Nermal1975
01-22-2005, 03:58 PM
My stepfather recently went ot the doctor's and his blood pressure was 132/82. His doctor told him to keep a watchful eye on it; monitor his bp at home at least once a day. Am I crazy or something? 132/82 is not that bad. My stepfather could have been running late for the appointment or just finished lunch before he came. He is diabetic. What does everyone say?
M
M
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zuzu8
01-22-2005, 05:53 PM
Nermal,
132/82, especially in a doctor's office, is indeed not bad at ALL. In fact, pretty damn good.
However, given that your stepfather has diabetes (a major risk factor for cardiovascular and renal disease), he unfortunately has to be extra vigilent about blood pressure which, if it climbs too high, presents an additional major risk factor.
The JNC V11 Report guidelines state that diabetics should aim for 130/80 or below. (..which is basically where you stepfather IS).
If your stepfather's BP in a clinical environment, was 132/82, my guess is that it's most probably MUCH lower at home.
It's definitely worth getting a home monitor though to keep an eye on it. And keep a record. Don't want the doctor to start pushing meds if it isn't necessary!
How well does your stepfather take care of himself in general, in terms of diet (low in saturated fats, high in fresh fruit and veg), weight control, REGULAR exercise, sodium intake (should be LOW), alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, smoking? All these factors are important considerations for anyone in what they call the "prehypertension" range [120-139/80-89], and more so if one is diabetic.
Is his blood sugar well controlled? Kidneys and heart sound?
If so, he sounds like he's doing okay...
zuzu xx
132/82, especially in a doctor's office, is indeed not bad at ALL. In fact, pretty damn good.
However, given that your stepfather has diabetes (a major risk factor for cardiovascular and renal disease), he unfortunately has to be extra vigilent about blood pressure which, if it climbs too high, presents an additional major risk factor.
The JNC V11 Report guidelines state that diabetics should aim for 130/80 or below. (..which is basically where you stepfather IS).
If your stepfather's BP in a clinical environment, was 132/82, my guess is that it's most probably MUCH lower at home.
It's definitely worth getting a home monitor though to keep an eye on it. And keep a record. Don't want the doctor to start pushing meds if it isn't necessary!
How well does your stepfather take care of himself in general, in terms of diet (low in saturated fats, high in fresh fruit and veg), weight control, REGULAR exercise, sodium intake (should be LOW), alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, smoking? All these factors are important considerations for anyone in what they call the "prehypertension" range [120-139/80-89], and more so if one is diabetic.
Is his blood sugar well controlled? Kidneys and heart sound?
If so, he sounds like he's doing okay...
zuzu xx
jtu91952
01-22-2005, 11:35 PM
I agree with zuzu. I am diabetic and my gp told me to try to achieve a bp of 130/80. I am on quite a few bp drugs and still have high bp reading. Your stepdad seems to be ok with is bp.
Nermal1975
01-24-2005, 01:23 AM
Thanks guys! I guess the doctor was just using precautionary measures. My stepfather takes very good of himself. Goes for walks. Eats well. Drinks very few drinks with sugar. Doesn't smoke and doesn't drink heavily. I just wanted to get an opinion on his bp. If the bp to shoot for is 130/80 then I guess he's just a tad over the limit and I can see why the doctor told him to monitor it regularly.
Thanks again,
M
Thanks again,
M