blood pressure jump...possible?

[Rock'n Robin]

I went to the doctor Monday because I've been having little twingy pains on the outer edges of my chest. I have a Mitral Valve Prolapse and when it was diagnosed in 93 or 94, my DR. said I'd have little pains occasionally, but they have worsened lately.
I was pretty nervous. I just switched doctors--my doctor retired, and the practice insisted on making me an appointment with the newest doctor--DH has seen him and doesn't like him at all. The only Dr. left in the practice that I like is not taking new patients. My new doctor and his office mate split off from that practice about a year ago.
The problem did not turn out to be a big deal--I don't remember what, but not really heart-related, but muscle-related. He scheduled me for an echo and a chest X ray since it's been so long since I've had them. The big issue was that my BP was sky high--152/98! Now keep in mind as recently as late June when I had my pap, I had a normal reading. I have never had a problem except with DD#2 during pregnancy. The Doctor told me to try to get the BP down (giving me 3 whole weeks) before we decide to medicate or not.
Other factors--I was working out 3-4 times a week until our vacation in July for 4 months--then 1 or 2 times a week--but very rarely since school started--the kids schedules don't really allow me that gym time so far this fall. I am about 40 pounds overweight. My mom was diagnosed with high BP at age 33 and she is skinny as a rail, so there is a genetic component (I am 43 now). I do not believe in medicating myself like this. I do have stress right now--DH was out of work for a while and we are "catching up", DD#2 needed braces $ today, my kids are so busy and at a fighting age--work is an oasis for rme this year as my classes are great.
Dr. suggested I buy myself a BP cuff with a memory and take my BP between now and the next appt., but I do NOT have the money to do it at this time.
Is it really possibly for a BP reading to shoot up like this in 4 months after a lifetime of normal readings--bypassing "borderline" and going straight to stage 1 hypertension--or was it probably nerves/stress?
Robin M.

 

[llp479]

Yes it is possible. I went from having low BP to high BP in a matter of months, without weight gain, or excessive stress when I was 39. Genetic history of high BP is probably to blame.

I take one pill a day to keep things in check. Better than the alternative of heart attack or stroke.

 

[mtemm]

I think the change in working out probably has played a part, as well as worrying about whatever might have been wrong (glad to hear that part wasn't too serious...at least that's how I read your post).

in the next 3 weeks I would start working out again. even if you can't get to the gym, try to walk at least 30 minutes a day at a good pace. eat healthfully, watch salt intake, make sure you are drinking enough water. I have a cuff that is wonderful to have at home (I had pre-e while pg), but if you can't afford it, is it possible to borrow one from a friend for the time being, or perhaps pop in to your dr.s a few times a week and have the nurse check it? not sure if that's an option.

good luck!

eta, I believe only the top number reflects stress, so since your bottom number is still very high, I would definitely make some changes.

 

[JadenLayne]

You could have also been scared to death because of the chest pains. My mother has what Drs. call White Coat Syndrome. She is so scared that her blood pressure is sky high when she first goes into the Drs. office. Once the visit is over and everything is fine they take it again and it's back to normal.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Here's a link to the Cleveland Clinic's consumer info on hypertension (high bp). http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/search/show-documents.asp?mediaID=5&topicId=317&sortId=2

Chronic hypertension needs a little time to be diagnosed and your doctor is taking his time.

BP cuffs are pretty cheap...around $30, I think. ETA: But you need a stethoscope, too! I forget that not everyone has one lying around the house. If you can hear pretty well, you can find cheap ones to use for less than $30. Lots of doctors/hospitals have digital ones you can use at home...ask about it, if he wants you taking your bp.

If your doctor tells you to take the meds and every single DISer says don't, you should take them. Either trust your doc or find one you do trust. You get your medical advice off of internet posting boards and you're asking for trouble.

A friend of mine had high bp and didn't take the meds because they made him impotent. He was a teacher and had a stroke in the classroom in front of 30 2nd graders.

He used to water ski, drink beer and try to out-do other history buffs with tough questions, and run around the football field with the kids he coached. Now he can kind of walk, with a cane. He can also string a few words together after 10 years of Speech Therapy. His mind works fine, he just can't talk.

Take care of yourself! You're the only YOU we have on the DIS.

 

[whogirl'smom]

My doctor said that White Coat Syndrome isn't believed to be a valid explanation for high blood pressure anymore. If you're getting stressed just going to the doctor, you're getting stressed at other stressful things during the day, too. HBP runs in my family and mine has been up and down for years, on and off medication for years (I'm 39). I even tried herbal remedies (made the BP go UP!) I finally decided to quit trying to fool myself and just take a little pill every day like the doctor prescribed. I exercise 2x most days, 30 min. each session, for 5 days a week and it still doesn't get the BP down and neither does weight loss. The first time my BP was high, I was 19 y/o and weighed 115. It's probably heredity, but you'll be okay. It's hard to accept thinking there's something "wrong" with you, but it's harder to think of what could happen without medication.

I think being on the DIS boards is very calming!

 

[Amlee]

Even with my size my BP has always been perfect. For the last month or so, I have been under some stress and it's gone through the roof. My doctor had me do a daily journal of my BP for 2 weeks. I would go every day to get it checked(CVS, Rite Aid) and write it down. On days that I had stress yeah it was high, but most days it had gone back normal. I would suggest you do the journal and see how it goes.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

I have always had a very good BP reading except for when I was pregnant, when it was high. In Feb I was struggling with an approaching out of state wedding, a 17-yo son who was not happy about it, and my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. My blood pressure shot up and stayed up. I'm on meds and it's still higher than it should be. I don't like the meds, I feel tired and I've gained about 20 lbs since Feb. I feel your pain.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Just back from my conferences and reading the responses. I know I have to make changes. BUT that last response scares me...I'm already carrying around extra weight; I'm hoping not all the BP meds cause weight gain or I'll add the stress of needing bigger clothes!
Robin M.

 

[shortbun]

Did they recheck it that day in the doc's office or did they go by just the one reading? I've had them make mistakes on me and redo it to find a perfectly normal reading. Really. Btw, my aunt is a nurse in an oncologist's office. She says chemo raises blood pressure and they put their patients on Garlique to keep it low. She swears by it. She also says it makes one give off a little garlic odor if they are particularly sensitive to smell.

 

[whogirl'smom]

I have always had a very good BP reading except for when I was pregnant, when it was high. In Feb I was struggling with an approaching out of state wedding, a 17-yo son who was not happy about it, and my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. My blood pressure shot up and stayed up. I'm on meds and it's still higher than it should be. I don't like the meds, I feel tired and I've gained about 20 lbs since Feb. I feel your pain.

I have been on three different BP medications over the years and NONE of them caused me to gain weight, so it's not an automatic. Both my parents are on BP meds with no weight gain from them.

The only thing I will advise is to make sure to remind your doctor if you have even slight asthma (from allergies or even exercise) because beta blockers will exacerbate any symptoms, even in a combo pill. My doctor neglected to remember this and I spent a year using Advair until I read the fine print of the physician's insert paper with my medicine. He switched me to Tarka and I've had no problems and only had to use my inhaler a few times in the past year. You just have to arm yourself with a mountain of into and not be afraid to ask questions at your doctor visits. My doc knows I am the patient that reads every word, every lab experiment, every side effect of a medicine!