Rising blood pressure

[pkq]

Can those who have gone before with rising blood pressure provide some things to look for? I've been battling not feeling good occasionally for months. Not feeling good for me is anxious, edgey, headaches (not migraines), tightness in chest, left arm hurts, etc. My pressure has been high, 140/95, once. All other times it is higher but not high.

My normal pressure in the mornings has been 105-115 over 55-65. It is now reading 125/75, which isn't high but higher for me. When I walk into the doctors office and they take my pressure, the reading is usually 120ish/70ish.

I tracked this for years. Since it was always the same, I stopped. If it has been rising slowly, I have missed it. Could that be the beginning of high blood pressure or should I look for something else?

Thank you in advance for any guidance!

[CR400]

In most cases blood pressure can raise with age. But with some of the symptoms you mention I would get checked out. It could be a heart problem lurking on the horizon. Talk to a doctor.

[bikerchick68]

I agree that with the symptoms you've mentioned you need to get to a doc and get checked... be sure to tell them about the arm pain, any numbness, tingling etc...

these symptoms can be your body's warning system letting you know something is going on...

to help lower the pressure, lay off salt and caffeine. that means canned foods (soups etc), processed foods and fast foods... my mom has been on meds for years and has to watch this closely...

[Ninabike]

I agree with what the others have said. You should see a doctor.

A high systolic (top number) is not always something to worry about, as that reading can become elevated with stress, etc. and can vary. It is the diastolic (bottom number) which is more troublesome and can indicate heart disease. Diastolics in the 70's are fine, but the 95 reading is high. I say, see a doctor and be safe!! Be sure to describe ALL your symptoms and request an EKG or, better yet, a treadmill stress test.

Nina

[Technotart]

Technically - unless you are diabetic or have some other health issue that puts you at higher risk for cardiovascular disease - that blood pressure is still well within normal limits.

It probably isn't anything to be concerned about - mild stress can raise it more than that - but still worth checking out if you are worried about it.

If you have a personal or family history of heart disease, diabetes or other conditions, they usually want to be more aggressive with it.

[pkq]

Thanks ladies! I am pretty healthy normally. Low cholesterol and all that jazz. Family history of heart disease and high blood pressure. My sister had to go on high blood pressure meds at 46, which will be here real soon for me. I was hoping to beat it. I've never been sensitive to salt other than it making me thirsty.

It could be stress. I'm going to track it and physical well being for a bit and see what shakes out.

I just moved to a new job in a new area.

[MaryG]

Pkq –

A couple of other things to consider: decongestions can raise your blood pressure. And birth control pills that contain estrogen can do the same thing. I am 36 and had started taking birth control pills again. Within a month my blood pressure had jumped to the 150/100 range. A switch to progestin only birth control pills and antihistamines without decongestants had my blood pressure down to 128/88 in six days.

Like everyone else said, get to a doctor and be proactive. Many are old-school and still think that heart disease is a man’s issue.

Mary

[pkq]

Thanks ladies!

Robyn, that is quite a story. That is pretty dramatic with 80% blockages. My cholesterol is great, since it runs between 130's and 160's. It may not be blockages but something else.

MaryG, I don't take any meds. I know your experience with birth control pills all too well. When I was your age, they yanked all that stuff out and my issues were solved. I wouldn't recommend that path for anyone but it has been great for me. I love not worrying about that "time of the month." I do wonder if the affects of birth control pills have lasting impact.

Yasmin, so the "vein on the left side of my neck is going to burst with each beat of my heart" feeling is a bad thing, too? That's only happened one day but it was a painful day and scarey.

When I get a handle on some pressure readings and correlate those with physical feelings, I will see a doctor. But I have to find a doctor first. So far, no one at work has volunteered who they see. If any members can recommend a doctor in Canton, OH, I would be very grateful.

I'm still thinking it is just stress related. As I age my tolerance for stress decreases.

[jora1]

Hi pkq ,Relax Pkg this is major problem but you could control by easy methods
and you follow some precautions like you should have take fresh vegitables and salad.Don't take oily food .gernally blood pressure patient have dibeites.
so peolple should have control sugar. i want to suggest you also decrease your blood presssure by Dibenzyline Side effects.after taking some foods.
ok, don't take any worry things your mind.