Blood pressure - when should I get concerned?

Question

My blood pressure has been taken several times over the past few years - over five years ago it was 160 systolic and the doc then muttered 'that's stroke level'. In the past couple of years it's been up and down and they even put me on a 24 hour monitor last year (which didn't work properly). I've been again today and the reading was 180/100. The nurse said to come back in 4 weeks and she will take it again and if it is still as high, she'll refer me back to the doc. I stopped smoking 12 months ago and weigh 13.5 stone (about 190 lbs). Should I be concerned about the readings - and about the fact that the medics are shilly-shallying around. Should I insist on them doing something more - even if it is only medication - or just wait until the next test in four weeks time?

I want to say a very big thank you to every one who has responded in such a kind way. I wish I could give everyone 10 points, but that just isn't possible, but the thought is there. In view of what has been said I have arranged an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow. My age is 64, incidentally.

Answer 1

You don't mention your age and it is relevant in terms of your risk for having an untoward event - like a stroke.

Regardless, 180/100 is at a level that should be addressed...stroke level? probably not, but long term damage to the heart, kidney, penis, and eyes are of your concern. Additionally you have at least two major risk factors for coronary disease (smoking history - [congrats on quitting] and hypertension). So loweing your systolic pressure to between 120 and 130 will further reduce your risk for having heart disease.

I think primary doctors get overwhelmed by the number of health issues that they need to address every day with every patient. Working in a specialty clinic, I see the results of poorly controlled blood pressure every day. It can be as big a deal as having a heart attack in terms of reducing heart function over time. People always seem so surprised to find that this blood pressure that they have been ignoring for decades destroyed their heart function and now they have congestive failure.

It is time to start a medication. Typical starting agents would include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers with Beta blockers next on the list. It is not uncommon that more than a single agent is necessary to achieve goal.

Lastly, you may also want to be evaluated for secondary reasons for hypertension such as renal artery stenosis and sleep apnea, which both can dramatically raise blood pressure.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

180/100 is a high blood pressure reading. It could be somewhat elevated because you are nervous. My doctor reccommended that I take my blood pressure daily--you can buy them for around $20, or many drugstores,Walmart,hospitals, Senior Citizen Centers, or other places have blood pressure machine available for free use. Ask if any friends have one you could use or borrow. Take it daily at least once. Sit down and wait a few minutes until you are relaxed and write it down, if you are steadily getting a high reading over several days then I would change doctors. Take your readings that you have written down with you- A normal reading is around 120/80 but varies with different people. The bottom number should be much lower than 100. Blood pressure medicine isn't bad--I've been on it for about 3 months-too much stress. My doctor told me to start walking daily and it would help greatly.

Answer 4

This is really bad, go to the hospital!!!!! American Heart Association recommended blood pressure levels Blood Pressure Category Systolic (mm Hg) Diastolic (mm Hg) Normal less than 120 and less than 80 Prehypertension 120–139 or 80–89 High Stage 1 140–159 or 90–99 Stage 2 160 or higher or 100 or higher *Your doctor should evaluate unusually low readings.

Answer 5

You could stroke out in 4 weeks. Here in the U.S. we have patients come in a few times per week for blood pressure checks before prescribing medication. Once you begin your medication we still want to monitor your blood pressure a few times a week to be sure you are around 120/80.

I would insist that you see your physician again, ask them to start a medication and be sure you are followed very carefully until you are stablized.

Best of luck to you, take care.

Answer 6

180/100 is too high. I would ask to see the Dr before 4 weeks for another test and then possible medications. High blood pressure is not something to mess with. One of my family members did not take care of theirs and they had a stroke.

Answer 7

ALWAYS be concerned about your blood pressure, go seek another doctors opinion. high blood pressure can kill you in an instant, things such as getting mad at a trival issue can kill you, worrying can kill you , go out and excercise run or walk watch your diet. i have high blood pressure and years ago i had a heart attack, i was lucky, my dentist has high blood pressure and had a stroke and went blind, now he can no longer work at his profession. i will be taking meds for the rest of my life but it also showed me to appreciate life.

Answer 8

180/100 is very high. I would call your doctors office again and make an appointment to see the doctor as soon as possible. Also its good idea to keep a record of your blood pressure and take it with you.

Answer 9

remove any stress from your life. I was just 22 and my doctor gave me a reading of like 170/100 I almost shate myself, get a second opinion if you need to, but take care of yourself. Seriously take a break and getaway for a weekend with no cellphone, no pager, no distractions and see if that helps.

Good luck

Answer 10

You definitely need to be monitored by a physician and possibly even take meds. 120/80 is "good." The second number is usually more critical than the first. Check out the link below for more info.