Can't stop worrying about my hypertension!

R

Rosemary2025

New Member
I'm 74. After having low BP my whole life (systolic was usually around 108), this week my reading was in the 160's.
The nurse took it four times: sitting, standing, and lying down. I'm freaking out trying not to worry about it,
but I can't stop thinking how I'm making it go even higher.

In my mother's medical chart, I saw that hers was once 154 -- and she was already on two medications for it.

I also have an orthostatic problem with blacking out when my BP goes too low. I'm currently trying to
find the cause of that.

In September, I had a traumatizing experience that lasted at least a month. I wonder if that somehow reset my
BP, and it has stayed high since then. Or, maybe it's just genetics and aging...

Thanks for letting me complain! :)
 

That's an understandable worry.

I hope that you have a dr that you have confidence in their ability.
If not I'd try to get one.

There's obviously no simple or easy answer for your particular bp dilemma.

If it goes back down in a short time, without meds, that's better than medicating;
especially because you had historically low bp, and the orthostatic problem.

I don't know what an excellent and qualified doctor would advise for you, but i hope you are able to have one.
 
Did you know that just taking a few deep breaths can lower your blood pressure, at least temporarily? Mine was usually 160/something and I have been practicing deep breathing and taking a natural remedy called Blood Pressure Support that is sold on Amazon. It seems to help. Beet juice is also supposed to be excellent. I can't stand the taste of beets but I found the juice to be acceptable.

My mother had Transient Ischemic Attacks (mini-strokes) starting in her 50s and although she would be out of it and depressed for a couple of days it never led to a major stroke. She passed away at 89 from Congestive Heart Failure, not a stroke. It is important that you keep it under control, but if you obsess about it, it will add to your stress level.
 
Mine goes up on the drive to my Dr. Drivers are horrible on the highway I drive.
I had taken my BP before leaving the house..normal 120/72. When I reach Dr it was 154/82.
Doc now put a note on my record for them to wait 20 minutes before taking it when I arrive.

I was near in a panic to see mine so much higher so I thought to check it that way myself.
 
Until 2 years ago when I asked my doctor to refer me to someone about my constant high BP reading ,my BP was up around 180+ over 90+ and I was taking 4 different meds

My GP refereed me to a cardiologist , who did just about every test available including stress test , he was really happy with my efforts at 77 years old ( then) I did as much , on the treadmill as they expect a 45 year old to do
( I feel a Lots has got to do with being so active in our social ballroom dancing )

Anyway since he stopped all. my meds and put me on one single tablet called Olmesartan ( 20 mg) my BP is excellent usually around 125 ~ 135 ….his oponion was i was taking way to many meds ….
 
Thanks to everyone who responded. Unfortunately, I can't get an appointment with my cardiologist until March. I saw a nurse practitioner instead. And I've been walking at least three miles every day for decades, and have always eaten the diet recommended for lowering BP. The only thing I'm doing wrong is being stressed. :( I think I may go to Urgent Care to get an anti-anxiety Rx, just for a short time. I'm going back to the nurse practitioner on the 10th to receive a heart monitor which I'll wear for 30 days to see if my heart is causing the black-outs. Thank you again!
 
Kadee said:
Until 2 years ago when I asked my doctor to refer me to someone about my constant high BP reading ,my BP was up around 180+ over 90+ and I was taking 4 different meds

My GP refereed me to a cardiologist , who did just about every test available including stress test , he was really happy with my efforts at 77 years old ( then) I did as much , on the treadmill as they expect a 45 year old to do
( I feel a Lots has got to do with being so active in our social ballroom dancing )

Anyway since he stopped all. my meds and put me on one single tablet called Olmesartan ( 20 mg) my BP is excellent usually around 125 ~ 135 ….his oponion was i was taking way to many meds ….
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So it sounds like it's possible to have dangerously high BP for years, and it doesn't automatically mean you'll have a stroke? May I ask how long you lived with it so high? Thanks.
 
I'm on meds for high blood pressure. It seems to be managed.

Don't know a lot about low blood pressure, but I did read pregnancy can be a cause. Is there anything you want to tell us? :D

But seriously, it's reasonably common for old folk to have a blood pressure machine at their homes. Do you have one? Perhaps having one would set your mind at rest a little?
 
Rosemary2025 said:
So it sounds like it's possible to have dangerously high BP for years, and it doesn't automatically mean you'll have a stroke? May I ask how long you lived with it so high? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Prob about 9 years or so ….i was seeing a different cardiologist every 6 months but she’d just give me a extra pill to take and didn’t even bother investigating~ if there was a issue causing the high BP reading…just palmed me off by saying it’s likely hereditary @Rosemary2025

We have what we call our big BP machine and a little wrist monitor one we take if we are away from home …many don’t recommend the wrist type for seniors as it’s said they are not as accurate ….

If you are taking your BP at home , have you got a good brand you use ? as cheap ones can be unreliable
we’ve got OMRON Brand like this with the Afib monitor as my Hubby has Afib ….is Apple Watch normally notifies him of any Afib attacks
IMG_1499.jpeg
 
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Kadee said:
Prob about 9 years or so ….i was seeing a different cardiologist every 6 months but she’d just give me a extra pill to take and didn’t even bother investigating~ if there was a issue causing the high BP reading…just palmed me off by saying it’s likely hereditary @Rosemary2025

We have what we call our big BP machine and a little wrist monitor one we take if we are away from home …many don’t recommend the wrist type for seniors as it’s said they are not as accurate ….
If you are taking your BP at home , have you got a good brand you use ? as cheap ones can be unreliable
we’ve got OMRON Brand like this with the Afib monitor as my Hubby has Afib ….is Apple Watch normally notifies him of any Afib attacks
View attachment 469724
Click to expand...
Exactly this. Get and take your BP three or four days a week. There is a thing called White Coat. If you're stressed going to the doc it can run your BP up and be just fine at home.

This one I just figured out a few weeks ago. I suffered with my BP dropping too low making me unsteady on my feet, dizzy and nauseated. The PA said something at my appointment six months ago about not cutting out too much salt in my diet. Not an issue, I'm not a salt user. Took a month to hit me. I don't eat enough salt to maintain. I'm trying to make certain I add more than I was using or hadn't been using. I haven't had another incident of the pressure dropping too low.

I take three meds for my BP and find it well regulated.

And don't get the wrist one. They are not reliable. Had some eye stuff done at two appoints last week. They used the wrist for BP. Both times it was way off the mark. So off the mark I would have felt the it being too low or so high it was stroke worthy.
 
VaughanJB said:
I'm on meds for high blood pressure. It seems to be managed.

Don't know a lot about low blood pressure, but I did read pregnancy can be a cause. Is there anything you want to tell us? :D

But seriously, it's reasonably common for old folk to have a blood pressure machine at their homes. Do you have one? Perhaps having one would set your mind at rest a little?
Click to expand...
No, I don't have one. But I certainly will get one!
 
robin416 said:
Exactly this. Get and take your BP three or four days a week. There is a thing called White Coat. If you're stressed going to the doc it can run your BP up and be just fine at home.

This one I just figured out a few weeks ago. I suffered with my BP dropping too low making me unsteady on my feet, dizzy and nauseated. The PA said something at my appointment six months ago about not cutting out too much salt in my diet. Not an issue, I'm not a salt user. Took a month to hit me. I don't eat enough salt to maintain. I'm trying to make certain I add more than I was using or hadn't been using. I haven't had another incident of the pressure dropping too low.

I take three meds for my BP and find it well regulated.

And don't get the wrist one. They are not reliable. Had some eye stuff done at two appoints last week. They used the wrist for BP. Both times it was way off the mark. So off the mark I would have felt the it being too low or so high it was stroke worthy.
Click to expand...
I have incidents of mine dropping too low as well. Thanks.
 
Kadee said:
Prob about 9 years or so ….i was seeing a different cardiologist every 6 months but she’d just give me a extra pill to take and didn’t even bother investigating~ if there was a issue causing the high BP reading…just palmed me off by saying it’s likely hereditary @Rosemary2025

We have what we call our big BP machine and a little wrist monitor one we take if we are away from home …many don’t recommend the wrist type for seniors as it’s said they are not as accurate ….

If you are taking your BP at home , have you got a good brand you use ? as cheap ones can be unreliable
we’ve got OMRON Brand like this with the Afib monitor as my Hubby has Afib ….is Apple Watch normally notifies him of any Afib attacks
View attachment 469724
Click to expand...
Thanks, Kadee. I look for this on Amazon. I'm curious - when you were getting high readings, were you on meds at the time? And may I ask what your highest was that the doctor wasn't concerned about? Thanks.
 
IrishEyes said:
Doc now put a note on my record for them to wait 20 minutes before taking it when I arrive.
Click to expand...
I know I have White Coat syndrome so did as my doctor suggested and arrived 20 minutes early. He‘s so darned efficient that I need to be a half hour early. He loves an early patient.

robin416 said:
And don't get the wrist one. They are not reliable.
Click to expand...
I wore mine while my doctor did the standard in-office test. It was right in the ballpark.
 
Mine runs around anywhere from 106/78 - 150/90 on average. Been that way a long time and no stroke so try to relax. Worst thing to do is panic. Hopefully the doctors can help you get it figured out.
 
Rosemary2025 said:
Thanks, Kadee. I look for this on Amazon. I'm curious - when you were getting high readings, were you on meds at the time? And may I ask what your highest was that the doctor wasn't concerned about? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Yes 4 tablets , morning / lunch time / evening time / bedtime ….one I was taking at lunch time ….made me very tried …it was called …Minoxidil interestingly when my current cardiologist did extensive blood tests my salt levels were very low ,as I didn’t use salt at all ..still don’t use a lot but he said to increase my salt usage

Remember to always sit and relax for at least 5 mins before taking your B P ….and my GP says always sit with your feet flat on the floor
 

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