Stress Test and High Blood Pressure

[Already Bald]

BP has also droppped from 135/85 to 125/77.

Jonwil, Great job on the BP Drop!!
125/77 is AWESOME!
I also have an Omreon, and I check it through the week.
My BP is a direct relation to my weight- when I'm low, it is too.
Cheers!

[jonwil]

I'm sure there is a "white coat syndrom". My GP always takes my BP a couple of times and each time it gets lower as I relax. One of the GPs government targets in the UK is to report the number of patients whose diastolic reading is over 90, so mine is keen to get it below that to reduce paperwork.

When I had my op it peaked around 176/119. When I mentioned to the nurse that a second reading often resulted in a lower reading, she then used to do a second reading a few minutes later and it always dropped significantly. I now have a monitor at home and it recommends that you take 3 readings over 10 minutes and it displays the average. Also, take the readings at the same time each day to get a trend.

Although I've only used it for just over a month it has helped me to relax and my resting pulse has dropped from around 90 to 70 or lower. BP has also droppped from 135/85 to 125/77. Upper arm ones are supposed to be more accurate than wrist ones from what I have been told. Also, readings will differ between arms as the cuff needs to be set differently on the right arm - the machine I have (Omron M6) is designed for the left arm.

Jon

[grndog]

Just wanted to add, anyone who has a problem with low blood platlets may want to avoid diuretics for HBP they are known to make the condition worse.
(My husband found out the hard way) There are a pretty good variety of meds to choose from, most doctors can usually find one thats just right for you.

Mary

[Already Bald]

Clint, I am also hypertensive, and the Lisinopril seems to work.
However I believe that the high BP and cardio risk typically associated with chemo protocals for TC are more of a long term risk.

I hope things settle down for Jerry- you both have had such a rough run with this thing. Soon chemo will be just a bad memory.
Best,

[Mrs Moggi]

Pete's right about variability. I think you're meant to have it tested 2-3 times, on different occassions before they make the diagnosis - this is of course different when you're hospitalized and there are so many external variables, ie fluids added, subtracted, etc.

A medical director that I once knew had done a lot of research on 'white coat hypertension' which is hypertension as the result of being nervous or intimidated by the doctor/health care provider. If you can, pick up an at home monitor which might give you a good idea of how you're doing - check with your doc for their opinion on this. It also varies a lot by time of day so if you can make appointments at different times of the day that will give your doc a better of idea of how you're doing.

Keep thinking those relaxing, calm thoughts!

[petep]

I wonder sometimes about BP tests...and their reliability/repeatability

I've been 120/80 my entire life....years ago, once while getting BP taken for insurance I got a reading of 150 / 90 or something like that....the nurse if I had a history of high BP...I said no...she took it again...same thing...

she asked if I was nervous...I said yes...she said relax for a couple minutes, relax your stomach muscles and breath with your belly....did that and took it again...120/80...I've had BP taken so many times, I have realized just by tightening my stomach muscles, as if I am nervous, I can get it to jump....

at my last follow up...left arm was 135/85....right was 120/80, then did left again and it was 121/79...

not saying you do not have high BP....just that early in my life I assumed all medical tests were close to a perfect science...and many are not.

[Already Bald]

The most expensive work out I've ever had!

They aren't interested in your sexy legs or six-pack abs. Just the ticker.

Uncle Paul,
I asked the nurse if she thought I had sexy legs, and she gave me a smile and a wink and said "Sure do"!


All good with my test! Blood pressure was a little high, and he told me to get into better shape- (but she said he tells everyone that!)
When I told him about my ride with the LAF this summer, he decided to push me a little bit- because of my age my target HR is 182, so he asked me to hold it there for about ten minutes- that was tough. they did an US before and after the treadmill, and everything is fine. He said I won't be seeing him again.

Thanks to everyone for all your good vibes. I'll let you know how my brother makes out next week.
Much Love,
Joe

[Mom]

Thank you, Joe. I'd be happy to take you to the hospital or stay with the kids. Let me know. You really need to get this done if you are going to cycle. Also, Jay always wears a heart rate monitor, he feels you need one to train. He keeps his heart rate percentages listed on on refrigerator door so that he knows where his training cycle is. Mom

[Scott]

It is not so much the actual test that I'm concerned about, but the results.

Better to shine the light on what's in the closet and pick up even a little than to trip over the mess in the dark.

[Already Bald]

Ah, something I really do know something about. After everything you guys have been through, and with any physical conditioning whatsoever, you will sail through. You are so instrumented that they know when you peak and to slow you down so they don't kill you.

Thanks Paul- makes me feel better. There are a few "young" Grandfathers that I work with who echo your words.
It is not so much the actual test that I'm concerned about, but the results. I have been living a healthier life since ending chemo, but the damn BP just keeps climbing (when not medicated).
I'm almost afraid to look at my cholorestoral readings- I was 202 in August of last year.
Must be all that ice cream I washed down with beer in my 30's.

[Lori]

Joe, I'm so happy to see that you are going to the docs for "normal" life events! I keep pushing my husband to go get a physical and he keeps saying he just had cancer he isn't really worried about high cholesterol. I'm going to keep pushing though, because as he learned through cancer treatment, I can be a nag!

Glad to see you BP is back down!

Lori

[Already Bald]

That is great news, Joe. With the right script you shouldn't have any side effects. Now...why haven't you made an appointment for that stress test....

Okay Mom.
I just scheduled the stress test- at Paoli on 11/30.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous...
Guess you really can't study for this type of test, can you?

[Margaret]

Great news Joe, glad you are feeling better!

[Mom]

That is great news, Joe. With the right script you shouldn't have any side effects. Now...why haven't you made an appointment for that stress test....

[Already Bald]

Some Good News

I went to my primary care physician yesterday. My BP is WAY DOWN!! Too low even, some readings were 91/60..
So, she has reduced my script considerably, and I'm already feeling better.
The 40mg Benicar made me sleepy and a little dizzy almost all the time.
I feel GREAT today! Even thinking about riding the bike tonight.

Still need to schedule my stress test though.