Okay, I have had blood pressure problems for the last 15 years (at least since my early teens). Now, I'm 28, seemingly healthy, going to have a baby, and it's time for me to finally get my BP problems checked out. According to the docs and after a few ECGs, my heart function is perfect.

Now, speaking of docs. With 2 of the docs, my BP is always 155/85 (mild). With the two other docs, my BP is always 190/100 (severe). This never changes. The same 2 docs are always lower than the other 2 docs. I had a 24h monitor, and my average was 168/95 (moderate).

So basically, my BP is all across the board. Mild at 2 of the docs, moderate with a digital machine, and severe at 2 of the other docs. Anyhow, I'm going to get checked up today with one of the docs that had a 190/100 reading. She actually took me seriously instead of pulling out the anti-depressants or telling me to see a phsychologist like 2 of the other docs because they believed it was anxiety. Yes, I do I have a nervous personality and I'm scared silly of doctors, but as to make my BP go up to 190???

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Are you more anxious with the two doctors where you get higher readings? Does everyone take your blood pressure the same way, or are there differences in technique between the two where you have the higher readings? One might also wonder about calibration issues. How about time of day, or hassle of getting to the doctor's office? Its hard to say what is going on in this instance.

junior,

Whatever the case, whether 155, 168 or 190, you're going to have to medicate it, if not now, then after the baby is born (many of these drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy.)
Probably the most valid is the 24 hour monitor, so I would most trust the 168/95 which is definitely hypertension that needs treatment.

Update...

Okay, I had my dr's appointment yesterday. Even though I was REALLY nervous, my BP was only 160/**. So I'll take that. The 190's must have been spikes. But still, I don't like spikes either...

Anyway, the doc GAVE me a BP monitor with some sample meds (angiotensin receptor blockers / Avapro). The reason the BP machine was free is because I'm part of a 6 month study for Avapro during which time I'll get 4 calls from a nurse. I'm kinda scared to take the medication because I heard that it may make you dizzy. But the thing is, that I've had 24/7 dizziness for the past year (not yet resolved, unrelated). I can't imagine making it worse.

But even after 15 years of 155/95 blood pressure, she is quite confident that there is no damage to my heart. She must be one of those special doctors with x-ray vision. ;) But I asked several times, and she insisted that I was fine. "Not at your age", she said.

Anyhow, I tried the machine last night, and to my pleasure, my BP was 150/95. So definitely not that bad. I'll try to get it down by at least 10 mmHg. Hey, this could even be fun! Okay, I'm pushing it. Hee hee.

Thanks guys!

Avapro is SPECIFICALLY contraindicated in women trying to get pregnant and must be stopped the INSTANT pregnancy is suspected.

Of course, if you are a MAN and by "trying to get pregnant" you meant your WIFE is trying...then that's different. :jester: