Blood pressure high

SModa61

Hey all, I am primarily reaching out because this has NEVER been a concern for me and is totally foreign. Had my annual physical yesterday and BP was 140/80 (left arm), and some sort of 130+ in my right. I have never, even at my highest weights, had anything but normal blood pressure (around 120 over 60 something). I am ticked!

Current life: Bought a home in july before we were reading to see our home. Were forced to jump through hoops for months by RE agent to sell our family home. As end in sight approached, my 87 year old father's hip broke mid-stride. 85 year old mom is early dimensia, does not drive, and my parents are hoarders. Been dealing with them while trying to settle my own life including ongoing realities of holidays and COVID and a home in disarray (not knowing, we donated 80% of our furniture). Daily exercise is gone, and I have gained 15 lb since labor day, which is half of what I lost last year with MFP and its community. Mind you that this is still 21 lb under my high weight of 168.8, and I had normal BP then. Is the rapidity of my wight gain a factor?

So, I am shocked. PCP stated that returning to exercise and cleaning back up my diet is important. Will be doing extensive bloodwork tomorrow morning (would have been this morning but have other pre-existing appointments).

Anyhow, I was already trying to get back on track as of two days ago - ie daily exercise and at a minimum, honest food tracking.

Would love insights into the topic of high BP as I literally no nothing. TIA

paperpudding

140/80 as a one off reading in the Drs surgery doesn't seem a concern to me

SModa61

paperpudding wrote: »

140/80 as a one off reading in the Drs surgery doesn't seem a concern to me

Glad it doesn't strike you as a concern. It is a significant change for me, which leads me to want to understand. In December, when I was seen for an ear infection from my "cold from hell", my BP was 133 over something, and I recall saying that that was not correct and that I my be just feeling hyper. So, overall trend up over time. I don't want to go up by another 10 in another month.

ccrdragon

As said above, the 140/80 is a one-off reading and is pretty meaningless. You really need several readings in a row to establish a pattern for HBP (and if your Dr is giving you grief over the one reading, the Dr is an *kitten*).

Also, stress is a major contributing factor to HBP (and you seem to be having a certain amount of that right now). I totally know where you are coming from in regards to the parents - my father passed recently and we are in the process of cleaning out his house (and while I dearly loved my father and miss him every day). the man never threw away anything that had to do with finances - we have found 30 year old receipts for things that have long since gone the way of the dinosaurs in his house. He was also an avid reader and preferred real books to electronic tablets, so we have about 1000 books to box up and donate to the local libraries as well (we have already collected over 30 boxes and still haven't touched the shelves that line the garage walls!).

One thing that you really need to do in times like this is to take care of yourself - set some time aside (as difficult as it may be) to just unwind and forget about the other things that are going on and relax!! It will help your state of mind and will definitely help to relieve the stress that you are dealing with.

SModa61

@ccrdragon Doctor is not giving me a hard time. I think she is pointing out that if I get back to my terrific habits of a year ago, that this will easily resolve itself.

Stress in different ways has certainly been going on, beyond what I listed above, and do not see that improving in the short run. (won't bore you), I saw that cholesterol might be a factor and ice cream has been quite the friend.

I joked last night that maybe it is time I tried the giant whirlpool tub our new condo has. So far, all I have done is scrubbed it.

As for your father, I had no idea that my father had a twin! So sorry about your dad's passing.

For us, if would almost be easier if my father passed (terrible of me to say) as we would be allowed to go through his things, and my mom can be semi-controlled. When he was in the hospital, I cleaned their fridge.Took half a day and it included an unopened ham from 2017 than my mom was still planning to eat....... I found dead mice in cupboards. Books are everywhere, and every work paper my father ever generated is stacked in piles. They even had giant tubs in the backyard holding more of his papers. Oops, those went to the dump........ EMTs had a terrible time getting him to the ambulance due to "stuff" and blocked and non-functioning doors. My parents are currently in respite care together, but intend to go home. Father is making no effort to gain strength after the october surgery. He intends to "rest" until he gets his strength back. If he gets home, he will go back to driving, even though he has close to no feeling in his right foot (chemo neuropathy). Mom cannot drive and is in diagnosed cognitive decline. Both are in denial.

littlegreenparrot1

In my early 20s I had some problems with high blood pressure and did a lot of research into how to improve it as I certainly did not want to end up on meds.
I found the British Blood pressure Association website very helpful. It suggested changes to diet, primarily cutting down on salt and having 7-10 portions of fruit and veg a day.
Specifically making sure I ate that much fruit and veg crowded out other snacks etc, so I lost a little weight as well and in a few months it was back to normal.

It's worth a try and won't do any harm.

My other suggestion is a bit more tricky as it involves some time. But if you can find some green space to go for a walk there have been some studies that suggest it can lower blood pressure. Even if not some time out to listen to the birds and get some head space is good for the soul and can help to manage the stress.

I hope things settle down a bit for you.

minnelizzy

Try not to stress that won’t help. Also- it’s common to have higher readings once in awhile especially at the docs office. I purchased a bp monitor for this very reason as I had the same issue. Take your bp a few times regularly to get a better idea of what your actual bp is. Then go from there. I’m personally losing weight and doing more cardio. Good luck.

nooshi713

I’m a PA and I would not be concerned either. It is good that you are not just blowing it off and want to be proactive about your health but I do think you are overreacting as your numbers are borderline. None of the ER doctors I work with would even notice that blood pressure. That’s the truth.

Your doctor is right in recommending lifestyle recommendations first but to have a diagnosis you need 3 separate reading on different days to be high. The exception would be if you have sky high readings, then it can probably be assumed you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

You also want to make sure your readings are accurate and not affected by stress, caffeine, pain, etc. It should be checked when you are nice and relaxed and with your arm supported, legs uncrossed. Some get nervous going to the doctor, so keep that in mind too if that is you.

Most high blood pressure is not affected by salt in the diet at all. For some, weight loss and exercise can help a bit. For most, it is a result of aging and genetics. Rarely, there are other causes too. Do not panic. Maybe buy a monitor and start checking it at home twice a day. Keep a log for two weeks and go from there.

Anya_000

The BP of 140/80, at one point in time isn't threatening. It takes multiple readings to establish hypertension. However, if your BP hangs out in that range, it is a red flag.

I saw my doctor last week and was stressed. I work in hospice, and it's been crazy. I was so overworked, and taking calls from nurses up until the doctor walked in. My BP was 183/90! She had me rest in a quiet space and it came down to 140's.

Since then, I take my BP daily and log it. It's been 119/70. Plan is to log daily for month and send to doctor. Also have labs ordered.

This episode scared the begeezus out of me. I suspect my BP is up there a lot, because I'm always pushed to my limit at work. I'm going to stroke out. From now on, I have to come first. I started swimming again, walking, cleaned up diet, but most importantly, when I feel overwhelmed, I have to step away.

I think your episode of high BP can serve as a warning to you. Don't wait till you get like me. Something needs to change, and you can make the changes now. Once you get your labs and have the green light, you know the drill . . . exercise, healthy food, managing stress.

Note: Getting a BP cuff for home might be reassuring, and its good information for your doctor. I take mine every morning.

I wish you the best.

NYPhotographer2021

I take my BP at home every morning. It's always normal or low hypertension stage 1. However, whenever I go to the doctor, my BP there is always higher. I show the doctor what my app has, and he's okay with it. Maybe get your own monitor and take it every morning. See if your doctor will write you a script for it.

HoneyBadger302

I recently (couple months ago) found out my blood pressure was getting crazy high (completely unknown to me, new issue as well).

About 90% of mine stems from stress, so reducing stress has to be my highest priority (and finding ways to better manage my stress than worrying about things). It's not easy as since covid hit my stress levels have legitimately been rediculous (laid off, over a 50% paycut while no reduction in bills, two cross country moves (by myself) since 2019, unable to land a decent job and all the stress that comes from those situations....).

A few things I've implemented that seem to be helping (not 100% yet, but it has dropped a fair bit and seems to be stabilizing):

• Implemented a "critical task list" each day on the 5 major categories of my life. Rather than worry about the big picture, this is forcing me to take one day at a time and touch all those things (so I know the needle will eventually move, even if it's micro movements, it's moving every single day)
• Exercise
• Diet (aka lose some weight)
• Cut back alcohol
• Reduce sodium
• More veggies/home cooked meals
• Daily podcast while doing my first job (barn work) for some 'motivation/reality check'
• Regular monitoring of my BP at home
• Daily meditation/visualization - developing my idea of success and bigger goals and seeing where I'm headed
• Got over the toxic-for-me boyfriend

Honestly, the first one is the big thing for me - it has been huge in focusing me on the day and lowering how overwhelmed the larger issues make me feel.

The other things all help and support better BP, but they also help reduce my stress which is what is throwing me so far off.

cwolfman13

I would say one stand alone reading isn't anything to blow off, but nothing to be exasperated by either. BP is one of those things that fluctuates depending on circumstances and can be affected by bad sleep, stress, a high sodium day, or a myriad of other things.

I do have hypertension and take my blood pressure at home, where it is recommended to take several readings throughout the day to get a daily average. Mine is always higher in the morning, drops in the afternoon, and is usually in the normal range in the evening. I am also on meds...but regular exercise does play a big part. When I was doing a lot of endurance cycling events and training on the bike 4-5 days per week and lifting on a regular schedule my average (with meds) was 175/70. I haven't been doing much training the last couple of years and have been more of a regular walker and weekend warrior on the bike and sometimes weight lifter and my average is around 145/90 which is one of the reasons I'm getting back on my endurance biking kick and back into the weight room on a regular schedule.

sollyn23l2

I would say the main concerning thing is that you said this is not typical for you, and that you've never before had a high blood pressure reading. That makes it concerning because it indicates a change. Also, I noticed you mentioned 2 different blood pressures in your different arms. Having two different blood pressures in your arms can also be concerning. But, in the end, always go with what your doctor says, and ask them questions. Never rely on random weirdos on the internet for advice.

kshama2001

I'm normally in the 11Xs but years ago got a 140 after rushing to get to the doctors, not having any waiting time, and being excited about a first date later that night. The date was a bust and my blood pressure went back down, lol.

So while I, internet rando, am not concerned about your one reading, I do encourage you to get back to healthy habits as that should help you deal with the stress of aging parents.

I've had to drag my mother to a financial advisor twice lately as her financial decision making is...not sound...and I needed the Voice of Authority to back me up.

SModa61

@littlegreenparrot1 My doc did ask about fruits and vegetables. At this time last year, they were great. Lately, they would have to be hidden in the ice cream and junk food I have bonded with. Also, last year, I was walking virtually every day, and if not walking, then another exercise. Trying to get to florida on Feb 4 and using it as a reset of my life. There I walk with friends (I see none up north lately) and walk for 1 - 2 hours.

@minnelizzy I picked up the monitor a couple hours ago and I will be collecting data.

@nooshi713 Thank you for your professional insights. Good to know that more than one reading is required to identify an issue. As for doctor nerves, yesterday was no different than any other visit until she concluded I need a diagnostic mammogram tomorrow. But the BP was taken earlier. I plan to start logging my readings.

@anya_000 Sounds like you have much more to be stressed about than me. Glad you are taking care of yourself. I am going to be working on getting back to making smart choices.

@NYPhotographer2021 I will be following your example

@Honeybadger302 Sorry you have faced so much. Thank you for sharing your bullet points and plan. I will used your notes. I hope your life comes back together for you.

@cwolfman13 Doc asked about sleep and I laughed. One cat howls at night and the other makes a nest on me. But they make me happy. Could you explain how 175/70 is better than 145/90? Is diastolic more important? I have a lot to learn. I will try the multiple daily readings

@sollyn2312 Exactly. Changes are worth understanding. Good or bad. Interesting on the point about two arms. I got the impression that my doctor was pleased with the lower number in the right arm. Can you expound?

@kshama2001 Yesterday was a nutty day before my physical. so maybe that contributed. I naively did not expect my parents to be the challenge they have become - all in only a few months.

AnnPT77

I'd observe that you've had multiple changes of habits, each of which individually may not be a big deal, but each associated in some way with possibility of increased BP: Eating fewer veggies, gaining a few pounds, higher stress, reduced exercise.

It could be a one-off, for sure: Mine is at that level occasionally at a doctor's office, especially if I've been rushing around or something (and I do have a bit of "white coat syndrome" with BP sometimes, given that I have a history of borderline high BP when I was obese, so I'm a little anxious when they take it at primary care).

But it could be a combination of many small factors, if there turns out to be a pattern of higher BP. In that sense, maybe start with any aspect of the self-care that's easiest to change, if you choose to treat this as a warning bell.

Best wishes for good outcomes!

SModa61

thanks @annPt77 could be good inspiration for reinstating better habits. Ironically, when I got serious on MFP fall 2020, my motivation was "I don't want to be my parents". Now, they are a piece of my derailment. I really should think more clearly and be even more motivated to get and stay on track.

cwolfman13

SModa61 wrote: »

@littlegreenparrot1 My doc did ask about fruits and vegetables. At this time last year, they were great. Lately, they would have to be hidden in the ice cream and junk food I have bonded with. Also, last year, I was walking virtually every day, and if not walking, then another exercise. Trying to get to florida on Feb 4 and using it as a reset of my life. There I walk with friends (I see none up north lately) and walk for 1 - 2 hours.



@cwolfman13 Doc asked about sleep and I laughed. One cat howls at night and the other makes a nest on me. But they make me happy. Could you explain how 175/70 is better than 145/90? Is diastolic more important? I have a lot to learn. I will try the multiple daily readings

I got my numbers turned around...I meant 117/70...so a bit below what is considered normal.

SModa61

cwolfman13 wrote: »

SModa61 wrote: »

@littlegreenparrot1 My doc did ask about fruits and vegetables. At this time last year, they were great. Lately, they would have to be hidden in the ice cream and junk food I have bonded with. Also, last year, I was walking virtually every day, and if not walking, then another exercise. Trying to get to florida on Feb 4 and using it as a reset of my life. There I walk with friends (I see none up north lately) and walk for 1 - 2 hours.



@cwolfman13 Doc asked about sleep and I laughed. One cat howls at night and the other makes a nest on me. But they make me happy. Could you explain how 175/70 is better than 145/90? Is diastolic more important? I have a lot to learn. I will try the multiple daily readings

I got my numbers turned around...I meant 117/70...so a bit below what is considered normal.

I am no longer confused.

no1wf

I'd like to add if I may, that people I see at work who are in a similar position and want to monitor their BP start taking readings so frequently, and the more you worry about it and the more you do it - if you do see higher numbers than what you'd expect you continue to panic and the cycle continues.

If you do want to regularly take your BP make sure it's consistent, so the same time of day, make a note of what you've eaten/drank, any activities/exercise you've just done. I've had people who have struggled up the stairs to get the machine, then wondered why the reading was high! We take 3 readings to check the average too.

SModa61

@no1wf thank you for that advice. Picked up the monitor this afternoon, and either it doesn't work, or my numbers are lower than they were yesterday at the physical. going to start my notes in the AM, and I agree from a scientific, good data, perspective that readings should be at comparable times.