BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:27 PM

hi

135/78 constant-ish. So the meds appear to be working for me........with no real side effects to speak of.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 05:51 PM

So I saw cardiologist who explained the results of myocardial perfusion scan done in October. Heart function pretty normal with some sluggishness in lower part of the heart. I was offered and elective angiogram or to go back on amlodipine to control angina and blood pressure. I opted for drugs.

Already have serious dry mouth so not looking forward to that side effect.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: gnu
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 05:33 PM

116/64/60 just now. Not bad after a few buds (and a pack a smokes today... had a smoke while I took the pressure - reduces the stress?). Helps losing over 80 pounds I guess.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 02:37 PM

well it was pretty good this evening.. 144/95. Thursday it was 163/98.

Nurse decided to keep me off BP meds, come back in 3 weeks and told me if I can't take the night time palpitations to make appointment with GP.

Watch this space.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 06:51 AM

hi john

Lots of good advice and helpful suggestions there.

I have a home monitor of the automatic type with an arm cuff. When I take my presures I do take three readings as advised by my GP. Generally ( but not always ) the first one is the highest.

Our Medical practice has two booths in which patients that don't have monitors can measure their pressures. There are full instructions on what to do and how to do it. They even have an ajustable chair to ensure that the patient can be comfortable during the monitoring.

My doctor does use a "spig" type of monitor. Other doctors there do use automatic monitors the same as the one I use.
We also have to attend six monthly BP clinics where a triage sister gives the patient a health check including monitoring BP levels. They use automatic monitors and usually you have to wait a few minutes before they take the pressures and they do it at least three times.

They also review your medications and explain what they are and what they are for etc etc etc.

Like you I was regarded as being "slightly" high many years ago plus the fact that I have a family history of heart problems.

My Doc explains that they allow for factors like age, physical stature etc in their considerations. He doesn't go too deeply into what these can be. For me he says that the upper limits should be
160/90. But he advises that at different times during the day that this limit may be exceeded but as long as these levels are not the norm there is no need to worry.

Talking to other people who have different doctors I do feel that out Medical Centre provides a very good service.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 05:01 AM

Virginia -

The "three times" check of BP is, if I interpret who recommends it and who doesn't, primarily for home use where you may not have a controlled routine, and may not take the time to "settle down" from varying levels of exercise.

It also might be advisable in an emergency room situation, or in a really crowded clinic where there's lots of hustle and bustle and consistent conditions are harder to provide.

Some practitioners are careful to control conditions so that patients are always put in a quiet place for a reasonable time, and are always checked under "standard conditions" so that multiple readings are not really needed, and if consistent conditions are assured even a single reading can probably be consistently interpreted.

Some MDs make a practice of having a nurse do the BP check simply because people are less prone to "white coat syndrome" that elevates BP for a few minutes after "the doc" comes in. When I was a lot younger, I encountered one or two very cute nurses that I'm sure must have momentarily added about 20mm to my readings; but I've found recently that they seem to have been specially trained to "avoid stimulation" of that sort - or maybe they just know not to send the cute ones in for my exams (dammit!).

One factor in the BP reading that has always slightly bothered me is that the "old fashioned" sphygmomonometer and stethoscope method depends on the acuity of hearing of the examiner. The systolic pressure is the highest pressure at which the examiner hears a pulse, and the diastolic is the lowest. If the one taking the readings can't hear the pulse, the reading is wrong (and I've had nurses whip the cuff off when I could still "hear" the pulse without a stethoscope by watching the mercury column still pulsating). It's for this reason that I'd suggest, if you wish to get a home-use monitor, an automatic one may give you more consistent and reliable readings than the slightly cheaper ones that make you try to use a (very cheap) stethoscope. And those with an "arm cuff" are definitely more accurate and reliable than the wrist type if you're only going to have one.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 02:44 AM

Well my GP has never taken my BP more than twice in one visit and did not wait a full minute between readings.

The hives did not come back after I started taking the Ramipril the last time. And it worked a treat on the night time palpitations which were pretty damn awful. It was 3 to 4 weeks after starting the ramipril that the dry mouth and dry cough started getting noticeably bad.

And the dry mouth is casing me serious problems. Apart from feeling like I have eaten a persimmon all the time, my gums are suddenly receding significantly and teeth are crowding so that I cannot get floss between them. That is a hugely dramatic change. (I have dental appointment next week to talk about this)

The drying up of mucous membranes may also be caused by sjogrens. My eyes feel encased in grit, my tears burn, my singing voice much changed too as larynx packs in after one song. I drink loads of water. So much the doc keeps getting me checked for diabetes. I don't drink it so much for thirst as I feel like I am drying up inside.

I still have headache and the nasty palpitations have come back with a vengeance the last few nights. I will tell GP nurse this tonight. If my BP is up, I get to see the GP, if not, I will have to make another appointment to sort out the dry mouth and the palpitations.

Thanks JinK... I think I will invest in a monitor and talk to the GP and/or nurse about self monitoring. Thanks also MikeL2.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 03:21 PM

RB suggested:

IMHO downwards fluctuations in blood pressure might reduce the likelihood of stroking...

Downwards fluctuations much below your normal can also cause you to tip over and hurt yourself and/or pass out and run into lamp posts.

"Postural hypotension" is a fairly common occurance, regardless of age but especially in older persons. If there's an additional low blood pressure that's a variable, it can be dangerously unpredictable whether today you can leap up out of the chair or whether this is the time you're going to fall flat on your a** (or head).

Significant fluctuations in either direction can cause expansion or contraction of vessels that might dislodge plaque or clots and cause strokes, although it's hard to say what really is significant for any particular individual.

It is difficult to find helpful information on just how much variation is "normal" and even harder to find anything on how much variation is "acceptable." ("Normal" or "typical" isn't necessarily what's recommended.)

Forty years ago my doctor was telling me "your BP is a little high so we'll have to watch it to make sure it doesn't go up as you get a little older." Current recommendations probably would have some practitioners sending me to the emergency room for immediate drastic reduction at the same level, and most now say I should have been "medicated" then. Recommended BP levels have changed significantly, and there's only "some agreement" about what your goals should be.

Especially for those who monitor their own BP at home, a "proposed recommendation" from the AMA is that a single reading isn't sufficient. The suggestion is that you should take three readings a couple of minutes apart so that you know whether the first reading really means anything, and to get an indication of how stable your "resting BP" really is. Even if your physician doesn't subscribe to this theory, doing it that way yourself for a while may help you to know a bit more about what kind of shape you're in.

Some practitioners make a practice of escorting you to an examining room and leaving you to sit there for incredibly long times before anyone comes in to see you. While it looks like (and may be) poor service, it may actually be because they want time for your BP to "settle" before taking the reading. Published guidelines are that you should always "rest quetly" for five minutes before a reading; but not everyone agrees with that.

(My observation is that Cardiologists who like to stuff you with pills generally have the same "escort" take the reading immediately after you've sprinted down the hallway, because it's likely to be high enough then to justify additional "treatment," but that's probably 'cause I'm a bit cynical - when it seems justified.)

Spaw's list of BP medication classes should be studied. I have had a cardiologist prescribe the same medication I was already taking, under another name, apparently because he didn't go to the classes class. While there were no major consequences, it did cost me an extra three or four visits to (sort of) get it straightend out (at least I think it is).

US regulations require that every prescription be accompanied by a description of the medication and its uses and possible side effects. Everyone NEEDS TO READ THEM and understand at least the basics of what you're being treated for and what the intent and purpose of each of your medications is. Those elsewhere, who may not get the details automatically with the pills, can look up each med on the web or in the PDR. The website for the drug manufacturer should have the "official" information, and is preferable to hearsay sites even if you don't really trust the pharm industry all that much. After you know the "clinical line" you can go elsewhere to gossip about it.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 03:10 PM

hi Tam

Sorry to hear about your problems. I hope you get sorted out very quickly.

As I think I said here earlier I have been put on Ramipril 5 mg in addition to Amlopidine to reduce fluctuating blood pressure.

I have been on it now for a few months and apart from a slight irregular dry cough I haven't had any adverse re-actions. As a person that has never smoked I never cough other than if I get a chest cold, which is rare. The doctor told me that a dry cough is very common with Ramipril and it is not a sign of chest problems.

Strangely enough I was experiencing swollen ankles after being put on Amlopidine but the addition of Ramipril seems to have cured it. !!!!!

I take my pressure regularly and yesterday it was 130/80. So for me Ramipril has worked.

I hope that the medics can sort out something that works for you. I know that it can take some time and can include multiples of different drugs for some people before tyhey can get it under control.

Kind Regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 08:10 AM

Hives from Ramipril can be pretty serious. You need a change of medication.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 12:06 PM

Well well well.. I had an event at work in late September. Possibly a heart attack... lasted about 40 minutes... crushing weight on chest and shoulders and horrible ache in both jaws.

I dismissed until some friends convinced me to go to doc. GP found my blood pressure stupidly high, put me on rampril and referred me to cardiologist. Started th ramipril and within a week had hives like crazy. Was taken off the ramipril, then seen by cardio who upon seeing my blood pressure said go back to GP and get that BP sorted and he authorised a myocardial perfusion scan.. taken in mid October. I see cardio again in December.

I was put back on ramipril and the hives came back. Went back to GP who took me off the Ramipril and put me on diuretic. But I was feeling so bad with palpitations that after 3 days I put myself back on the ramipril... no hives but considerable foot swelling. Blessedly the palps had all but disappeared, but a few weeks ago started having serious dry mouth and catarrh problems. Saw GP Friday and now I am off the ramipril again. Palpitations back and massive headache today.

I am to go back to GP on Tuesday to see if BP is high (it was 160 over 95 on Friday) ad then see what to prescribe.

But I feel awful now. I want to take the ramipril tonight so I can sleep. ARRGHHH!!! Is not 160 over 95 bad enough to put me on some sort of medicine?

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 10:35 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2 - PM
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:12 PM

< "hi spaw

No problem.....yes I will keep you informed as to my graph and what decisions are made in response to them." >


Hi spaw and everyone else who was interested in this thread.

I have now had my medications adjusted several times.

I am now on -:

Amlodipine    - 10mg tablets - 1 each morning
Ramipril      - 5mg capules - 1 each night
Atorvastatin - 40mg tablets - 1 each night.

The doses of Ramipril were increased in stages from 1mg to 5mgs.
I was changed from Atorvastitin to Simvastin and then back to Atorvastin but at the same 40mg dosage.

I have been monitored for three months three times daily since mid june and my bloodpressure has normalled out at around 130/80. The main improvement however is that now the pressure is constant and not subject to the large peaks in pressure that I was experiencing previously.

I have had a couple of mild side effects -:

A mild dry cough - Doctor says this is the Ramipril and that it will go gradually. It is getting better each day.

Some swelling of the ankles. This is due to the Amlodipine and it is much better than when I first started on it.

So hopefully things have settled down. The doctor is much happier with my pressures now and I am now not being monitored daily but monthly.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: rich-joy
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 01:11 AM

Ha!
Just discovered that the reason I'd not heard of "Hemp Hearts" is because I live in Australia.

Tho' Australia grows hemp and exports it for Human Consumption, the citizens here at home are "protected" by law from being able to choose for ourselves.

And you Pommies complain that YOU live in a Nanny State!!!


Baaaaaaaaaa Humbug.



R-J

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: rich-joy
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 04:50 AM

Tam, I'm on a squillion meds after being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and attrial fibrulation 3 years back.
However, since using Magnesium Chloride "oil" each night, my palpitations have all but disappeared, and my sleep and general health have been heaps better too.
Checkout the Dr Mark Sircus site : http://magnesiumforlife.com/

Cheers, R-J
Down Under

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 02:40 AM

Hemp Hearts package has lasted me a bit longer than month and at £5.95, I think it is a bargain. I can't think of anything else that could be contributing to my feeling better. Hemp also has the right kind of omega (3 - like fish oils) which should be good for my rheumatoid arthritis.

About hemp hearts

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 02:37 AM

Well on the advice of Richard Bridge (thanks RB) I have been taking about 1 & 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts on my weetabix 5 mornings a week for about a month now.

The strength and frequency of palpitations is markedly reduced. I sleep better at night. Added bonus is after eating this for breakers (1 weetabix, 2 tbs hemp hearts, 2 tbs fat free yogurt, 1 tbs dried cranberries and a sprinkle of omega rich seed mix) between 7:30 and 8:30am I don't feel hungry until about 5 to 6 hours later and I am quite satisfied with raw veg/fresh fruit lunch and one little babybel cheese and an apple at about 4pm.

So I think the hemp hearts will help me lose weight. Also my joints are a bit less achey, but I have resumed chemo and am very careful not to take too much acidy foods like orange juice, tomatoes, potatoes.

so far so good.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Apr 10 - 09:05 AM

hi

Today I received the first monitor by my GP after being prescribed Ramipril in addition to Amlopidine.

This addition is to try to stabilise and generally reduce my BP.

The monitor shows that while my presures have stabilised the pressure - 145 to 155 systolic is still high. He has increased the Ramipril dosage from 1.25mg to 2.50.

So I am on another monitor and have to report back in about a month.

The good news is that it does appear that the high peaks have been eliminated.

That was the concern that I raised this topic here.

Will keep you informed as to progress.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 07:35 AM

hi beeliner

You are right Amlopidine it is.

My doctor did say this week as he added Ramipril that when he checks me over in three weeks he may have to complement the two meds that I am on.

Also at my medical centre we have a blood pressure clinic which encourages people to be aware of blood pressure and adds further BP checks independently to the doctors'.

My age is 64.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: beeliner
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 12:38 AM

Six months ago the pressure was raised higher than usual and after a series of checks it was decided to put me on medication -Amlipodine.

Sure it's not Amlodipine? Same letters, different order.

Mike, I am no doc, but from reading your posts above it sounds as if you might need an additional medication.

I take Amlodipine, Diltiazem and Hyzaar. My BP is typically 120/67 or thereabouts, with no discernable side effects.

According to my cardiologist, taking three meds for HBP is nothing, many people take as many as seven or eight.

You didn't state your age, or if you did I missed it, I'm 69.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 04:20 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: catspaw49 - PM
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 11:52 AM

< "Thanks for getting back Mike. Were you on anything else and is this a change from one ACE Inhibitor to another or new to you?" >

Hi Spaw

Yes I was already on amlopidine 10mg tablets. These are not Ace Inhibitors they are Calcium Channel Blockers. I take these in the morning.

Now of course I take the two - one at night and one in the morning.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:36 PM

thanks Mike

I will bring this up to my GP. I need more monitoring. I am having other issues that I believe are BP or at least circulatory related.

Sure would be nice to sleep though the night without rising to ward off BP event.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 11:52 AM

Thanks for getting back Mike. Were you on anything else and is this a change from one ACE Inhibitor to another or new to you?

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 26 Mar 10 - 10:02 AM

hi

I failed to say what the extra medication the doctor put me on to try to help stabilise my fluctuating blood pressure.

It is 1.25 capsule of ramipril and has to be taked last thing at night.

After three doses I have not noticed any side effects.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 11:06 AM

Hi Tam and others

At the start of this thread I said that my blood pressure was being monitored just as the news about fluctuating pressures were said to be be more dangerous than constant high pressure.

My earlier readings indicated fluctuations in my readings.

I have now completed the monitor test and can report that over two weeks taking my pressures three times a day - at roughly the same times and doing the same sort of physical things - the following showed.

Systolic varied from   194 down to 135
Diastolic varied from   91 down to 78
Pulse    varied       83 down to 58

The vast majority of my readings were normal for my age etc etc
My average readings    155 down to 80

Today I have seen my GP and he has told me that because of their recent findings he is putting me on an extra medication to try to even out the fluctuations.

So I can report that here in the UK doctors are now aware of the findings and are taking it seriously enough and are vprepared to try to treat it accordingly.

I have future separate appointments booked to monitor my blood and and my new pressures.

In the circumastances I feel that the doctors are doing what they can for me.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 11:32 AM

Hi McGrath

You are very right about the number of things that can raise the BP and not be dangerous.

I am on a monitor test as I type and the instructions for the test is to try to take the BP at around the same times each day and roughly doing the same things- or in my case just resting around.

After three days of this I can report that in these conditions I have a high histolic reading of 179 and a low of 134. Diastolic readings high91 low 76. pulse Low 65 high 83.

I certainly have white coat syndrome as my readings are usually higher when I go either to the doctors or hospital.

I have another week on the test so we we see if these few days are representative or not.

And of course what if anything the doctors will do about them.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 03:32 AM

zactly.....

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 11:40 PM

I think I have the opposite of white coat syndrome. Mine settles down as soon as have to see a doctor. Same with every problem I go to doc for. Suddenly I feel better and don't want to be there.

VT, that sounds like car mechanic syndrome... (you know the one, where the vehicle refuses to make the strange sound for the mechanic?)

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 06:27 PM

Mine happen in middle of night. Well almost always around 3:20 to 3:40am and then again between 4:20 and 5:40am. Sometimes they start earlier and I have more of them in the night.

But they always wake from a dead sleep and I feel gawdawful, with thudding in my ears, tightness / pressure in my neck, throat and shoulders, like I am carrying a toddler on my shoulders. Sometimes with nausea and dizziness. I have to get up and walk around to get it to ease up.

Last night's episode carried on through about 1:40pm today with a massive headache and strobing vision to boot. My shoes were loose and my glasses were tight. What's up with that? It's usually the other way around. It was like all the blood was stuck in my cranium.

Oh and I have low fever today, which is very unusual, but remember that I had same the time I went to A&E last year.

I think I have the opposite of white coat syndrome. Mine settles down as soon as have to see a doctor. Same with every problem I go to doc for. Suddenly I feel better and don't want to be there.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 06:06 PM

All kinds of things can send your blood pressure higher - running upstairs, eating a meal, going to see a doctor ("white coat syndrome")... How can we tell which fluctuations are dodgy and which are OK?

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 07:32 AM

hi richard

I have not seen any of these around here. But we do have in most doctors' surgeries FREE BP machines like ther ones you mention.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 07:53 AM

There are coin op-blood pressure machines (like weighing machines you used to have in chain pharmacies) made by Pharma-Smart LLC, a New York corporation, that might well be found in US chain pharmacies, but I think there are no arrangements to distribute them in the UK.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 05:44 AM

hi spaw

I have an arm cuff electronic monitor that was recommended to me by my doctor.

He said that the wrist cuffs are OK for guidance at home but are not as accurate as the arm cuff ones. Mind you he swears by the "old fashioned" cuff and air bulb appliance but this does require some medical knowledge to use it properly. And of course you can't do it by yourself.

regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 05:20 AM

LOL @ kat............You must have the same one I do.

No, seriously, the little wrist cuff works great if you use it just as kat said. At first I thought it was wildly inaccurate but if you do it right (arm at heart level and still-best sitting) it does a very good job. I have a chronic A-Fib problem with an irregular heartbeat and is hard to take even for the "pros."   This little wrist cuff misses capture occasionally but so does everybody else.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 05:09 AM

VTam, do you have a BP cuff at home? It would be good if you did so that you can monitor it yourself, make a record of your readings and take it with you to the doc's. Over here, we can buy a wrist one, self-inflating for $20. If you use it properly, arm at heart level, supported, and stay perfectly still, it is usually very accurate.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:22 PM

hi Dan

I agree with you about the effects that miniscule amounts of some drugs can have.

Some time ago I was suffering badly with migraine attacks and they tried many things without success.

So I was sent to see a neurologist who, after loads of tests including a brain scan, prescribed an extremely low dose of one of the tricyclics( can't remember the name). My doc told me that it was about a twentieth of the normal dose for depression.

I took two doses and like you I binned the b....y stuff.

And I have never been even close to depression in my life.

I have been re-assured both by the consultant and my own doctor that the medication in minute quantities is a fairly standard treatment for some migraines.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:12 PM

hi spaw

No problem.....yes I will keep you informed as to my graph and what decisions are made in response to them.

I have not heard anything about that the difference in systolic and diastolic should be less than 65 points. I think that this depends - like a lot of things - on age,sex,weight ,family history etc etc.

For instance my wife is younger than me and of a much slimmer frame. So her pressure is lower but the target they measure against actually puts her higher than me.

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 10:22 AM

I think I have the same problem as my colleagues all women of certain age... a certain dismissal of our health concerns as so much hypochondria.

One colleague is on warfarin she is only 40 something. She gets regular blood checks but nothing else and they stopped requesting a regular BP check.   Another colleague is on BP tablets just recently for high blood pressure, but she gets severe drops about once a month for the last 10 years, that cause her to pass out. She used to be monitored monthly. Now she has to request a BP check as I do.

These colleagues have friends of similar age and problems who suddenly seem to be treated dismissively by their GPs. I don't know if it is NHS wide or just local. We all go to different GP surgeries in the same town.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: olddude
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 09:43 AM

Spaw,
they put me on lopressor for my heart, problem is my pressure has always been perfect, it dropped so low I couldn't get off the couch. Threw them in the garbage. amazing how even a low dose 50mg did that to me. wow, crazy stuff

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 09:38 AM

Hi Mike!

I didn't mean to cover old ground but as I am so damn long winded sometimes that I forget where I was going when I started! One thing I meant to say and completely went past was that I'm interested in what your graph will show and how they handle the info.

When I read the news about spikes and stroke I thought about another study awhile back that made some correlations to risk when the systolic is 65(?) points higher that the diastolic. I had been having some of that for a good while and the answer was a slight increase in dosage on one med. I was amazed at the difference so slight a change could make when there were times before with different meds where they didn't work at all. I also read that (of course) there are studies saying there is no risk. I would think there would probably be some additional risk but as to how much??????? Anyway, I'm curious what they do in your case.

In VT's situation I wonder that family history seemingly doesn't strike her Docs as a good reason to look into any problem that even has the slightest possibility of stroke.

Maybe I misread your post Tam but is there some way you can see a different Doc? Seriously. I don't really know how the NHS works but sometimes I notice that people have a hard time with being taken seriously......a kind of "treat 'em & street 'em" approach with a bit of the assembly line mentality.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 06:27 AM

raised BP before performance... explains why I have such terrible night prior to Lower Stoke events.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: GRex
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 06:20 AM

When I was advised to monitor my BP, I was told to expect variations of up to 30 systolic during a day depending on the time of day and what I had been doing prior to the test. I assumed that these were natural fluctuations.

            GRex

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 05:50 AM

hi richard

that seems logical to me too. I guess that like most things it depends on the individual.

If you have a normal reading and occasionally it dips then like you I would see this as an advantage ??

However I am on the high side and the fluctuations go higher - I think this is what the recent "discovery" is all about.

As a performer, like me you will be more than aware that at times especially just before you go on, blood pressures can rise. My doctors have always told me that is fine and not a problem...now if I am right in my understanding....it can be a problem.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 05:40 AM

hi spaw

Many thanks for you clear explaination of the BP med situation.

I am aware of this having had several chats with my GP and the BP Clinic I attend.

I am aware that our bodies are different and that what works for one person may not work for another. Indeed my wife who also had high BP is being treated completely differently by the same doctor.

I also know that over time a body can grow used to a med and it can become less effective. Indeed that is what my doctor is now trying to identify.

My concern on this thread is with the recent news that fluctuating BP can cause more strokes and heart attacks than residual high BP.

Although I didn't directly ask the question I implied that I wanted to know what this would mean to people like me who are already on medication for high BP.

My understanding is that the information is for people with fluctuating BP who are not on medication and that the intention is to treat them to try to stabilise the BP.

Regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 04:16 AM

I am allergic? to aspirin. I say that with question mark because aspirin, since I was little caused temporary disfiguring swellings in my face and gave me terrible tummy pain. I was told, I cannot take aspirin.

I have had bp problems since I was 15 years old. Doc told me to get more exercise, so parents got me a ten speed. Man I loved that bike and the freedom, to get away from house and siblings. I had to babysit the youngers after school and do housework, make meals. I was quite unhappy. Then BP probs again at 18 caused by oral contraceptives. I had to go private (was seeing health department doc) for daily crippling migraines. BP was so high he wanted to put me hospital to get it down. Was afraid I would have a stroke. I was living with a baby away from all family, so could not go in hospital. I was treated with esidrix for about 3 years and gradually weaned off. BP went wild again about two years before menopause. But I was also under a lot of stress (personal) and had suddenly become sedentary (change in work and life patterns). I was again put on diuretic and gradually weaned off.

I still do have a problem with fluid retention, but NHS GP ignores it.   The last drug for BP was prescribed while I was taking methotrexate and meloxicam. My liver enzymes went berserk. A registrar noticed this, not my RA consultant, who should have been notified by hematology and then should have rung me to tell me to get off all the drugs. If I had not been seen by that registrar, I wonder if the consultant would have noticed.

Anyway, I had really bad 3 month long bout with respiratory virus and infection in late 2008 early 2009 and have been having palpitations since. Cannot get the GP to pay any attention to this particular fact. "Are you under stress at work or home? You do not sleep well. Would you like an antidepressant? Which one would you like?" WTF?!?! I am not prone to panic, but the exasperation of not being listened to does make me afraid. So I am doing something about this myself. Getting more fit if I can.

Last night and right now as I type this the thudding in my ears (how I experience palps) very bad, loud and fast. I will take a turn on the mini trampoline and do some deep breathing after I eat my pineapple and banana breakfast.

I will look into hemp seeds too.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 10:52 PM

Mike and others..........I want to clear up something about BP meds and meds in general I guess.   But let's just talk about BP meds.

I wouldn't even hazard a guess as to how many BP meds are out there nor how many classes of them either. There are some ones often prescribed and ages old as well as newer versions. Then there are the newer discoveries and the current drug(s) of choice. Here are the basic classes of meds used in treating BP problems:

Diuretics
Beta-blockers
ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Alpha blockers
Combined alpha and beta-blockers
Central agonists
Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors
Blood vessel dilators, or vasodilators
Sympathetic nerve inhibitors

Okay? Now understand that each of these may have 20 to 200 meds in it and though each class has similar drugs, they may not be as effective for you as they might be for me.

It is not uncommon for someone to require more than one class of med depending on the problem and certain meds crossing classes don't "play well together." Then there is the strength of each one to factor as well.

It takes some trial and error to come up with the med(s) that work for you and then perhaps awhile down the road your body chemistry changes and you get to start over again. Controlling BP is critical to a lot of health concerns so don't say, "Meds don't work for me" or "I can't take them." There are some that I can't take and many that don't work for me but for right now and for the past 7 or so years, I have stayed pretty stable with meds and dosage......***knock on wood***...........110/65 the other day!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: olddude
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 10:05 PM

tam
one 81 mg asprin everyday very important ok, i have to, had a pulmonary embolism .. nearly killed me. wasn't suppose to live

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 05:57 PM

IMHO downwards fluctuations in blood pressure might reduce the likelihood of stroking...

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 02:42 PM

Hi Mike

I am not on meds for blood pressure. When I was on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and on an NSAID for same, my BP went way up. GP put me on Amlipodine and my liver enzymes spiked. Seems you are not supposed to mix these meds. So I was taken off of everything.

GP surgery nurse checked my BP every 2 weeks, found it a bit high, but not high enough for meds. She stopped seeing me after 3rd check. Before that I had been in A&E with blood pressure at 190 over 112. I was put in observation for 4 hours. They never once checked my BP there. Did one ECG when I arrived and one when I left and found nothing wrong. Sent me home and told me to see my GP. Told the GP what happened and that I get palpitations nightly. Sent me to Cardiologist. Did stress ECG - no pain though I tired out very quickly and hips (RA) seized up. Put me on 24 hour heart monitor. I have about 24 ectopic beats in the 24 hour period. GP said it is nothing to be concerned about. So discharged from cardiology.

I still get the nightly palps. GP gave me antidepressant. Stopped the antidepressant because it only made me feel weird and fuzzy headed. I am very careful with salt and sugar intake especially in the evening. Seems to help some. But I know when I get the palpitations my BP is soaring. I just can't get anyone to take me seriously on this.

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 09:52 AM

hi tam

As long as I can remember I have had this fluctuating pressure problem. In the past I have been told that as long as the pressure regulates itself down there is no problem.

Six months ago the pressure was raised higher than usual and after a series of checks it was decided to put me on medication -Amlipodine.
This immediately lowered my pressure to within the doctor's target for me.

As it happens I went for my periodic check on my blood pressure yesterday. The check was performed by a triage nurse and she found the readings to be "higher than she would like".

I was told the same thing again that the heart naturally works hardwer some times more than others and the pressure fluctuates with it.

However I have been provided with a monitor and told to monitor my pressure for a fortnight and return with the graph in two weeks.

As I understand it this latest news about fluctuating pressures means that patients with it will be treated as if they had constant high pressure.

Not sure what that means for me as I am already on medication.

My point here is are you already on medication and if so what are youexpecting to happen as a result of the recent statement about fluctuating pressures??

regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Strokes: Fluctuating blood pressure
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 02:49 AM

Don't hold your breath if you do... suffocation'll get you long before the strokes do!

Good luck!

LTS