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What does it actually mean to have “High Blood Pressure”?

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nina94026
nina94026

I have another maybe strange question.  I have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure.  My question is if I have normal blood pressure readings and then some reading that are high,  am I considered having “ High Blood Pressure” ?? I take my blood pressure at home.   

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • karl90414
    karl90414 nina94026

    Posted

    As I understand it, your BP can go up and down at the drop of a hat. Sombody cuts you up in the car and it goes up quickly. relaxing will make it go down. Some pople have waht is called "white Coat Syndrome" so their BP goes up as soon as thay see a Doctor or have their BP taken.

    Like you I monitor my BP at home on a daily basis. It is always lower at home that at the doctors surgery.

    So if you take your BP at home for a month and the average for the month is "Normal" (whatever normal is for you) then I would say don'y worry about it, becasue it will only put your BP up. 

     

  • gill70346
    gill70346 nina94026

    Posted

    You will only be diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) if your readings are consistently high every day for at least a week taking the readings at home.  It is never based on isolated readings as so many things can trigger high reading, eg anxiety, shock, illness.  What is normal for you? My normal is 130/90 whilst I am on medication which my doctor is happy with, but other people would say it is a little bit high and should be 120/80.
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