Can't stop worrying about my hypertension!

[Antoli]

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.

Hi Rosemary, it’s very possible you’re dealing with something called "White Coat Hypertension". That’s when blood pressure rises only in a doctor’s office because of stress or anxiety, but stays normal at home.

If your home readings are consistently lower, that’s actually reassuring. So, surprisingly, I agree with VaughanJB on this matter of getting a home blood-pressure monitor, it’s a very good idea. It lets you track your numbers in a calm environment and gives your doctor a much clearer picture of what’s really going on.

So try not to worry, this is far more common than you might think. And, for what it’s worth, I just took my own blood pressure and it was 118/71, but it shoots up sky-high in a doctor’s office every time I go to a hospital. So you're not alone. Also, what Seadoug mentioned about breathing and bobcat mentioned about exercise are very important.

Remember, anxiety can make people breathe too fast or too shallow, which can lead to hyperventilation. That can cause light-headedness, tingling, or a sense that something is seriously wrong, even though it’s really just the human body reacting to stress.

 

[Rosemary2025]

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

Thank you, Kadee!

 

[Rosemary2025]

Hi Rosemary, it’s very possible you’re dealing with something called "White Coat Hypertension". That’s when blood pressure rises only in a doctor’s office because of stress or anxiety, but stays normal at home.

If your home readings are consistently lower, that’s actually reassuring. So, surprisingly, I agree with VaughanJB on this matter of getting a home blood-pressure monitor, it’s a very good idea. It lets you track your numbers in a calm environment and gives your doctor a much clearer picture of what’s really going on.

So try not to worry, this is far more common than you might think. And, for what it’s worth, I just took my own blood pressure and it was 118/71, but it shoots up sky-high in a doctor’s office every time I go to a hospital. So you're not alone. Also, what Seadoug mentioned about breathing and bobcat mentioned about exercise are very important.

Remember, anxiety can make people breathe too fast or too shallow, which can lead to hyperventilation. That can cause light-headedness, tingling, or a sense that something is seriously wrong, even though it’s really just the human body reacting to stress.

Antoli, I appreciate your very reassuring post. I'll definitely get the home monitor.

 

[Rosemary2025]

Exercise helps a great deal, but always check with your doctor first, and start gradually.

bobcat, thanks. I do walk at least three miles a day...I've been doing it for decades.

 

[Rosemary2025]

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.

Yep, I'm guilty of panicking (or almost)! Thanks for the reassurance.

 

[Rosemary2025]

Breathing exercises to help:

YouTube has others as well.

I'll definitely try this. Thank you, MarciKS!

 

[Lewkat]

While your systolic number is a tad high, what is the diastolic? If that is running high along with the systolic, you do have a problem. Always keep an eye on that number, it is the most important.

Try not to stress and worry about your pressure. Only makes it worse.

 

[Warrigal]

This is a good place to vent - everyone is really kind here.

The best suggestion anyone should offer you is to work closely with your doctor so he can monitor your bp regularly. AND really, try not to worry – trust your doctor.

I agree with Astral cat. It might be genetic, but your physician will know how to handle it and modern medicine has advanced considerably since your mother's era.

Pre menopause I also had quite low blood pressure but in my 50s it began to rise. My cholesterol was also on the high side. Family history indicated heart problems on my father's side, so the GP referred me to a cardiologist for assessment of risk.

I'm now 82 and have been taking BP meds and medication to control the cholesterol levels ever since. Apparently everything is under control, and I have experienced no side effects since a very early mild reaction to a particular statin medication. An adjustment was made and no further problems.

Try not to worry. It doesn't help.

 

[George1959]

The Omron wrist BP monitor

View attachment 469728

A wrist monitor is not suitable for all people. Once I bought such an "Omron" and my blood pressure and the data always were wrong (too low or too high) or it didn't work at all.

My doctor then told me this fact on wrist monitors.

 

[George1959]

Emotions can play a pivotal role for blood pressure. If someone is angry or timid the BP may rise, if someone is relaxed and happy it may fall.

Two years ago I was for the first time at a new cardiologists office. His medical nurses were young, friendly and very beautiful. I got measured by one of the nurses and my BP was perfect. The doc was as friendly as his nurses. This was a thoroughly pleasant experience.

 

[Della]

Mine would shoot up to 180-200 over the slightest thing for a while. It always scared my doctors and nurses, but I didn't do a thing about it for years. Then my doctor cracked down and prescribed something for it. I had bad side effects (plus they didn't work) with four different drugs.

My doc finally got the results he wanted with a combination of Metoprolal and Olmesartan. I stay around 150 now.

I bought one of the home monitors, but never use it because I just can't take the pain. We don't know why, because I usually have a very high pain threshold, but getting that arm squeeze sends me through the roof.

There are lots of YouTube tutorials on blood pressure that are helpful.

If you feel like you're about to blow a gasket you can do the breathing exercises mentioned, or dip your face in a sink of cold water.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I think I may go to Urgent Care to get an anti-anxiety Rx, just for a short time.

Most urgent care facilities are hesitant to prescribe traditional anti-anxiety medications in the benzodiazepine class, due to potential for misuse and the need for long-term monitoring which an urgent care setting cannot provide. Ongoing anxiety management is something to be taken up with your primary care doctor.

 

[TeePee]

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

My pharmacist told me that Omrons are the most accurate. As far as wrist B/P monitors (in my opinion) goes, they aren't accurate but can give you a ball park figure if used according to the instructions. If the B/P is out of filter then it needs checked further by other methods. It's better to use a wrist B/P than none at all if someone is incapable of using the upper arm B/P monitor.

 

[MarciKS]

Most urgent care facilities are hesitant to prescribe traditional anti-anxiety medications in the benzodiazepine class, due to potential for misuse and the need for long-term monitoring which an urgent care setting cannot provide. Ongoing anxiety management is something to be taken up with your primary care doctor.

They have other anxiety meds that aren't benzo's. A little melatonin would likely relax her some too. Just wouldn't be a long term solution.

 

[Been There]

Exercise helps a great deal, but always check with your doctor first, and start gradually.

Exercise is most important for people with or without BP issues. It also helps to stay hydrated. BP will rise without being hydrated.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

They have other anxiety meds that aren't benzo's. A little melatonin would likely relax her some too. Just wouldn't be a long term solution.

As an anxiety sufferer myself, the prescription options my doctor discussed with me were SSRI's, which are most commonly used for depression. I do not have depression, and they had no impact on my anxiety. He said that antihistamines may be helpful for some, but they are designed for allergies (not anxiety) and can actually increase BP and heart rate. I cannot take them since they conflict with other medical issues I have.

Then there are beta-blockers, which are for blood pressure. I already take those for BP, and experienced no relief for anxiety from them.

I will go with what my doctor tells me to take, which is benzodiazepines, taken on an as-needed basis for situational anxiety and / or panic attacks.

Melatonin is an OTC product which did nothing for me.

 

[Amanda76]

I have two different BP mds. In the morning and afternoon.
When my BP spiked-up years ago, my GP(then) was unable to prescribe what BP med. is right for me. Afterwards, I went another, more experinced GP who was able to right BP meds. Since then my BP is in stable range.
Finding the right GP or Cardiologist is very important by doing a bit 'home-work' beforehand.

 

[MarciKS]

As an anxiety sufferer myself, the prescription options my doctor discussed with me were SSRI's, which are most commonly used for depression. I do not have depression, and they had no impact on my anxiety. He said that antihistamines may be helpful for some, but they are designed for allergies (not anxiety) and can actually increase BP and heart rate. I cannot take them since they conflict with other medical issues I have.

Then there are beta-blockers, which are for blood pressure. I already take those for BP, and experienced no relief for anxiety from them.

I will go with what my doctor tells me to take, which is benzodiazepines, taken on an as-needed basis for situational anxiety and / or panic attacks.

Melatonin is an OTC product which did nothing for me.

I understand. Different things work for different people.

 

[debodun]

I didn't know I had hypertension until after a car accident I had about 20 years ago. When my BP was taken it was high. The medic thought it may have been stress from the mishap and said to wait a day, then see my PCP. It didn't even come down one mmHg. Since then I've had to take Losartan and Amlodipine. It still runs about 130/90.

 

[Rosemary2025]

While your systolic number is a tad high, what is the diastolic? If that is running high along with the systolic, you do have a problem. Always keep an eye on that number, it is the most important.

Try not to stress and worry about your pressure. Only makes it worse.

Lewkat: I'm ashamed to say I don't know. I've always asked them not to tell me my numbers, since it could cause more anxiety if I knew. In this case, I wish I didn't know what the systolic was.

 

[Rosemary2025]

I agree with Astral cat. It might be genetic, but your physician will know how to handle it and modern medicine has advanced considerably since your mother's era.

Pre menopause I also had quite low blood pressure but in my 50s it began to rise. My cholesterol was also on the high side. Family history indicated heart problems on my father's side, so the GP referred me to a cardiologist for assessment of risk.

I'm now 82 and have been taking BP meds and medication to control the cholesterol levels ever since. Apparently everything is under control, and I have experienced no side effects since a very early mild reaction to a particular statin medication. An adjustment was made and no further problems.

Try not to worry. It doesn't help.

Thank you Warrigal!

 

[Rosemary2025]

Mine would shoot up to 180-200 over the slightest thing for a while. It always scared my doctors and nurses, but I didn't do a thing about it for years. Then my doctor cracked down and prescribed something for it. I had bad side effects (plus they didn't work) with four different drugs.

My doc finally got the results he wanted with a combination of Metoprolal and Olmesartan. I stay around 150 now.

I bought one of the home monitors, but never use it because I just can't take the pain. We don't know why, because I usually have a very high pain threshold, but getting that arm squeeze sends me through the roof.

There are lots of YouTube tutorials on blood pressure that are helpful.

If you feel like you're about to blow a gasket you can do the breathing exercises mentioned, or dip your face in a sink of cold water.

Thank you, Della! I'm glad you finally found the right combination.

 

[Rosemary2025]

As an anxiety sufferer myself, the prescription options my doctor discussed with me were SSRI's, which are most commonly used for depression. I do not have depression, and they had no impact on my anxiety. He said that antihistamines may be helpful for some, but they are designed for allergies (not anxiety) and can actually increase BP and heart rate. I cannot take them since they conflict with other medical issues I have.

Then there are beta-blockers, which are for blood pressure. I already take those for BP, and experienced no relief for anxiety from them.

I will go with what my doctor tells me to take, which is benzodiazepines, taken on an as-needed basis for situational anxiety and / or panic attacks.

Melatonin is an OTC product which did nothing for me.

I'm already taking Zoloft 200 mg for OCD. I don't think I can combine beta-blockers with that.