Sqad

[mazie]

Are you about?

Do you remember I had that nasty infection in my arm from some sort of bite?

I went to the Docs and because I hadn't been for about 7 years they took my blood pressure. It was really high. My questions, is can an infection (such as I had) cause BP to be higher. I also have "white coat syndrome" so that didn't help either. The Doc put me on BP tablets and I had to go back, would you believe there were 3 of them (2 trainees) It was still high but had dropped about 20 points... Anyway, I've asked for a 24 hour BP monitor before they do anything else or increase my dosage.... Is that a sensible thing for me to request?

[pixie373]

Hi mazie, do you know what the reading was?

[Sqad]

mazie...it is extremely unlikely that you infection had anything to do with your raised BP.

As you may or may not know, I am not a fan of "White Coat Syndrome."

I think that it is very sensible to have a 24hour BP monitoring.

BUT mazie....keep taking the BP tablets.

I look forward to some feedback.

[mazie]

Yes Pixie it was 190 over 90 the first time when I had the infection + my first visit to the docs for 7 + years so I was really panicky....the following it was 170 and I cant remember the lower reading

[mazie]

I'm sure you;re not Sqad but the fear is very real for me, therefore it exists.... They are fitting the monitor tomorrow (the doctor was excellent). I'm also back in a couple of weeks for bloods and an ecg. I think he wants to ensure that I'm just Hypertensive and there are no underlying problems..... I will let you know how I get on. Thank you once again for your help much appreciated xxx

I am taking the tabs and will continue with them x

[pixie373]

Good idea. Do they have a BP machine in your doctor's or pharmacy that you could use yourself? Or do you think that would have the same effect? Mine is also higher when taken by doctor, but not as high as that. (although i don't know your age and that will make a difference too).

[mazie]

I'm seeing the nurse tomorrow to have a 24 hour monitor fitted pixie..I'm nearly 65...not overweight and get enough exercise from walking etc. I think I have a good diet but I smoke and am partial for a glass or 2 of red wine :

[pixie373]

Glad to hear it. Is slightly raised, but not horrifying. Let us know how you get on xx

[mazie]

Will do. x

[Fusion5]

I found the 24 hr bp monitor very stressful, mine was inconclusive.

Get yourself a bp monitor to do at home.

I disagree with Sqad, white coat syndrome does exist, mine goes through the roof in the docs or hospital situations, but when I am home, it comes down to a normal level. I was put on bp tabs twice and both times mine came down too low and I fainted.

[mazie]

Thanks Fusion...I'll report back on Friday after I've done the 24 hour test x

[Sqad]

Fusion....I didn't say that "white Coat Syndrome" didn't exist, i said that i wasn't a "fan" of it, meaning that it is a very "overdiagnosed" condition.

There is also an on going debate in the medical profession as to if WCS goes on to full blown hypertension and hence whether it should be treated.

[midagetrolop]

M y blood pressure goes up when I go to the docs, because whatever I go with, which is very rarely - all they want to do is blood pressure test, cholesterol test, diabetic test - all what they get paid for!!

[mazie]

Well I had my ECG which was normal. Went back to the docs today for the results from the bloods, as far as I can tell they checked for everything!!
All normal and my Bp today was 135. So one very relieved maize :o)

[Sqad]

mazie...well played.

[mazie]

Thanks Sqad.much appreciated your help. Xxx

[mier]

Hmmmm. Mazie, there are 2 numbers in a BP reading, for a very good reason.

Have a look here : http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blood-pressure-%28high%29/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx

If you were giving someone a cookery recipe would you just tell them the oven setting without the cooking time?! Of course you would not.

My GP is more interested in the diastolic reading than the systolic one. I am glad your BP has levelled out.

[mazie]

Hi mier.yes, I know, the Doc did show me the reading but I can't remember the bottom reading, but he seemed happy with it.

[mier]

Enjoy your ciggie and glass of vino then :)

[mazie]

Lol. Will do, thank you. Xx