maybe you guys can help - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

spotty · 12-31-2002, 09:15 AM

Ok this may be long and rambling sorry for that. The last time I went to the doctor my blood pressure was high. Like 134 over 90 and 100 something pulse rate. (cant remember the numbers exactly) but it was like stage 1 hypertension. It has never been high before at any appt. He did some blood tests ( which came back normal) and put me on Inderal (Propranolol) 80 mg. He also wanted me to take this to help my panic attacks. I also had 2 more appts. because I had a couple of infections after that and it was still high and he told me the infections could be the reason that its high. He told me I could start taking the Inderal twice a day 160 mg. I still only take it once a day. Anyways, what Im getting at is when I take my blood pressure at Walmart or when I am out shopping somewhere that has one of the monitors it is always normal (I think) The last one was 122/86 pulse rate 75. So I am confused. Why is it always so high at the doctor but when I check it myself its not. Also I cant decide if I want to take the Inderal twice a day. Does anyone know if the effects start to wear off the longer you take it to where you have to take more for it to keep working. Hope this makes sense. Thanks for any help.

[This message has been edited by spotty (edited 12-31-2002).]

SamQKitty · 01-02-2003, 07:14 PM

Spotty -
86 for a diastolic (bottom number) is still borderline high.

Usually you don't build up a tolerance to blood pressure medications. Sometimes whatever is causing the high blood pressure gets worse, so it can appear that the medication has "lost its effectiveness", but it's really more accurate to say that your condition has changed and you need more medication.

I have very high blood pressure from an unusual condition. However, I've been on the same dose of medication for nearly 7 years, with no change in blood pressure. It still works!

Also, even if you have "white coat" hypertension (your blood pressure goes up in the doctor's office because you feel stressed at the doctor's), that means that stress affects you. So, you should think about all the other times that you experience stress...your blood pressure will go up. Since even moderately elevated blood pressure can affect every organ in your body and place you at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney problems, etc., it's really important to make sure your BP is controlled by whatever means necessary.

puggers · 01-07-2003, 06:13 PM

Spotty:
SamQKitty is right on..whether it "white-coat" induced borderline hypertension or transient hypertension it's probably a certainty that whenever you are in a stressful situation your BP goes up. I have just been started on a low dose of Atenolol, a beta blocker for the same thing. Hypertension, even transient hypertension, has an effect on your blood vessels.
Of course medications alone will lower your blood pressure, but its really important to find a way to deal with our stressful lives-if you figure that out please post it here! Diet and exercise are probably a good starting place.I would take medications as directed if you feel you need to lower your dose consult your doctor FIRST, most cardiac meds should not just be stopped-cold.