Panicking over doc appointment - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

*Paul · 08-24-2004, 06:11 AM

It's strange i never got nervous about seeing the doc in the past, after going every couple of months i have grown in confidence until my readings atthe doc's were the same as at home. But for reason today appointment i am panicking about. I think it is because i came of my meds last week due to side effects and i'm concerned whether he will put me back on other meds. My readings are at 160/90, but sometimes they can go as low as 135/80 (but not today unfortunately).

Paul

DMGW · 08-25-2004, 03:19 PM

Sorry I don't have any words of wisdom on this. I do the exact same thing. It seems to be a pretty common reaction though if that makes you feel any better.

adanac · 08-25-2004, 05:10 PM

Calm down Paul. I really don't think you should alarm over your readings. Have you tried meditation? When I'm waiting for my doctor, I try to meditate. Actually, it's mostly breathing and visualizing a peaceful setting. I place my hands on my stomach and breath deeply through my nose feeling my stomach rise and slowly breath out through my mouth. Hope this helps. Also, I find if I workout before my appointment that helps. Seems the more physical I am, the lower the blood pressure.

Doesn't mean that it works for everyone. Good luck.

junior26 · 08-31-2004, 08:23 PM

Just the fact that you have occasional readings of 135/80 should tell you that you probably have never had a hypertension problem in the first place. Remember, there are many things that can give false high readings of 160/90, but not many that can give false low readings. I would trust your readings of 135/80. It's probably even lower than that when you're lying down watching TV.

I'm 27 and I have the same problem as you. I get some readings of 170/100. But occasional readings of 135/80 after a few close measurements.

*Paul · 09-01-2004, 01:25 AM

Junior,

Would have disagree with you a little. It is expected to get readings lowering whilst lying down and watching TV, you are not supposed to take readings in this position as it isn't a true repesentation of your actual BP. Also reading of 135/85 approx are not cause for concern, but they are also not normal as you suggest. I believe them to be (in my limited knowledge) prehypertension or High Normal, which suggests more of a lifestyle change than meds. But unfortunately these lower readings of mine are very few and far between. I personally would expect some lower readings on occasions depending on time of day, your current mood, what you are doing etc. For example would it not be unreasonable to suggest that it is common to expect lower readings at bed times and higher in the morning?

I do agree with you that my readings are getting closer to something that resembles normal. I think my doc appreciates this as until now i was on Atenolol and expected to stay on it another year without a doc's check. I have changed meds due to side effects and he has noticed a reduction in my BP and suggested a low dose for now with the intention of reviewing in 3-4 months and possible taking me of the meds all together.

Unfortunately since i started the Ace inhibitor i have not had a reading below 145/85.

regards
Paul