Blood pressure

[Enfys]

A couple of weeks ago had to go and have my usual yearly check up and my BP was up so had to go back today to get it redone. It was ok thankfully but had a chat with the doctor and we decided it might be a good idea for me to have a machine at home so I can keep,an eye on it. So have sent for one and will take the readings along to my next check up in a couple of weeks. I had also had a blood test for various things and although my kidney function was much improved my cholesterol was a bit high so now I'm on mission to get it down and keep my BP down. So, no cheese, salt, cakes etc. but I'd rather do that than go on more medication. Has anyone else got a home BP machine?

[aggie]

I had to wear a bp monitor for a week once

[Oma]

I do but after the first month it never got used I'm afraid 😕

[Elisi]

Yes I have but rarely used. I am borderline so I'm supposed to keep an eye on it.

Trouble is I find when at GP or hospital etc., it is always up and over what it should be, but when I use the home one it it usually fine????

Could be white coat syndrome?

[Nanto2girls]

My in laws have one, but it hasn't been used for many months.

[Plantaholic]

Yes I have a BP machine, well it was OH's. I do use it usually for a few days and record it. Leave it for a few weeks and repeat. If I have a headache, which is very unusual, I take it then.

[Bizzy Lizzy]

Good for you Enfys taking the diet option rather than the meds. Good luck with it. Perhaps we could have an update on how it is going and if it works for you. Most interesting.

[Enfys]

I'm already in a low dose of BP meds and a low dose for palpitations so I really don't want to take any more. I will use the monitor to keep an eye on things and yes, BL, I'll let you know how it goes. It will be interesting to see how it varies according to what I am doing.

[Daisy]

Good luck, Enfys. I hope the machine helps.

[Enfys]

Just an update. Been back to docs this morning to see the nurse to have bp checked yet again. I've been using the machine and it was higher than it should be. I did wonder if the readings were correct but nurse used my machine and did it with hers and they were the same. So now I have to see doctor to get my meds changed. I will be keeping a close eye on things and at least I can see how things change when I have my meds reviewed. Had to wait 10 days for an appointment but at least I can get it sorted before we go away. I'll keep checking in online and maybe I can get an earlier appointment but it's not urgent.

[WeeGranny]

We use our BP monitor quite regularly Enfys. It's quite interesting to keep a record and see how they change with what you're doing.

Hope you get your meds sorted out to help you.

OH has very low BP and needs to keep an eye on his readings, so he uses the monitor more than I do.

[Gemini]

Enfys, they may change your BP medication, or just increase the dose slightly, which was what happened in my case.

[Grauntie Mag]

We have a machine here but rarely use it. I have constantly high bp, and take a combination of medication. It has taken ages to find a suitable combination but I'll go with the (mild) side effects rather than risk a stroke.

[Enfys]

I think the doc will adjust my meds and hopefully that will sort it out. At the moment I,m trying hard to relax more, take more exercise and eat healthily. Hopefully that will help and I,m also trying hard to bring down my cholesterol levels.

I have a friend who had high bp but flatly refused to take any medication, she then had a mild stroke but still won't take anything. Like you GM, I,d rather deal with any side effects (although I haven't had any to date) than risk that. Keep well.

[Gemini]

GM and Enfys, I fully agree with you regarding taking medication being much better than risking a stroke, or heart attack!
I have been on BP meds since my mid 40s.A low dose at first, which has increased over the years. A few years after I went on medication I asked my GP if I could try coming off it.I was walking lots and doing well with weight loss. She said lose half a stone and we'll go for it .I lost more than that, and we tried 2 weeks taking them alternate days, followed by 2 weeks of no tablets. I was excercising and continuing to lose weight. My BP went up. GP said some people are prone to high BP. They can do all the right things, and they still have it. Back on the meds I went. I was disappointed, but the thought of a stroke is much worse!!