Am I being overly concerned about my blood pressure?

Question

About 4 weeks ago I was admitted to hospital with hypertension and prescribed appropriate medication to bring it down. My pulse rate has certainly improved and general 'facial flushing' has reduced. However, on checking with the Dr today, it is now at 180/120 (both arms, and after a 'rest' period). I am returning on Monday for blood tests, but am concerned that because of my age, 37, the condition is not being treated as aggressively as if i was an obese 50yr old. Am I right to be concerned or should I just keep quiet and take the pills?

Answer 1

Sorry to hear you're having a bad time of it - you're certainly very young to have such high blood pressure :(

Often with anti-hypertensive medication, it's a case of trial and error - what works well for one person doesn't necessarily work as well for someone else. I'm sure that your GP will be keeping a very close eye on things, maybe increasing the dose of your current medication, adding in another anti-hypertensive, or changing your medication altogether.

I know it's easier said than done, but please try not to worry because the stress will make your blood pressure go even higher. Try and relax as much as you can over the weekend, and have a look at the NHS Direct site if you get any unexplained symptoms. There are lots of websites out there too that can give you advice on additional measures to lower your blood pressure.

Good luck :)

Answer 2

Worrying about your blood pressure will have an adverse effect. It is a proven fact that it rises when you are stressed.

Continue to take the tablets, you are already seeing the difference. Be assured by this.

The next step is to find the cause of the hypertension. You are having bloods taken on Monday. These will probably indicate the root of the problem. Steps can then be taken to eliminate this.

Trust your Dr and follow the advice he has given you. If you were an obese 50yr old alcoholic smoking 20 a day your GP would be taking the same steps right now, although the lifestyle advice may vary.

As I said earlier, try not to worry as this will only make things worse. Your Dr knows what he is doing.

Answer 3

I would be concerned. My blood pressure went sky high when I was thirty. The Doctor did five separate readings over a period of time and, as they were all high I was put on medication. Have been on it for three years and have my blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure can also be a sign of other health conditions such as kidney disease. These should be ruled out by having an ultrasound. Definitely keep taking the pills. It sounds like your Doctor is on the case if you have been asked to come back for blood tests, but if you have ant concerns raise them on Monday.

Answer 4

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 5

The quack will put you right mate, at 37, (Especially if you are a slim non- smoking, light drinker with no family history of early stroke), you are unlikely to snuff it before Monday and might just be stressing yourself into the high readings. (There is a thing called white coat syndrome, where the blood pressure goes up when you see a doctor)
If its still up the quack will probably give you some A.C.E Inhibitors to expand the arteries a bit and drop the old pressure, they work, no sweat man. After that, a bit of light exercise, stopping smoking, dropping the caffeine, alcohol and especially the SALT!!! can drop it like a stone.

Last time , chill out dude your stressin`.

Answer 6

Your readings show that something serious could be going on. I myself am being treated for high blood pressure and am taking several types of medication to control it. It is very important to talk to your doctor if you are unsure if everything that CAN be done IS being done. I am very lucky that my doctor is always happy to answer my questions and will respond to any suggestions I make regarding treatment. Check out a few websites so you know about the condition plus some possible treatments and then go and see your doctor to discuss them. If they make this difficult then demand to see another doctor. I have had problem doctors all my life but when I found my most recent doctor it changed everything. It is so important to find someone you are comfortable with. Try not to worry too much and take care of yourself. I hope this helps. Feel free to mail me if you need any more information.

Answer 7

Mark, I think that on Monday, when you go for your blood tests, you should insist on seeing a dr too and tell them you are very concerned for your health. Get them to give you all possible options so you can make informed decisions along side the dr. In the meantime, take it easy this weekend.

Good luck with both your health and your Dr!!!!!

Answer 8

I have high blood pressure (from the age of 24 due to a kidney problem) and take medication. STOP SMOKING i did it dropped 10 points in weeks (5 aday habit). Lose weight,don't eat rubbish,take gentle excerise,reduce salt intake,LOOK AFTER YOURSELF. it's boring i know but you will feel better and possibly come off medication. Ask your doc any questions you feel like thats what he is there for.

Answer 9

High Blood pressure is definitely something to be concern about. Alot of health problems can be cause due to high blood pressure. Anything from heart problems to kidney failure even. I suggest you just take the medication ur doctor put you on and if it goes down than u have nothing to worry aobut. Eat heatlhy as well. Try not to eat so much red meat and if you smoke and drink try to cut down on those habits as well.

Answer 10

Mine is doing the same thing - not as high as yours at 170/120. Trouble is I dont know why and pills they gave me didnt do anything other than make me wee alot. They keep doing blood tests but they come back okay. I dont know what else to do either.