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Problems with blood pressure going mad trying to work out levels

Posted , 7 users are following.

michael33268
michael33268

Hi I had a routine blood pressure test carried out at the Doctors, he said it was high  155 systolic 96 distolic, I am 58 years old male.

He told me to get a lloyds pharmacy cuff machine so i got a lbpk1.

I do precisely what is says to do with cuff, which fits, and position myself and arm correctly.

But when i take my readings, in the morning i come down sit down, relax, then take reading first one is always higher than the 2nd and 3rd, even though their taken quite close together, how can this be.

This morning my first reading streight out of bed was  148 s 95 d heart beat 71  followed by in a short while 137s 88d  heart 70, finally 132s 89d heart 71.

later around midday   my first was   164s 110d 71 heart followed in a few minutes 145s 98d 71 heart and a few minutes later to 143s 96d 71

all my readings are like this so i take the average, my ears ring all the time and my head feels like its under pressure, not like a headache, but feels like someones blowing it up, proble is i have meneires disease so dont know if it that or blood pressure, also when the weather changes from low to high pressure i get the same problems with my ears aching and feeling full and blown up like head with ringing sounds, my gp says its the meneires disease.

He says he will start me on blood pressure meds after i have recorded a few months of readings, but seeing they differ within a short space of time, and i dont move off the seat where i am sat, its hard to know if the brand new monitor is working corrcetly, what do you guys think, really driving me insane my end.

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  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey michael33268

    Posted

    Michael, my consultant asks me to take 3 readings, two minutes apart, once daily but at different times each day, and record for him the average figure of the 2nd and 3rd readings.  Like you, my readings start off with a high first figure and then reduce the longer I sit and relax.  So following this procedure that would make your average blood pressure this morning 134-5 over 70/71 which is perfectly normal.  However, your later lunchtime reading does seem to average out with a rather high diastolic reading.  I try not to take my BP too often throughout the day, believing that that in itself can create a bit of a panic situation therefore increasing the blood pressure.

    I also suffer from ringing in the ears and I find that if I take a few deep breaths and relax particularly on the outer breath, the ringing improves.

    Rather than leave you for a few months, I would have thought your GP would have suggested fitting you with an ambulatory 24 hour blood pressure monitor, especially as you already have the complicting situation with the menieres disease.  Perhaps you can see another Dr at the practice and ask about this so that you can have some reassurance.

    Another thing you could do is to go back to Lloyds, with your new monitor, and ask if they will take your BP and compare the reading with that of your own monitor.  That will put your mind at rest as regards the monitor working correctly.  Lloyds and some other pharmacies do have such consultations with customers, but you may have to make an appointment.

    Hope that helps.   

    • michael33268
      michael33268 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      Thanks very much, I will ask my dr for a 24 hour test machine, and I dont drink, or smoke, and walk at least an hour a day with our dog. I will however not just take reaqdings right away, had a bit of conflict there, let me exsplain..  my gp said that i should always before every reading relax for 3 minutes, then take the reading, if high, wait two minutes and take two more readings 2 minutes apart.

      I always just take a reading right away, because i was sent to aniother gp in the doctors, and he said that, he sees no point in relaxing befor each reading, he said !!!!!!!! when you buy a car you dont buy it if it wont go up hills would you !!!!! meaning he said ..... that whats the point of chilling out and obtaining a good result if when your walking around taking a pee, or what ever, the rest of the time you bP is high with out you knowing it.

      This really put me into a contrary , because, the same dr says he had to put his self on Bp medicine 6 years ago, and i the nsaid i have read so much bad stuff about it, he said well he would have for sure died if he did not go on it. He then said he takes two years to admin the drugs on a patient to make sure none of the nasties take place.

      He actually at this point in time sent me home saying he wants me to record tow reading a day one in the morning one in the evening for 5 months !!!!!! and this is the dr in the same practice that my gp said i needed to see because he 's the expert when it comes to heart and blood pressure related issues.

    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey michael33268

      Posted

      Michael, I can't believe that Dr  told you he would have "for sure died" if he hadn't gone on the BP meds, and then in the next breath told you to go home and record your own BP for a whole 5 months!!!  He should be asking you to go back for checks a couple of times over the next few weeks - he is the Doctor and he should be providing the service for which he is being paid....by you!  Definitely pursue the 24-hour monitor.  

       

  • alexays
    alexays michael33268

    Posted

    If you are borderline hypertensive then I would try taking CoQ10. Also give blood to see if that helps. Make sure you are eating well and excercising (brisk walking for at least half an hour a day)
    • michael33268
      michael33268 alexays

      Posted

      Thanks does it work just went to boots they said it does not lower blood pressure.
    • alexays
      alexays michael33268

      Posted

      Co Q10 or giving blood? Google it - there is enough positive evidence out there to make both worth giving a go. 
  • jane243
    jane243 michael33268

    Posted

    Sitting quietly for 5 mins or so and taking several deep breaths is helpful. You can almost feel your arteries relaxing. As for the different readings taken a minute or two apart I have the same thing and have a feeling it's quite normal. My doc says to take just 2 readings a minute or so apart, record them and do that twice a day for a week,  then take the average of all the readings. At one time she said to take an average of just the lowest reading but that ruling seems to have changed.

    I wouldn't have thought your numbers were so bad, even the ones taken in the surgery although like most of us you perhaps have 'white coat syndrome'?

    Your diastolic numbers are high though, I've been told to get an average of 135/85 or below.

    If you exercise, give up salt and restrict the booze [!!] and lose weight if you need to, then you may be able to manage without medication. Medication if you do have to take it is for lifecry.

    • jane243
      jane243

      Posted

      As Mrs. O says, a 24 hr ambulatory monitor is the best way to diagnose hypertension. In my case it was the practice nurse who dealt with it, A retired dr told me that it's the practice nurses who do most of the work ...!

       

  • Alexandra123
    Alexandra123 michael33268

    Posted

    Blood pressure does vary and I find that the more anxious I get about my blood pressure, the higher the reading.  If there are concerns though, it does seem a bit laid back on the part of your doctor to suggest that you record your readings for 3 months before seeing him again.

    I'm in Team MrsO.  I would attempt to gain reassurance from another doctor in the practice if at all possible. Also, investigate the links between Meuniers and blood pressure.  I'm not a doctor but, if your blood pressure was more stable, is it possible that the Meunier symptoms would lessen?  Whatever, there is probably a connection between the Meuniers and the blood pressure. Would just  mention that, in the last 12 hours, my blood pressure has varied from 169/96 to 123/76 - and I'm on medication!  My GP is monitoring me closely and I am currently seeing him at least once a week if not more often.  Yes  -  get the medical attention you deserve.  Insanity isn't a good option!  The very best of luck and keep us posted.

    • derek76
      derek76 Alexandra123

      Posted

      Do you work out an average for the month. I take readings three times a day and in August and September my averages were exactly the same  at 149/77 52 but during that time I had a high of 204/100 and a low of 99/55. Those two figures alone would give a similar average of 155/77.

      Who said ? "Lies - damn lies - and statistics," still there are some easy figures the simplest must understand, and the astutest cannot wriggle out of.’

    • michael33268
      michael33268 derek76

      Posted

      I am just starting out on recording my blood pressure, could you guys please tell me how i average out the actual results, mt dr tells me to take 3 tests in the morning, and at the end of the day, so  will do what he says, but can you tell me once i have taken the first and allow a two minute break between each how to i do an average ???? thanks for your help
    • Alexandra123
      Alexandra123 derek76

      Posted

      That's a high high and a low low.  No haven't as yet got into monthly averages but will bear in mind.  Oh well - time for my salt-free grilled fish, green vegetables and brisk walk in the rain followed by a nice glass of water or even two.  Have a good eve everyone.
    • derek76
      derek76 Alexandra123

      Posted

      I stopped salt and sugar around 1983 so why did I develop hypertension in 2000 and T2 diabetes around 2004?

      I always turn my water into red wine:-)

    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey michael33268

      Posted

      Michael, say your first reading was 176/96, your second 170/90 and your third 165/85, discount the first reading and then take the 165 (3nd reading systolic) from the 170 (2nd reading systolic) and you're left with 5, halve that, so the average would be 166 to 167 systolic.  Then do the same with the lower reading, the diastolic.  Hope that makes sense, if not I'm sure someone can elaborate more clearly.  
    • derek76
      derek76 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      I'm never sure about why some tell you to disregard the first reading. I alway use my three readings.

      Add 170 to 165 = 335 divide by 2 = 167.5. if it is .5 I round it up. If less than .5 I round it down.

      The same method for diastolic.

    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey derek76

      Posted

      Well Derek, your formula for working out the average looks a bit more straightforward than mine, but at least it's reassuring to know that I reached the same answer as you!  Bit like when I was at school (a couple of years agowink) I could always give them the answer but couldn't give them the theory!rolleyes  Still think my way of doing it is easier - I'd have to have a pencil and paper to add 170 to 165 whereas I can do it my way in my head as I'm taking my BP!lol  My hubby is good at turning his water into red wine too, preferably French!!!
    • michael33268
      michael33268 derek76

      Posted

      Hi derek onfused here, you wrote to MRs0 that you use the firsttee readings, and then wrote add 10 to 165 =3 divide by 2 = 167.5 I get tht bu surley thats only two numbers in it ?? just done my evening test .. first was

      130/91my 2 was 128/90 and third was 138/90   so whats th workings on that please

    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey michael33268

      Posted

      Michael, taking the average of the last two readings, using Derek's forumula you would add 128 (2nd reading) to 138 (3rd reading) = 266.  Divide that by 2 and you get 133 for your systolic figure.

      Do the same for your diastolic:  90+90 = 180.  Divide 180 by 2 and you get 90.  So your average blood pressure this evening is 133 over 90.

       

    • derek76
      derek76 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      Whatever happened to French wine? It nearly all comes from new winemaking countries now.
    • gill70346
      gill70346 derek76

      Posted

      Because of a family history of heart disease and high BP (many have died under the age of 60) I have had very little salt since the age of 18 when my mum died and also have very little sugar as I do not have a sweet tooth and I also have T2diabetes like you . However in my case it has been put down to having to take daily steroids (5mg) because of a longstanding eye condition. When having flare ups it has been known to go up to 60mg for a week before gradually reducing.
    • derek76
      derek76 michael33268

      Posted

      I said to Mrs O that I use three readings but the average I worked out was for the two figures she had used.
    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey gill70346

      Posted

      Gill, the "eye condition" doesn't happen to be temporal arteritis by any chance does it?
    • derek76
      derek76 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      They all stock it but not in the volume that they used to and the advertising is now for Aussie and American wines. For the past 18 months I have settled on an Aussie Shiraz that I seek out when on offer.
    • gill70346
      gill70346 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      Mrs. O, No although that has been suspected twice. What I have is called uveitis, inflammation of the uvea inside the eye. Unfortunately I have a very severe type which affects both eyes, both front and back and is recurrent which is why I am permanently on steroids. I also have had macular aneurysm, macular oedema, and raised intra-ocular pressure twice hence why I am worried about today. Thanks for asking.
    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey gill70346

      Posted

      Gill,Temporal Arteritis is quite rare so I would have been surprised to just come along a case 'out of the blue'.  I'm very glad that you don't have it, but had just thought to ask in case I could offer any advice from my experience of kicking it into touch along with high dose steroids.....  40mgs daily tapering down over nearly 6 years.  I also have high eye pressure leading to Glaucoma, and because of the risk to vision from both conditions I continue to see an opthalmologist every 6 months.

      I'm sure you have enough to worry about with your multiple eye conditions alone without the added worry of high blood pressure.  Long term steroids can certainly have their part to play in raising blood pressure, especially on the high doses - hopefully you manage to control things mostly on the 5mgs which is generally considered to be a fairly 'safe' dose as far as side effects are concerned.  I wish you well, Gill.

    • jane243
      jane243 derek76

      Posted

      There is still an awful lot left in France, or there was until  I was there for 3 weeks recently !!!
    • derek76
      derek76 michael33268

      Posted

      If I take two or three readings on my monitor and then press memory it gives me the average and still stores the original readings. When I download the readings to a spreadsheet at the end of the month it copies all the readings but not the average ones. 
    • derek76
      derek76 jane243

      Posted

      Britains biggest vineyard has been planted in East Sussex and will be producing a million bottles a year. Their 'Champagne' is said to better than Bollinger if I could afford it:-)

       

    • jane243
      jane243 derek76

      Posted

      That's the trouble with English wine - it's too expensive ! Not that Bolly isn't either though.!  BTW is it good for the BP?biggrin
    • derek76
      derek76 jane243

      Posted

      First time my BP ever shot up was when the waiter flashed his torch on the wine list in a dark Paris Night Club:-)

      I like NZ wines but they are also expensive.

      We were on an internal flight in Canada and I asked the stewardess if it was a Canadian wine to be served with dinner. I would never give my passengers a Canadian wine she said.

    • jane243
      jane243 derek76

      Posted

      I've never heard of Canadian wines, was she joking? where are they grown?
    • derek76
      derek76 jane243

      Posted

      We have had Canadian wines during our travels. They also make wine in New York State including Champagne

      From Wikipedia:

      "Canadian wine is produced in mainly southern British Columbia and southern Ontario. There is also a growing number of small scale producers of grapes and wine in southern Quebec and Nova Scotia. The two largest wine-producing regions in Canada are the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia and the Niagara Peninsula of Ontario. Other wine-producing areas in British Columbia include the Similkameen valley, the Fraser Valley region near Vancouver, southern Vancouver Island, the Creston Valley, in the Kootenay area and the Gulf Islands. Other areas in Ontario include Pelee Island, the north shores of Lake Erie and Prince Edward County"

       

    • jane243
      jane243 derek76

      Posted

      Well well, I learn something new every day. I wonder if the Wine Society sell it, the husband does tend to buy most of what we drink from them since we no longer take our car to France. We have a daughter there and used to love driving down and filling the car up on the way home. I really miss that these days !
    • derek76
      derek76 jane243

      Posted

      Which area did you go to. There are so many good wines there that never cross the channel.
    • jane243
      jane243 derek76

      Posted

      We would travel to the Alps and invariably spent a night or so en route in either the Reims area or Burgundy. There was/is a really good cooperative in Buxy where we would stop off and fill the car up. I'm sure it was just one of many but it was good. This year and last year we were in the Languedoc Roussillon. No idea what we drank - it came out of boxes but they were quite god boxes. Cubes they call them!
    • derek76
      derek76 jane243

      Posted

      I used to like some of the wines from Alsace but never see them here now and the Sylvaner grape is evidently out of favour. Tokay d'Alsace I believe has been renamed.

      Unfortunately the better wines on sale here are seldom in boxes and when supermarkets give a discount for buying six bottles or more it does not apply the equivelant quantity in boxes.

    • jane243
      jane243 derek76

      Posted

      Yes you are right about that. We never buy wine in boxes in this country it is usually just such rubbish and expensive for what it is. Do you belong to the Wine Society, we've been members for years. Not sure why 'members' though. You join by buying one share initially. They do have a very good list which my husband pores over.
    • derek76
      derek76 jane243

      Posted

      No I just buy my plonk in the supermarket usually Yellow Tail Shiraz when it is on offer as the supermarkets all play pricing games.

      There are very few wine merchants where we live presumably due to people like me. Two real ones that were near us closed recently and all the High Street ones like Threshers and Victoria Wine went bust.

      We went to a Co-op wine tasting evening and lecture recently where all the wines were Fairtrade. The expert not from the Co-op was interesting but we did not like any of the wines.  

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