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[Lady Daviot]

Hi Guys,

I know these are very anxious times for all of us but just wanted some advice? maybe from any medical-related ladies. I always try and keep an eye on my blood pressure and in this current climate have also purchased a blood oxygen monitor too - I know the health anxiety bit in me. However, a few times these last few weeks I have had very high readings over a few hours which range from the above to going back to around 138/83, etc. I am overweight by 3 stone but have been going for a 3.5-mile walk each day and keeping active as normal. I have no other constant symptoms etc but sometimes do feel a little dizzy etc which I think is stress. I am on no medications, but at 50 overweight, non-smoker I know I still need to take care. I don't want to call 111 for advice as they will be very busy with the COVID 19 situation that we are going through but concerned about such a high reading. If it is this high tomorrow will maybe be tempted to try and get a call back from the practice nurse or a GP. Am I just overreacting to some spikes in my blood pressure in these very stressful times? I am under a lot of stress about my job etc like a lot of people and on much-reduced income. Any thoughts or comments appreciated.

[Dierdre]

Are you on medication for high blood pressure?  Please ring your doctor and let them decide if you need treatment, even if this is caused by stress it needs checking out to be on the safe side.
Too many people are prolonging going to the doctors because of Covid, this is understandable but unnecessary, doctors surgeries are not dealing with Covid cases and will at least give you a telephone consultation.

[Lady Daviot]

Hi Deirdre, thank you for the reply and advise. I did call the gp this morning as through the night I was awake with stomach pain etc ( probably anxiety ) and readings of 199/117, which freaked me out. I am in for bloods tomorrow in case this is related to thyroid and been told to monitor for another 5 days. Still very high today but managed a walk and drinking lots of water. Challenging times for us all and then we have the menopause to deal with.

[Dierdre]

Anxiety and stress cause so many physical problems and is so hard to then control, the reason we are so anxious is because of things we cant control, if that makes sense.  Sometimes accepting this makes it easier to just go with the flow. 

[Taz2]

I agree with stellajane re getting stressed just thinking about taking it.  It's also worth re-reading the instructions for the monitor too such as sitting for at least five minutes with both feet flat on the floor before taking your blood pressure and also not taking it straight after a bowel movement or with a full bladder. I think that's what mine says. It's also important to get the monitor recalibrated annually. I hope you are getting lower results now.

Taz x

[jaypo]

BP can fluctuate dramatically,that's why you shouldn't take it all the time,do it once a day but take 3 readings,then work out the average.Anxiety can definitely raise BP,definitely have a word with your GP though,they may put you on a low dose treatment x