Rising Blood Pressure? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Redneck Joe · 06-23-2006, 12:51 AM

Today, I went out to the store, and while there, I decided to check my blood pressure at one of those booths as I usually do to make sure everything was in order. I'd been walking around a bit, and I felt a bit tense (I felt fine, just a bit stressed, as I had been for a lot of the day).

Normally, my blood pressure is good, although the systolic tends to be in the hypertensive range, while the diastolic stays at bay. That's why today's numbers absolutely scared me! I saw the first and knew it was close to high and hoped it wouldn't get any higher. When I checked the second time, I was even more scared to see it had finally crept into the infamous "high" range...the first time I'd ever seen it that high. I was a bit scared! I more or less kept my cool, I didn't lose it or anything, but inside I was worried. I don't think I've ever had numbers like that before. Anyway, here they are.

SYSTOLIC.....DIASTOLIC.....PULSE
142..............87................92
140..............94................95

When I saw that 94, I was frightened! I am concerned by this. Prior to this, I've had my blood pressure checked at various other machines within the past week or two, and it seems that when I first arrive at the machine, the lower number is in the low 80s before creeping back down.

This time, the first was in the HIGH 80s! I should also note that I checked the second time after walking around a bit, trying to find my dad, who had "disappeared" in the maze of the store.

My mom said that the reason could be that I was walking around, but even so, I've never had numbers that high before, and I don't think they should be that high. Another thing she suggested is that it was because I didn't have much to eat. I only had a light breakfast and nothing else until dinner time.

Is this to be concerned about? I don't think it's ever been this high before, and I want to make sure I don't get HBP.

Thanks.
Joe

Lenin · 06-23-2006, 05:36 AM

Joe,

Ignore the readings on these machines. A store, sitting uncomfortably is definitely NOT conducive to an honest reading and often the machines are long out of calibration.
Also another bit of advice: If you EVER get a nearly too high number don't test again with the attitude: "Oh Please dear GOD, DON'T let the number be higher the second time." With that anticipation you are guaranteed, 100%, to get a higher reading the second time.

Borrow somebody's home tester and test yourself daily over a couple weeks sitting in a comfortable easy-chair in front of the TV. Take an average after a couple weeks and see what your REAL BP is.

No need to buy a tester unless and until you determine there's a good chance of hypertension.