High Blood Pressure: Basic Questions - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

mylife · 09-12-2005, 06:13 AM

Hi there,

Recently my doctor told me that my blood pressure is high (it was about 140/106 that day) and adviced me to take pressure for few days at home so that he could suggest if I need medication.
I bought a blood pressure meter and I am really confused with results. I typically try taking three readings at a time and am taking 4 times a day. Sometimes I get as varied as 140/96, 120/86 and 146/77 or it could be just 130/95, 120/86 or 118/84. Most of the times last two readings would be lower than first reading and when I go to see Dr, no matter what my blood pressure would be above 140/100.
I also found if I have high blood pressure and if I immediately lie down, it would reduced to 120/80 or even lower. Not sure if it is normal? I never knew if blood pressure could go down that fast.

I am 30 yr. old guy, working is stressful environment (I like that kind of stress though), drink lots of water (2-3 litre everyday) and never smoked or drank alchohol. Do little bit of excercise. My father had high blood pressure and he is absolutely normal now.

Would greatly appreciate if you could help me if this is normal to have that kind of variation? am I at high risk?

Thanks in advance,

Lenin · 09-12-2005, 06:54 AM

mylife,

I think this way is best:
Take the 3 readings (alternating arms and waiting a couple minutes between doing the same arm the second time)
Scribble down the three reading and cross out the high and low systolic and the high and low distolic.
Record that number with the date and time.
(Thus with your 140/96, 120/86. and 146/77, you would record 140/86.)
After 2 weeks of 4 readings/day...you can do less...you will have 56 readings that you can save for your doctor. Take the AVERAGE...and judge whether you are above or below 140/90 and medicate if either number is higher.

If you get lower readings lying down, then lie down to take the readings, after all we spend a lot of time in bed.

Unfortunately, statistics show that anyone teetering just below 140/90 at age 30 will need medication soon because the numbers tend to go up with age. But there's no good reason to hurry the process along.
Losing weight pays HUGE dividends.