it was my fault.

Finally, I decided that I wasn't going to let a "machine" dominate me. It was simply a machine..nothing more. Quite frankly, I don't like having my bp taken; especially in a clinic where I hardly know the people. They either put the cuff on far too tight, or not tight enough, or they may use a cuff that's too small, & when it squeezes the arm, it's to the point where its' very uncomfortable. Talking to someone while the readings are being taken shouldn't be done either. I hate it when you first walk in., you're not given a chance to relax for a couple of minutes, & you're directed to a chair to have your bp taken. No wonder the numbers are up. It certainly can be a vicious circle.

I have just reflected what you stated..& again, I couldn't agree more.

When I see my Family Doctor, I don't worry about such things. He knows I have 1 1/2 hr drive to see him, I've dealt with heavy traffic, and/or I'm in pain. I'm never nervous in his presence. This is all good.

loxie...I see where you're coming from. I've filled out applications for travel insurance too, & it does ask about bp medications, & do you take them. They want to know that you ARE taking them. Some people are given a prescription, but don't bother taking the tablets which to me, is

reckless. I have answered all the other questions (truthfully of course), & I do notice that because I'm on this medication, I'm placed in Category B.

My wife fills out a form...but in all honesty, I don't get to see it. Until recently, she hadn't seen a doctor in 11 years!!!..but she only applies for "emergency medical". It's beyond me how she manages a reasonable cost for her travel insurance, considering she's not seen a Dr. in 11 yrs.

Mike - I agree. I dont go to the doctor much anymore - firstly I'm fed up with always being told I cant have an appointment until three weeks ahead, secondly I am fed up with just having toxic meds pushed on me after a 2 minute appointment and lastly, this is the crux - I'm not on any prescribed medications so I can honestly state on insurance and other form filling exercises that I'm not - which puts me in the low risk category, silly eh. I may to all intents and purposes be about to keel over because I havent seen a doctor yet someone who is taking care of themselves by taking their prescribed meds like a good fellow is then penalised. Bizarre situation realistically. My partner is a two time cancer survivor but because he's not receiving current treatment or medication - that fact seems to be no problem or increase his risk weighting but being on BP meds does.

I think the word hypertension says it all really - hyper (increased) tension - yes tension. The tension we all feel when sitting in front of some sanctimonious often arrogant person who may not even know us or have seen us before, has no knowledge of our lifestyle nor probably family history and takes us on face value in the scant five minutes we have to tumble out what we're there for, often incoherently because of the stress of trying in such a short time to say everything we need to say. My gad, a saint would have raised blood pressure in those circumstances. The inference is always that it's "our" fault we're there - what a disgrace that is. Give us time, listen to us and dont make assumptions without discussing the full facts - then and only then work out a sensible treatment plan. If one more GP tells me I need to cut out saturated fat without even bothering to find out I'm a vegetarian, I may end up blowing a fuse.

Wow, I can't thank all of you enough. You have helped me more than you know. I really thought I was all alone. I also never thought about it as "hyper tension" but that makes so much sense. That alone made my day. Thank you so much. I guess that's why forums are needed.

jesse04845...I'm so glad we were of some help to you. I discovered these forums just a few years ago, & although we're not face-to-face, knowing that we can ask what someone else is going through can be a great help.

Some have given great suggestions, & ideas. Being able to post & read responses somehow gives us a feeling that we're not alone..at least we have someone to whom we can vent, & nobody's going to dismiss us making us feel as though our issues are unimportant.

I hope all works out for you.

I didn't know there was anything like this until about a week ago. I so glad I found this.