I know absolutely nothing about high blood pressure. To make matters worse, I do not trust doctors. What is this high blood pressure thing all about...what do the numbers mean and how can I correct what is obviously a problem?

http://www.emedicine.com Recommend you go to this site to learn about Hypertension.

Get to a doctor immediately. You could have a stroke if you don't get your blood pressure under control. A stroke would be worse than any problem you have with doctors. Borderline is 140/90 The doctor will check you blood pressure 3 times before you are put on medication.

I'm curious. Who took your blood pressure and found this reading?
Was it your doctor? If so, what did he/she tell you at the time?
Or did they get this reading and send you home without any info at all?

In response to your curiousity...Yes it was a doctor who took my blood pressure and yes he sent me home and said he would see me in three weeks.He also said that on my next visit he would probably put me on blood pressure medicine...Thank you for your concern...Joe Originally posted by zuzu8:
I'm curious. Who took your blood pressure and found this reading?
Was it your doctor? If so, what did he/she tell you at the time?
Or did they get this reading and send you home without any info at all?

I didn't realize it was your doctor taking your blood pressure. A doctor checks your blood pressure more than once before they put you on medicine. You should also check it out side of the doctors office at one of those monitors in a drug store or somewhere. Maybe you just have white coat syndrom. I have it and I'm on medication. My blood pressure goes really high in the doctors office but it's pretty much normal at home where I have a blood pressure monitor.

I just read where it said that a person should go to the hospital if the have:
- Headache, Blurred Vision, Dizziness or Nausea.
- High Blood Pressure showing a Diastolic (the lower number) of 100 or more.
- Severe Chest Pain or Breathlessness, especially if it occurs when at rest.
- Symptoms of Stroke or Weakness
And, Stroke Symptoms would be:
- Weakness in the arm or leg or both on the same side.
- Weakness in the muscles of the face.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Coordination problems.
- Vision problems.
- Sudden headache.
- Loss of consciousness.
I read also that these symptomes would likely come on suddenly over minutes to an hour.

I found this surprising, at least the part about Diastolic over 100 being so serious. Now I'm feeling a bit worried as I do occasionally go over 100 (and will discuss this with my doctor in a few days).

Anyone have any more insights here? I am supposing that the above list would mean if you have one or more of the listed symptoms and the elevated blood pressure?


[This message has been edited by zoned (edited 04-08-2003).]

oops...posted wrong. See below.


[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 04-08-2003).]

Originally posted by zuzu8:

Hi Zoned-
Are you experiencing any of the above acute symptoms? (apart from your diastolic being "ocassionally" over 100?) if so, you should go to the hospital, since these can be signs of heart attack or stroke,as it says.
If not, you certainly don't have to take yourself to the hospital.
But yes, your diastolic, as you now know, is considered hypertensive if 90 or above. 100 or above is considered serious. You say "ocassionally", so don't panic. But keep your appt. in a few days.
If you are on BP meds, and still get 100 or over, you are not getting adequate BP control, and your meds should be discussed with your doctor. You may need to up the doseage or try a different med.

Thanks for the reply zuzu8,

I see that my post reads like I have these symptoms, and happily, I don't (execept for the blood pressure out of range occasionally). I was just listing what I had read, hopefully sharing useful information for awareness.

Anyway, I do intend to take your advice about discussing with my doctor. Interestingly, it seems I'm usually running a reasonable (an non-hypertensive) blood pressure, at least when I see my doctor. That seems to have to effect that the doctor doesn't get particularly concerned about my blood pressure.

I find myself wondering if my automatic blood pressure machine isn't somehow getting unreliable results?

Hi!
Your BP monitor might be off (or not). Take it to the doctor's office next time and check it with them.
Glad to know you aren't experiencing all those symptoms, or you would have me yelling at you to get to an ER!