Hi All. I'm not an engineer, but nevertheless, I am an extreme numbers and statistacs freak. Actually, to the point that if my numbers, i.e.: BP, Cholesterol, etc., do not fall into "healthy" ranges, I panic.

Which is why I am in psychiatric treatment for severe anxiety and panic, and being treated w/ klonopin and zoloft.

I'm also on Toprol XL and a diuretic for what my Cardiologist deems"high blood pressure brought on by extreme anxiety."

Well, I was at the point that I was taking my BP up to 20 times a day, and any reading above 120/80 had me freaking out.

So, I read and read and read.....all the medical liertature, the new guidelines, case studies, EVERYTHING, all JAMA studies, you nam it.....and even a lengthy conversation w/ my cardiologist, whom I may add is an esteemed and well-known Fellow in his field.

The conclusion: Under treatment, it is the goal to reduce blood pressure to less than 140/90.....sure, we would all just love those 120/80 or below....I know I would, but if you are getting readings of, lets say, 136/86, don't freak-out.

I may have dissenters on this thinking, which is why I posted-I'd like to know other peoples thoughts.......Jerry

My personal beliefs are that docs. put people on meds. way too quick before lifestyle changes+. My doc. put me on meds right away (I was having a panic attack at the time). My #'s yesterday were 120/70... that is my average on Lotrel & Toprol. What would they be off of the meds???? 138/80. It's a great problem for docs. to have, because it forces you to go back for a problem that is not curable for 90%. It is only controllable. More visits='s more $'s. More side-effects='s more visits. It's a vicious circle imo.

I've been taking various tablets since last January and stopped my last one on Saturday. My blood pressure has been falling ever since and is rarely over 150/90 even on the first reading (which is all I get at the doctors) so she is trying me without medication for 2 months. I had so many side effects that it really was making my life difficult.I will keep clear of medication if I can stay below 140/90 without. Now I am able to go swimming again it may go even lower!

En

116/65 today & I'm still taking these meds.... Can't wait until I get another doctor. 33 going on 63....

Jerry, I am with you. As long as I was under the care of the dr., I was stressed out and panicky. He depressed the crap out of me. I actually decided it was better not to hang around him. I am so much more at peace, whick is better for my blood pressure. I do have my obgyn who I respect and trust. Try to step away and not be obcessive/compulsive about your blood pressure. That is why I dont have a michine. I'd probibly raise it worrying about it and it wouldnt show a true measure, just a anxiety one.

I wanted to purchase a bp monitor but not sure what to buy manual or automatic. Is the cost high? My bp raises and falls frequently. 128-60 then 225-105, cant stabilize it. However it has been better since I went back on lisinopril.