High Blood Pressure Support Group

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition wherein the blood pressure is chronically elevated. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure. Doctors recommend weight loss and regular exercise as the first steps in treating mild to moderate...

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ High Blood Pressure Support Group

HBP Woes

Shae1961
Shae1961

I have had HBP for approx 20 yrs.  I also have AFIB and GERD.


I am approx 50 lbs overweight and trying desperately to lose it.


Lately I've been having BP spikes (180-190 over 95-105) on a daily basis.  I get slight breathlessness, chest tightness and sometimes a headache (not severe).  These spikes last anywhere from 15 mins to 4-5 hrs.


I am currently taking HCTZ, Atenolol, Aspirin, Avapro, Prevacid and Magnesium.


Doc says it's not malignant or pulmonary hypertension.


I've had stress tests, carotid dopplers, catherizations, renal scans and all kinds of labs...nothing found.


I am very scared and worried (probably not helping the BP); wondering why this is happening? Not sleeping or eating (not beneficial).


Any suggestions or ideas?

Frisc
Frisc
It is very hard for some people to clear there head when taking BP readings. Do you have a monitor at home? If not, get one. Take it at different times of the day, several times a day. I had always been "borderline" with my BP even in my 20's. My weight fluctuates from 10-40 lbs overweight, but I am very active at work, and sometimes run / walk (weather permitting) 5-7 miles in the mornings.

I am on Diltiazem, Hydrochloathizade, and Losartan. I have had A-Fib twice in 6 years (which I attribute to alcohol use, I have since quit completely) My readings at home now are always in the 117 / 77 to 125 / 83 range consistently. With that said, in the Dr's office it is 140 /90 to 150 / 94 consistently. I have 2 different monitors at home, and it is verified that they are correct. I am a firm believer in anxiety controlling those numbers. Maybe when you see that you can get some lower readings while relaxed it will help you control your worries over the readings. Drinking alot of water and walking will really help you. Start out with just around the block and work on going farther. A routine is very helpful also.