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[Elliebee]

I had 24 hr blood pressure monitor last week as part of review of BP medication. The results have come back all ok with an overall BP average of 128:76.
However, when I monitor my BP at home in morning and evening it is always much higher than this - can be up to 150:90.
As a worrier I’m now asking myself which results do I trust ?
Anyone else had a similar scenario?

[Taz2]

Do you take three measurements each time and use the lowest reading. The instructions on mine says to sit for five minutes with feet flat on floor and back straight before taking it and not to have a full bladder. Also how old is your monitor as it needs recalibrating every year.
Taz x

[Elliebee]

Hi Taz, thanks for responding. It’s a new monitor which is certified by BHF . I tend to sit in different places but follow all the guidance such as those you mention. I try to relax as much as I can but once I see a high reading that’s it my anxiety level goes through roof.
I’m not very good at monitoring at exact same time of day though !

[Aprilflower]

I'm on a waiting list for a 24 hour monitor.

From what I understand your blood pressure is always higher in the morning.  I think they take the average over the 24 hours.

I took my home monitor to the surgery, so they could compare the reading with theirs I'm nearly always 140s in the morning but as low ase120s in the evening.  My monitor read similar to the surgery one.

I wouldn't worry.  If they think your fine you are.

[Elliebee]

Thank you Aprilflower. I’m such a worrier and over think everything!
I hope you get the 24 hour monitor soon.

[bombsh3ll]

The 24 hour monitor averages your BP over the whole day and night including during sleep.

If someone is hypertensive during the day but dips either normally or excessively at night, just getting the average reading is not particularly helpful.

First off I would ask for a copy of your complete report.

Additionally I would continue to self monitor in the daytime.

Personally I would treat persistent daytime hypertension either with lifestyle or a short acting antihypertensive rather than just ignoring it, as it can lead to vascular damage if left untreated over the long term.

[Elliebee]

Hi Bombshell I do have the complete report. It gives average for awake hours, sleep hours as well as 24 hour average.
These are as follows:-
24 hour average - 128/76
Daytime average 130/80
Nighttime 115/69

37 readings in total across the 24 hours   
32 Daytime and 5 night
Of the 32 daytime 13 were above 135 with one reaching 160.
Nighttime 2 exceeded the 110 Nighttime good diastolic level.


There are also pie charts and bar graphs which show :

Systolic overall 24% above 135
22% above 140
Diastolic 37.8% above 80 and 5.4% above 90

Pie charts suggest diastolic ok 100% of time which I don’t understand given some are above 90?
Systolic daytime ok for 59% and high for 41%
Nighttime systolic ok 60% not ok 40%
Overall diastolic 59% ok 41% high

I’m currently on 2.5mg of Ramipril and have been for nearly 3 years.

I think I may be due an increase in dose. I eat healthily (majority of time) , exercise 4/5 days a week and don’t drink too much alcohol. I think my high blood pressure is mainly genetic and anxiety related !

I will speak to GP

[CLKD]

U R over thinking.  MinL was supposed to continue with her usual routine but sat at her son's being waited upon.  I was furious  .  So the readings were not 'normal' for her, she wouldn't listen though and the GP didn't think to ask. He had suggested 'usual routine' ........

DH would take his at the same time B4 eating every morning.  He has white coat syndrome so at home gave better readings.  Also if U have reverted to using your own machine, your anxiety will be slightly raised.

[Ayesha]

Your anxiety is taking over your thinking, you have nothing to worry about.

[Elliebee]

Thank you Ayesha and CLKD . I’m just concerned that for 40% of the time my readings were classed as high . Maybe this shows my current dose of Ramipril isn’t controlling my BP?