Blood pressure reading

[Peteaud]

I had to go to the doctors this morning to have a blood pressure test. I didnt see the doc, but had to use a machine in the waiting room.

The reading was

sys - 170
dia - 69
pul - 67

First off i dont like doctors and i hate having blood pressure test as i dont like the feeling in my arm it gives, but that reading to me is high.

I gave the printed slip in to the desk so i guess if there is an issue they will call me, but any thoughts welcome.

 

[Pottsy]

Systolic very high, diastolic fine, maybe even a little low.

Systolic is high enough to go and see a doctor, just to get a few more checks.

You may have a little 'white coat syndrome' from what you say which could artificially increase your reading. They can put you on a 24 hour monitor to check this.

Edit. Plus those machines aren't so reliable as a proper test, there can be set-up issues.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'd imagine testing BP in a waiting room might raise your systolic level. Even in the GP's room the doctor will tend to take levels twice because of the ''white coat'' effect and the second reading is often lower. They may call you in to do a proper check and see whether the high systolic level is anything to give concern.

 

[Peteaud]

Systolic very high, diastolic fine, maybe even a little low.

Systolic is high enough to go and see a doctor, just to get a few more checks.

You may have a little 'white coat syndrome' from what you say which could artificially increase your reading. They can put you on a 24 hour monitor to check this.

Edit. Plus those machines aren't so reliable as a proper test, there can be set-up issues.

I have been told that before "the white coat syndrome" affects me.

 

[Andrew_P]

I am not a Dr, but I would say with your Diastolic being ok/lower than the suggested 80 or under means the higher Systolic could be due to stress. Diastolic is the pressure when the heart is not beating and systolic is the pressure when it beats, hence it is easier to effect systolic with emotions. My best advice would be to either purchase a machine or ask to borrow a machine when they call you to see the Dr.

They suggest pror to taking your blood pressue you should be relaxed and sitting for 5 mins and take 3 reading 2-3 mintes apart and then average those 3.

The real clincher would be 24 hour monitoring as it would take out the peaks and troughs and include the 7-8 hours of lower Blood Pressure while you are asleep.

It really is not unusal to get a single one off high reading in a stressful situation, do not get stressed but worth a review with your Dr.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsl...perts-call-for-home-blood-pressure-monitoring

This graph shows blood pressure changes in a 73-year-old woman over a 24-hour period. They were recorded using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, a technology clinicians use to investigate possible cardiovascular problems. A spike in the woman’s blood pressure at her clinician’s office in the morning suggests she may have white-coat hypertension. Her average blood pressure was 141/77.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I am not a Dr, but I would say with your Diastolic being ok/lower than the suggested 80 or under means the higher Systolic could be due to stress. Diastolic is the pressure when the heart is not beating and systolic is the pressure when it beats, hence it is easier to effect systolic with emotions. My best advice would be to either purchase a machine or ask to borrow a machine when they call you to see the Dr.

They suggest pror to taking your blood pressue you should be relaxed and sitting for 5 mins and take 3 reading 2-3 mintes apart and then average those 3.

The real clincher would be 24 hour monitoring as it would take out the peaks and troughs and include the 7-8 hours of lower Blood Pressure while you are asleep.

It really is not unusal to get a single one off high reading in a stressful situation, do not get stressed but worth a review with your Dr.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsl...perts-call-for-home-blood-pressure-monitoring

View attachment 21313


This graph shows blood pressure changes in a 73-year-old woman over a 24-hour period. They were recorded using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, a technology clinicians use to investigate possible cardiovascular problems. A spike in the woman’s blood pressure at her clinician’s office in the morning suggests she may have white-coat hypertension. Her average blood pressure was 141/77.

Right, I've just seen how much visiting the doctor and washing up is a health risk. From now on I'm getting the doctor to come round and do my washing up.

 

[Peteaud]

I am not a Dr, but I would say with your Diastolic being ok/lower than the suggested 80 or under means the higher Systolic could be due to stress. Diastolic is the pressure when the heart is not beating and systolic is the pressure when it beats, hence it is easier to effect systolic with emotions. My best advice would be to either purchase a machine or ask to borrow a machine when they call you to see the Dr.

They suggest pror to taking your blood pressue you should be relaxed and sitting for 5 mins and take 3 reading 2-3 mintes apart and then average those 3.

The real clincher would be 24 hour monitoring as it would take out the peaks and troughs and include the 7-8 hours of lower Blood Pressure while you are asleep.

It really is not unusal to get a single one off high reading in a stressful situation, do not get stressed but worth a review with your Dr.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsl...perts-call-for-home-blood-pressure-monitoring

View attachment 21313


This graph shows blood pressure changes in a 73-year-old woman over a 24-hour period. They were recorded using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, a technology clinicians use to investigate possible cardiovascular problems. A spike in the woman’s blood pressure at her clinician’s office in the morning suggests she may have white-coat hypertension. Her average blood pressure was 141/77.

I am going to go back in this afternoon and do another test for my own peace of mind. I did also just walk in and went straight over to the machine as i really dont like doctors waiting rooms.

 

[Peteaud]

Right, I've just seen how much visiting the doctor and washing up is a health risk. From now on I'm getting the doctor to come round and do my washing up.

PMSL

 

[vickster]

How old are you? The gap between the 2 numbers increases with age. Do you have any other health issues like diabetes or family history of hypertension? Do you smoke?

But yes if you were nervy, could explain the reading.
Mine is normally on the low side about 105/70 ish. Last time it was checked was when I had surgery, was about 140/90...soon dropped to some silly low number after the op which is not u expected.

 

[Peteaud]

How old are you? The gap between the 2 numbers increases with age. Do you have any other health issues like diabetes or family history of hypertension? Do you smoke?

But yes if you were nervy, could explain the reading.
Mine is normally on the low side about 105/70 ish. Last time it was checked was when I had surgery, was about 140/90...soon dropped to some silly low number after the op which is not u expected.

44 years old
Ex smoker (gave up 15 months ago)

 

[vickster]

Shouldn't be age then (we are talking 70+ really), although if you were a heavy smoker for many years, it may have affected the arteries

Hope all is well the reading later - perhaps get the nurse to do it?

 

[Peteaud]

2nd reading

sys 154
dia 90
pul 70


I think it would have gone lower but i didnt want to hang around so many ill people.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

2nd reading

sys 154
dia 90
pul 70


I think it would have gone lower but i didnt want to hang around so many ill people.

Right, now cycle a few miles and do it again - your diastolic should drop quite noticeably.

 

[Andrew_P]

Right, now cycle a few miles and do it again - your diastolic should drop quite noticeably.

Why is that? I get as low as 65 in the evening about two to three hours after my ride home from work.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Why is that? I get as low as 65 in the evening about two to three hours after my ride home from work.

I don't know, to be honest. All I know is that it has that (temporary) effect on me.