“Concerned about Blood Pressure, but confused about advice”
Hello,
I had a checkup today with a new doctor - I've not had a general checkup in about a decade.
I'm 37 male, 6'2, 74kg. Non-smoker, drink once or twice per week, eat an ok but definitely not perfect diet. I exercise regularly - running about 100km per month, cycling close to that, and do some weight training from time to time. I do stress myself out a bit too much about daily life lol.
I was surprised to learn from the nurse who did my BP reading that I was 135/60. She told me I was a bit high but right on the border of normal.
Later when seeing the doctor, he looked at it and told me not to worry - that it was fine and seemed normal to him (he's not inexperienced, he's been practicing for 30 years and has a good rep).
So the discrepancy was curious.
Frankly I was a bit surprised at the reading. I feel pretty healthy... and figured with the exercise, I was doing ok. I also didn't know anything about BP readings before this, and anything I know is what I've read since this afternoon.
I've gone online tonight and have ordered a home BP monitor so I can check it regularly to see if this was a one-off or if there's something actually concerning here.
I'm curious about your opinions... is the doc right? Or should I be more concerned...
thanks, very much appreciate any insight!
I had a checkup today with a new doctor - I've not had a general checkup in about a decade.
I'm 37 male, 6'2, 74kg. Non-smoker, drink once or twice per week, eat an ok but definitely not perfect diet. I exercise regularly - running about 100km per month, cycling close to that, and do some weight training from time to time. I do stress myself out a bit too much about daily life lol.
I was surprised to learn from the nurse who did my BP reading that I was 135/60. She told me I was a bit high but right on the border of normal.
Later when seeing the doctor, he looked at it and told me not to worry - that it was fine and seemed normal to him (he's not inexperienced, he's been practicing for 30 years and has a good rep).
So the discrepancy was curious.
Frankly I was a bit surprised at the reading. I feel pretty healthy... and figured with the exercise, I was doing ok. I also didn't know anything about BP readings before this, and anything I know is what I've read since this afternoon.
I've gone online tonight and have ordered a home BP monitor so I can check it regularly to see if this was a one-off or if there's something actually concerning here.
I'm curious about your opinions... is the doc right? Or should I be more concerned...
thanks, very much appreciate any insight!
Male | 37 years old
Medications: none
3 Answers
Cardiologist
Medical treatment. The efforts you are making to improved your health have undoubtedly helped to prevent your hypertension from becoming severe. Keep up the good work.
The doctor is correct. The standard for high BP is 140/90. A recent study showed that control to 130/80 results in superior outcomes. The first step in control is lifestyle changes, which you are doing.
Hi. So your doctor was right, this is not yet considered high blood pressure (140/90 or higher). It is also very common for a persons blood pressure reading to be highest when they come to the doctor (we call this “white coat hypertension”).
Home measurement is helpful to get a sense of what your pressure is under less stressful situations.
When checking, first empty your bladder.
Sit relaxed, feet flat on the ground. Arm on the table and check
You can always bring your readings and your cuff with you on your next visit to review with your doctor.
Home measurement is helpful to get a sense of what your pressure is under less stressful situations.
When checking, first empty your bladder.
Sit relaxed, feet flat on the ground. Arm on the table and check
You can always bring your readings and your cuff with you on your next visit to review with your doctor.
