High blood pressure (in athletes)

[OakLeaf]

Well I broke down and made an appointment. It's become a vicious cycle, where I'm anxious about my BP, the increased anxiety leads to more inactivity, and the inactivity increases my BP. Now I get to be anxious about seeing the doctor too. (but I've promised myself I won't let her talk me into any other screenings that I'm opposed to)

I'm a bit reassured by a little bit of googling though, in particular these two: http://athletesheart.blogspot.com/20...-pressure.html http://www.drjohnm.org/2011/01/cw-pu...n-the-machine/

DH has been on an ACE inhibitor for about six months and although he's quite inactive, he hasn't had any side effects other than a slight cough. I'm hoping it will be the same for me. And that once my BP comes down the anxiety will become more manageable.

[Susan]

I wish you the best, OakLeaf.

DH started monitoring his BP at home and has significantly lower readings in this relaxed environment. He also limited his coffee intake. His readings are now normal most of the time and the doc didn't prescribe any medication so far.

[OakLeaf]

Thanks for your good wishes Susan.

I learned something else just now: arm position ENORMOUSLY influences BP readings.

http://www.nature.com/jhh/journal/v1...f/1001563a.pdf

My doctor's nurse has measured my BP in a supported horizontal position. I know I'm very white-coatish, always have been. But at stores, etc., and more recently at home, I've been measuring it in more of a dependent position. So did my acupuncture doctor who apparently should have known better. In all of those places I'd been getting readings that were still high enough that I made the appointment. Yesterday and this morning I took it in both positions and both times the diastolic was 20-25 mm lower.

Too late to cancel my appointment tomorrow, but I'll bring her a copy of this article, and it'll be a good opportunity to bring her my revised and much tightened Living Will.