Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: MrsMitch on March 23, 2023, 06:35:01 PM
-
I'm sorry ladies but I have another potential issue. My GP asked for my blood pressure when I spoke to her on the phone. I have a monitor after caring for various relatives over the years. I've always had low blood pressure, always, so haven't taken it for quite a few years. Can't believe it's now 146/79!!!! I've taken it 3 times as I had been cooking and pottering about. 3rd time was after sitting for 10 mins and it was 124/77 which is high for me but normal. But it was always low even if I'd been really busy and just took it without sitting. Is a true reading whilst at rest?
I'm hugely active BTW, manual job, walk loads and my BMI is 25.
Thank you in advance.
-
Don't move around! BP alters all the while, I learned last night that during a GA it is lowered, being gradually returned to normal as the patient is brought round.
DH used to take his BP at the same time every morning B4 breakfast. Whilst sitting. If U haven't taken yours for a while, don't 4get that the released stress will mayB put the levels up. Do check the battery too.
Why did your GP ask for readings?
-
Have you had the monitor calibrated? Mine needs doing every two years for accurate readings.
Taz x
-
Hi, yes make sure you sit down quietly for ten mins. Then take three readings, couple of minutes apart and take the lowest. Make sure your arm is raised on a cushion or something so the cuff is level with your heart. Sit up with back supported and don’t cross your legs! Try that and see. I bet it isn’t that high. And yes bp will gradually rise with age.
-
Thank you girls, so as I said I took it straight after being active and had my legs crossed!!!
I took it last night and again just now after sitting for a bit.
It's now 124/77 and today's 126/70
For me that is way higher than it was about 6-7 yrs ago. I think the GP asked for it because they've haven't EVER taken my bp.
I think I'm over thinking things because I worry so much I won't be able to continue with HRT coz my bp goes up or some other health issue develops due to HRT.
As much as my symptoms are not as under control as I'd like them to be, I'd really hate to be back where I was without HRT.
You know you guys are better than my GP, right!!
-
Your bottom number is fine. Your higher number is just in the pre high blood pressure range. You can improve this by taking more exercise and adjusting your diet and alcohol intake (if you drink alcohol). If you do develop high blood pressure then all is not lost as, usually, you can still have HRT if the BP is controlled through medication. Blood pressure chart here. Have you calibrated your monitor recently?
https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/understanding-your-blood-pressure/what-do-the-numbers-mean/
Taz x :)
-
Not over thinking at all, asking advice enables others to reassure. Anything suggested can then be used if appropriate, or put to 1 side for later consideration.
-
Goodness me, Poppytoast, what a lot to deal with. I hope the ECG monitor doesn't show up any issues or if it does, it's a simple fix for you. I hope the patch works well for you too. I'm learning that nothing is straight forward with the menopause and GP's with very little knowledge don't help plus the long waiting lists for any attention. That's the issue with my referral to the menopause specialist. The waiting list is over 12 months and so they can't even give me an appointment.
Taz2 I don't drink and my job is hedge cutting and tree surgery so I'm very active plus I walk for about 1 1/2 hrs a day with the dog and we walk for anything up to 4-5 hrs on days off. Don't think I can fit any more exercise in!!
I don't eat processed food or anything with sugar in so I don't know what I'd cut out. But in answer to your question, no I haven't had it calibrated. Where do I get that done?
-
That's a great blood pressure, well within the normal range. Mine is around 147/99, but a week ago it went up to 156/106 😳
-
I get mine calibrated by a company called Forest Medical. They advise getting it done every twelve months but the instructions that come with most of the recommended monitors state twenty four months as being adequate. Think it's around £25. Our pharmacy used to do it for free but have now stopped this service
Taz :)
-
Would it be cheaper to buy another machine?
-
The one I have is around the £50 mark but I agree it is easier to buy a new one then go through the faff of sending it off. I'm trying to improve my 'throw away society' awareness though.
Taz x
-
As a meander - once a month in our village there are (usually) men who look at items for free and mend where appropriate. We have taken electrical/computer items for them to use rather than us throwing them.