Worried about my health...

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I found a bp machine and my blood pressure was 168/101 with heart rate of 99... I know I often have high blood pressure but what can I do during covid-19 when my doctor office is closed for regular visits and urgent care seems scary??? Uggghhhh

Can you call your doctor?

You'll be OK. I'm glad you're monitoring the situation but rest assured that your BP likely fluctuates and in general it's higher at night. Are you already taking meds? Your doctor will likely speak to you on the phone even if they aren't open for regular appointments. I have hypertension as well and I've been taking three different blood pressure medications since my stroke. During my normal doctor appointments (pre COVID) she always took my BP ten times in a row on a machine. She would leave the room and the machine took about 10-15 minutes to measure me ten times, then it would calculate an average. Even on the days when I had some really high numbers, the average of ten measurements would come out more reasonable.

Since the quarantine started I'm still able to have telephone appointments with my doctor. I have a home BP monitor so she asks me to run it about five times and send her pictures or video of the result. Same with my temperature on a thermometer.

Two weeks ago this was my BP. I sent her the photo and I was freaking out like you are. But after I relaxed and did my BP a few times in a row it was almost back to normal (my normal is about 160/100 like you -- even when I'm on BP meds).

I hope you do keep an eye on your BP. Order a home monitor from Amazon if you can and keep a daily record of your fluctuation. Take pictures like I do, if you can. If you're really worried, I hope you can speak to your doctor by phone. Also, try drinking more water and cutting back on sodium as a precaution.



Hugs and best wishes.

Do you take any regular pain medication like Aleve, Tylenol, etc.? Those can raise blood pressure significantly in some people. Also, excessive sitting (as at a computer) raises blood pressure (and exercise lowers it).

You also have to be very consistent in how you take the measurement – relaxed for a few minutes, feet on the floor, back supported, etc., same way every time.

I guess I can call my doctor.... I was eating salty potato chips earlier...

Excellent advice! Make sure you aren't moving or talking at all (that's why my doctor leaves the room). Do not cross your legs or ankles. Try to sit as Darmok described without slouching or anything. Sometimes after I push the button on my monitor to start a test, just the movement of taking my finger off the button or moving my hand back onto my lap will make error codes or odd readings.

I'm glad you will contact your doctor!

BP over 140 isn't good, but the good news is its easily treatable with a beta-blocker like Bisoprolol. Many doctors are doing phone appointments and some video appointments. A beta-blocker will lower both your BP and heart rate.

I have a video appointment tomorrow now.... Just checked my BP three times in a row like doc said.... I'm getting 170's over 100 and teens today...

Do you take any blood pressure medication currently?

No

They'll probably just give you a prescription and that will fix it. There are many different ones available and millions of people take them.

My Nan got hers under control by eating several walnuts every day (under advice from her GP): she’s 90 this year and has never needed prescription meds for it.
I’m not advocating not contacting your doctor: just a thought.

Good luck Angnix. I'm glad you'll have the video consult soon. You will most likely be prescribed BP meds or a diuretic, and possibly an EKG for your heart rhythm. I take three BP meds and don't have any side effects. Let us know how it goes!

Got prescribed Lisinopril and some sort of diuretic starting with h combined in one pill.

Plus now I have to check my blood sugars.

I'm glad you were able to speak to your doctor. The meds should help you. I'd recommend you take it in the morning since there is a diuretic involved.

I'm light headed but no this morning was 138/101 so that is an improvement.

I also got approved for a volunteer position writing about birds/animals for a website!! ! I'm hoping it would be a resume booster!! !