Blood pressure query | ExpatWoman.com
 

Blood pressure query

870
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 07:15

Hello good morning ladies.
I am a little worried. Due to a pronged illness resulting In almost getting pneumonia and stress over a year my Bp on going to gp was 184/110. I was prescribed ex forge I am not convince that I really need to take this if I made life style changes now. I am on the mend things have normalized and I can get back on track re fitness etc.
A year ago my Bp was perfect I was slimmer fitter and healthier. I've only taken it for 2 days. The gp says I've to be on It for life.. Does anyone know if this is true. I've looked on line but can't find anything really that answers my questions.
If I didn't take it today before my Bp check would it show significant changes in Bp after only two days.
If I do take it can I come off it if I make significant life changes and get back to what I was one year ago ( bearing in mind I am in my 50,s ).
Obviously I don't want to compromise my health but taking meds like this when I rarely need paracetamol worries me. Thank you for any advice. I seem to be hitting s brick wall with gp and web. Thsnks again.

105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 10:53
First things first, you need to stabilise your BP as that is a very high reading (especially if you had normal BP a year ago) and that means medication. Changing your lifestyle will definitely help your BP, as you say diet and exercise will impact your BP. Whatever you do, do not stop the medication cold turkey or without the advice of a doctor. I was told that I had chronic hypertension and was told that it was likely that I would have to be on medication for life (I'm in my 30s so that's quite a prospect!). I worked closely with a renal specialist and after hard work on my end and gradually lowering the medication over a number of months I no longer have to take medication. I have been told that at some stage I will need to go on it again - but that may be 40 or it may be at 80. Do realise though that this doesn't happen for everyone and my age was probably in my favour. Also, I know everyone will tell you that stress affects your BP - it has zero impact in my case. Firstly though it's really important to get your BP stabilised, that should be your foremost concern and then think about reducing your medication once that has been done. The funny thing with hypertension is you can feel fantastic but it can have a terrible effect on your body (hence why it's called the silent killer). So you really have to go by the numbers on your reading, not on how you feel.
285
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 00:39
Listen to your Dr and get a personal trainer who is trained to work with people with high blood pressure and talk to a nutritionist. There are specific exercise and sequences and over time you will be able to reduce your meds or even go off them completely. Walking every day is also great, maybe join a walking club in your are. Garlic, beetroot and taking omega 3 supplements and a multivitamin can also help
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 16:36
I'd listen to your doctor and take your maintenance medicine for hypertension. Your BP level is too high and if it continues on and not lowered, it can damage your kidneys and worse, you are at risk of stroke. I've been a hypertensive since I was 18 years old (a lot skinnier back then but still BP shoots up). More than 10 years later I'm still on medication. I have problems with medicine compliancy though, as sometimes I neglect to take them regularly. All my doctors so far have warned me of stroke complications, other serious cardiovascular diseases, and kidney failure when time comes. Take care! Exercise will also help but sometimes when it's too high you will need medication. I tried running for months last year and it did help regulate my BP but when I stop it shoots right back up. Best to stay on medication. bye:
2725
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 05:06
I had ongoing BP problems, in the end I was given Atacand Plus. I have to take them forever!!!! GP's in the UK also informed me that once you have to take medication, its ongoing and wont be able to come of them.
8
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 09:23
Hi dont worry and be happy.stress is the main thing which make ur bp higher.
870
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 08:21
Thanks for that very sound advice. I will get a second opinion for sure, re coming off it over time. I did read that this take medication takes up to 2-3 weeks to start working , so it will be interesting to see what my Bp results are today, now I've had three days of medication for bronchitis and complete bed rest. Thank you again.its been a scary wake up call <em>edited by fairwater on 24/02/2015</em>
2287
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 07:35
If you manage to make significant lifestyle changes, and your weight and lifestyle are indeed the cause of your high BP, there's no reason for you to stay on BP medication for life. However, until you have, you shouldn't take any risks. So the best thing for you is to take the meds for say 6-12 months while getting your weight back on track and exercise on a daily basis. In the meantime find another GP who is willing to assist you in this process. You shouldn't stop the medication "cold turkey" , but after you've demonstrated that you can indeed loose weight and change your lifestyle he can gradually decrease the medication to zero. Unless it's something else that's causing high BP.
 
 

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