My blood pressure will start at 144/70 and with consecutive readings fall to 118/54. Should I worry?

Question

I am currently taking medication, but this still concerns me. My Dr. says to worry only about the average, but it seems the first reading would be a more real life situation.

Answer 1

Your doctor is correct for several reasons.

As pointed out correctly in prior answers there should be adequate time between readings else venous congestion will give erroneous readings.

I suggest that you take your pressure readings near the same time. For instance at 8PM, when you have been sitting relaxed for some time. Remember that our BP is affected by what we are doing, how we are sitting, and stress levels. During sexual intercourse a systolic (the high number) reading of 180-190 is quite normal. So it is not the "excursions" or occasional highs, rather it is the overall average when the body is calm, supported, when the cuff is at the same height as the heart (important with wrist cuff devices). Even for instance if you take your BP at 8PM on Mondays and Wednesdays, there will be differences, and there will be between the left and right arm. So use the same arm, and look for "the trend" or the average.

Looking at the average of the two numbers it is likely that your doctor has you on a med regime that is appropriate and working. I would suggest though that you stop smoking (if you do) lose weight (if you need to) develop a cardio-vascular exercise program (seach target heart range calculator), make sure you eat plenty of foods with potassium, and if you are black, East Indian, or Hispanic, try cutting back on salt, as it may make a significant difference.

Answer 2

You have a good head on your shoulders. According to the noted epidemiologist Richard Grimm, Jr. MD doctors are undertreating blood pressure for the reason you state (as well as the misconceptions represented within some of the answers). Doctors are hesitant to put you on too many blood pressure medicines because they are afraid that you won't take them. Or that you will leave their practice upset and find a new doctor that won't give you bad news (no lie, I've seen it).

Keep in mind that as you have so aptly put the problem is that blood pressure is not a two-time measurement and then you're done once you like the answer you receive. Your blood pressure will regress to the mean (normal) during times of relaxation (second check) however the first number is still too high if you are already receiving therapy.

You should aim to get your systolic bp as close to 115 as possible. Systolic blood pressure (since 1998) has been the reading that is most predictive of cardiac death.

If you are dieting (cut salt) and exercising as you should be (30 minutes of increased heart rate each day) and you are still having high initial bp readings you may need to take another medicine. If you haven't cut back on salt (including processed foods) I would try that first.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

If you are worry about it, go to see a ur doctor again or best a cardiologist and tell him to put you under 24-hours Ambulatory Blood Pressure (ABP).
This 24-hours Ambulatory Blood Pressure (ABP) is a small machine which will be attched to your body for 1 day & it will take your bp readings every 15-30 mins. Its a painless and simple test & its not expensive too.
You should take your medication every morning (Adalat, Norvasc, Approvel..?) and you should also understand that bp goes up and down...it doesnt stay the same all the time.
It tends to go up when you are stress, exercise, angry and in the afternoon and goes down when you relax or sleep.
144/70 is on the high side already..most probably ur bp in the morning are high already, then as u take ur medication, the medication works thats why ur bp goes down slowly aferwards.

It takes time too for a medication too work, give some time. CUt salty food and fried food, go for this 24-hours ABP test, you will be okay.
Im a cardiac technologist in the hospital, i hope my advice help you

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

You should worry, because the first reading is already low and followed by much lower count. Have a second opinion because your doctor probably absent on that subject. You could be anemic
or have low blood pressure. If your systolic is 144 the diastolic should be around 80.

Answer 6

Are these "consecutive readings" throughout the day or all at once? You need to wait 15-30 minutes between readings for the readings to be accurate. If they're throughout the day, I'd listen to the doctor and not worry (besides, worry makes the numbers go up).

Answer 7

In theory, the blood pressure reading for management of hypertension should be taken in a supported arm after several minutes' rest with a cuff of adequate size, and this often doesn't happen in the hustle-bustle of modern life. Your blood pressure is supposed to go up, at least the systolic, with activity, to allow you to function. I bet the lower readings are the ones more appropriate to judge your cardiovascular risks, and that's good news. It sounds like your doctor knows his stuff. Maybe he's good at treating OCD as well? (just joking)

Answer 8

You aren't supposed to take consecutive readings no more than 1\2 hour apart for the very reason you are stating - the readings will go down.

Answer 9

You must take your time between measurementa othewise they will be right readings.Also kep in mind when you take it to be sitting for at least 5 minutes,be relaxed,and than take it,im sure you will be fine..

Answer 10

Both readings are ok. No worries.