Very high bp-anything to avoid? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

KK39 · 03-26-2007, 02:26 PM

My husband(age 39) went to the nurse today for travel vaccinations. After giving him the vaccine she said she would check his bp. His reading was 226/140. She sent him out to sit for 10 minutes then rechecked it and it was 260/152. The doctor then came in and tried to admit him to hospital but the receiving physician decided he didn't need seen and that the GP should start him on ramipril 2.5mg for 3 days then increase to 5mg. He has to go back in a week for review.
I borrowed a home monitor and checked it this evening. BP is still 219/135.
Is there anything he should be avoiding?

His diet is pretty good but he does drink more alcohol than I think he should. He does not add salt to foods.
He was told to take it easy for the next week but is adamant he is going to work.

violet312s · 03-26-2007, 10:50 PM

I'm sure others will chime in eventually, but that level of BP is very dangerously high. It's not just about what to avoid it's about very quickly getting on medication that will bring it down. Subtle changes in diet will do little to bring that high of a reading down into range in the timeframe required.

The fact one doctor wanted to admit your hubby to the hospital should be very telling. That type of reading is very dangerous and is not to be ignored.

Do not allow your hubby to miss the one week check-up. Keep taking home readings.

But yes, given his readings he should immediately cut out salt, alcohol, and caffeine.

famnd · 03-27-2007, 03:54 AM

Hi KK,

My highest b/p was 130/110-120. What is his pulse? Is he taking any drugs or is he stressed out about something? Does he have any symptoms of hyperthroidism-trembling, fast pulse, swelling in the neck, heart palpitations, nervousness? At the very least, I would ask the Dr. if he should take some aspirin everyday to prevent a blood clot & stroke. I would try to keep him quiet & relaxed as possible until the Dr's appointment. I am surprised he wasn't admitted to the hospital. I've learned that it is best to take a high b/p reading down slowly so that a clot isn't dislodged & cause a stroke.
Lucky guy to have a empathetic wife like you. Fam

lylone · 03-27-2007, 05:06 AM

KK,

I would be worried if I saw bp readings that high. Considering that normal is 120/80, his is very high.
Just because he doesn't salt his foods does not mean that the food he eats does not have a lot of salt in it. Even a simple can of soup has a lot of sodium in it and most people eat the whole can which is two servings. I would look at what he eats rather than if he salts it. Does he eat a lot of fast food, prepared food, or MSG? Those are all big no-nos with high blood pressure.
If it continues, I would take him to the ER and the heck with waiting a week.

Lyl

Lenin · 03-27-2007, 06:11 AM

KK,

He should be on a diuretic in addition to the ramipril. Call his doctor ASAP and get an Rx called in for either Lasix or hydrochlorithiazide. A systolic over 200 MUST be brought down and it sounds like the ACE inhibitor (ramipril) isn't doing the job alone.

If the doctor balks tell him that you JUST tested your husband and his systolic is still 219 and (for added empasis you CAN add "and I'd hate to have to hold you responsible in the event of a stroke.")

The last comment IS a bit pointed so you can leave that out if you choose.

He CANNOT go to work with a systolic over 200...there are NO OPTIONS here.