Blood pressure talk, but just looking for input this time

Hey! It's not been too long, huh? I'm back with more talk about blood pressure, but this time I'd just like to get some input from others who are also treating high BP. But even without high BP you're welcome to chime in with your perspective or experiences.

Per my last post, I saw my doctor on January 1 because I was experiencing a day full of very high BP - sometimes as high as 160/100, or somewhere around there. That's abnormal for me, because my bad days have usually still not been that terrible. So the doctor wanted me to start taking 40mg of Lisinopril instead of 20mg, along with the 25mg Atenolol (beta blocker). Then she wants me to follow up in a few weeks.

I started the increased dosage of Lisinopril three days ago. My BP has still been quite high at times, and is still very much all over the place. I may get a 155/97, then an hour later I get consistent readings of 130/78, then a few hours later I get a few 160/100, and so on and so on. All without changing my current activity. I could sit on the couch for an hour, and at the start and end of sitting get drastically different readings.

I fully understand and accept that anxiety is a contributing factor, but even the doctor agrees it's not just anxiety. There's also the genetic component. But my concern is still the fact that I quit smoking almost a year ago, I don't drink often or a lot at a time, I'm a bit more active than I used to be, and I eat decent still. Yet, here I am, blood pressure being so terribly stubborn. Why?!

If you are treated for high BP, what was it like before you finally got it completely under control - meaning does my journey sound familiar to you? Did just taking medication work, or did you have to make notable lifestyle changes?

I'm asking in hopes of maintaining what motivation I still have, to know that this is not unusual, and that it'll work out. It's difficult to hold on to hope right now, because all my efforts so far seem more useless than not. :/

Hey Hobbit, thanks for the reply. No, I have yet to have mine synced with the doctor's machine, but that's something I plan to do when I follow up in the next week or two.

I try to take my BP at my most relaxed times, actually. When I've been sitting on the couch enjoying a movie or family time. Or if I've been at my work desk having some enjoyable interactions with coworkers. I try to actually avoid checking it if I feel noticeably stressed or anxious, because I know it'll be elevated then (and I do understand that's normal).

Yes, I have long stayed away from most salty foods. We don't really cook with salt often, but when we do it's in minimal amounts. I do my best to avoid overly processed food. I also make it a habit to check sodium content in foods I buy, and I aim for the reduced or no sodium alternatives.

Mine is mostly genetic, I'm afraid. The lifestyle changes I've made, I know they're helping - imagine how bad my BP may be if I still smoked or was much less active! :O But that's why it's frustrating, because it feels like nothing is really getting it where it should be...

You know what's crazy about the smoking. When I quit last year my BP was very consistently (practically every single time) 115ish / 75ish. For about a week and a half. And suddenly it went back to pre-quit levels...

I haven't specifically asked about these fluctuations. That's another thing I plan to ask about when I follow up. I can say that today I had overall better readings. Morning it was a bit elevated, midday it was 128/75 (very happy with that), but then tonight I saw a couple of 150s / 90s.

No, my heart rate is well under control these days. If I get into some good activity I can get it to 140+, but that feels good. When I'm anxious, it usually doesn't go much above 100, thanks to the beta blocker (Atenolol).

I'm certain it's very much related to my mental state. Scaring myself, basically. I know I do actually have elevated BP and it needs to be monitored and treated, but I also believe it's not nearly as awful as I'm seeing on these at home readings.

So today I waited until about lunch time to check. Sitting at my desk, working. Feeling good. It was 133/81. Checked again a minute later and it was 115/74, so I was happy and left it alone. Out of curiosity, I checked it about five minutes after lifting some weights and it was only 148/77, so that was also a pleasant surprise.

I always take two or three readings, because the first is almost always quite a bit higher than subsequent readings due to being even just a little nervous about it at first. Doctor agreed with that approach as well. I still just don't understand why I sometimes get VERY high readings like 160/100. That feels very wrong to me, even with anxiety...

I don't know exactly when I'll follow up with my doctor, but I'm thinking it'll be next week or weekend. I don't have to rush back, but I do have things I want to discuss. And I'm very curious about my cholesterol labs now that I've not smoked for a year.

Much appreciated. sure, I'll give that a look some time. In the meantime, I just need to remember that I shouldn't check my BP multiple times a day, and when I do check, it should be done when I'm relaxed and at the same time every day. Haha.

I've checked my BP a few times between yesterday and today, and it's been consistently normal. I wonder if the Lisinopril dose increase just needed more time. I'm getting regular readings of low 120s / mid 70s. I'm MUCH happier with that. I will absolutely still be following up with my doctor, and talk about long term, get necessary labs done, etc.

Thanks to everyone who's been following along. And for those who have offered advice and support in any way. Much appreciated.

Hobbit said:

Well those are sure good readings , must make you happy and less anxious for sure ! Maybe i should check about changing my meds , been on them for so long and my bp is still a little high .

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Yeah, for sure. I believe I wouldn't be nearly as anxious about it overall if it weren't for the very real family history / genetics. Doctor is not "concerned", but he's definitely wanting to keep a closer eye on it than someone without the genetics. And that makes sense to me.