High Blood Pressure

[Ric.ror]

I went for another check up yesterday and the nurse was still concerned about my BP
She said the bottom number should be in the 80's but mine was 90 - she did say it could be due to the fact that I was about to have a smear but I have to go back on Monday and have it re-checked - I have an appointment then about something unrelated
My question is at what stage would I be put on medication
I am 50 by the way

[Sqad]

If your diastolic was permanently in the 90's and you are only 50 years of age, then you should be seriously considered and assessed for medication to lower your BP......now.

[RATTER15]

I would say they will probably put you on medication now unless they find why your BP is so high and resolve that issue very soon.

[Ric.ror]

I went about three weeks ago and she got it into the 80's but as I needed to return for a smear she said she would check again
What can I do to get it lower?

Thank you so much for your answers

[Sqad]

What can I do to get it lower?

Exercise, weight reduction (if you are overweight) stop smoking (if you smoke)

The bottom line is that you are 50 years old with a suspect diastolic BP and i would take the advice of the nurse and have it rechecked.

[Ric.ror]

Thank you sqad - I am overweight - thats what I am going to see the health trainer about on Monday - I dont smoke and I now have a quite sedentary life style - all of which I aim to change (I also drink 2 bottles of wine per week)
One thing further - if I am put on medication will it be a life long thing or just until it lowers

Many thanks again

[Sqad]

\\ if I am put on medication will it be a life long thing or just until it lowers \\

Almost certainly a lifetime commitment.

[Ric.ror]

Right so I need to get it down before next Monday - is that possible?

[Sqad]

Stop looking for ways around this ;-)

[RATTER15]

I was told I would be medication for the rest of my life, he prescribed 28 tablets, that didnt exactly fill me with hope!!

[Ric.ror]

Thank you so much for your replies

[furrypusscat]

You could be worrying before you have your blood pressure checked which will put up your blood pressure reading. This can be referred to as 'white coat syndrome'. You could ask if your surgery has the facility to supply you with a home blood pressure monitor to wear over 24 hours. This will perhaps give a more accurate reading as you will be less worried.

[Ric.ror]

I think that is what the nurse is thinking and that could be why she has asked me to go back in a few days - not taking another test after the ordeal of my smear (another story)
I remember about two years ago when I went for a colonoscopy when I arrived my BP was 'nice and normal' and went up slighty as the procedure went on

Thank you - Furry

[slaney]

The latest NICE guidelines (2011) state that..
"The diagnosis of primary hypertension should be confirmed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)1, or home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), rather than be based solely on measurements of blood pressure taken in the clinic"
..so it is likely that your GP will do this before deciding on any treatment.
They did this because White Coat Hypertension is very common - up to 25% of the population