blood pressure

[Always_Scared]

Hows everyone's blood pressure? I'm on no medication. My blood pressure is 144 / 79. It can go up to 159/79 or down to 133/72 but it tends to stay in the 140s . The bottom number always stays under in the 70s or lower. Should I be on medication?

 

[suzzeeb]

On my last doctor's appointment mine was 140/80 and the nurse asked if I always had high blood pressure. I didn't really consider it super high and I was nervous, but I also notice a difference depending on how they take it. If it is with a machine, especially the wrist ones which is what she used, it tends to be higher. I had a doctor's appointment a week earlier where they took it manually and it was 120/80. I think it varies so much. I never really trust if the reading is accurate, but I guess you could get a home cuff and take it every day for a week or 2 and see how it trends over that time. I don't know if the 140s warrants medication or not. I think that's probably considered borderline but not sure.

 

[Doveland]

I would send a message to your doctor and just be like "Hey, I've been tracking my BP for a few days/week - I was wondering if you think this might require medication?" Then paste a log like for example:

Monday AM - 127/80 p 66 PM: 130/88 p 73

P would be pulse or heart rate. If you don't have that its still fine. but that format is easy for them to read. Let them know any symptoms you might have with it like shortness of breath or palpitations etc.

 

[bin_tenn]

Whether or not you should be on medication is something only your doctor can tell you. Otherwise, I do feel like those readings may warrant treatment, whether it's medication and/or lifestyle changes. The numbers you get aren't usually a problem for most people *temporarily*. But since you seem to get fairly consistent (at least consistently higher than "normal") it's a good idea to speak to your doctor about it, and ask about options.

Mine used to run around 140/90 on a regular basis. Doctor put me on a beta blocker, and for a long time it worked very well. The past year or two, my BP started being consistently elevated, at least by a little, on a regular basis. Then early this year we added 40mg Lisinopril alongside the beta blocker, and so far I get consistently normal readings (around 120/70).

 

[Ari]

Then paste a log like for example:

Monday AM - 127/80 p 66 PM: 130/88 p 73

P would be pulse or heart rate. If you don't have that its still fine. but that format is easy for them to read. Let them know any symptoms you might have with it like shortness of breath or palpitations etc.

This is a great suggestion.I’m certain your doctor will appreciate it.