Blood pressure - better

[Georgia]

In one of my other posts I mentioned that at my doctors appt a week ago my bp was 180/100 & he prescribed Methyldopa tablets to bring it down. Today I received the wrist bp monitor that I ordered from Boots (in the UK) & I used it & my bp reading was 122/73. So, I am thinking that it is a case of white coat syndrome as I usually tend to get worked up when I go the doctor/hospital. I'll keep a log of my home bp tests over the next week & will take them with me when I go back to see him on Friday.

[Penny]

My BP is always higher when I go to the doctor. I try to make sure I test it several days in a row or more, before I have an appointment, and take the log along on my appointment. My doctor says it is hard to judge BP on one reading anyway. I had this discussion on another forum where I was told it wasn't possible, but for some reason, if I drink tomato juice or eat tomatoes for a few days in a row, my BP is always lower. It is low anyway (averages 110/70), but for some reason, the tomato keeps it lower.

[KickStart101]

Hi Georgia:

Wow, that's a big difference in bp levels. Looking Good. :)
I'm just a little concerned about these home bp monitors since I seen
on the news way back about some not being accurate. I didn't catch
which one's since I wasn't interested then.
To make sure yours is accurate you could take it next time you go to
your Doc's. While there, get him or the nurse to check their machine on both your arms and then your machine on both arms. It's worth the time. I don't know if the white coat syndrome would cause that much of a rise. Also
check your bp level before you go to the Docs. Just a thought. I mean
we test our glucose meters against the Docs to make sure we are getting as
close as possible readings for our sugars. I would be interested in how it
turns out as I was thinking of purchasing one also. Good Luck.

[mg_2204]

Georgia, I have that monitor. It's great! You can carry it and take your BP anywhere, easily. But careful... don't do as I did. I took my husband's BP but put the thingy on the wrong side. I had to put it on the inside of his wrist which I did not. We had crazy readings, I was sure he was about to have a stroke... and I almost dragged him to the emergency. :stupid:

BP is always a bit higher when I go to the doc. I try to arrive a bit early, sit down, read a magazine and relax.

Walking has helped greatly to reduce my BP.

ACCURACY: My BP was within the same range as when at the doctor's.

[Georgia]

Thanks everyone.

Yes Penny I am going to take my readings & the bp moitor with me when I go to the doctor on Friday. I've taken 3 reading since so far & they have been 122/73 at 5pm yesterday, 116/75 at 8pm yesterday & 124/74 at 10:15am this morning. KickStart101 I aim to take my bp at the doctors so we can see how accurate it is with the doctor's equipment. Andrea- the instructions say you can only use the left wrist & it has to be on the inside...you & your husband must have had a fright! I know my bp is usually raised when I go see the doctor. I'm not too clued up about white coat syndrome to be honest. The tomato juice is interesting & I have incorporated a lot of walking into my daily routine.

Will let you know how it goes - fingers crossed the monitor is accurate.

:)

[Harold]

No one has mentioned this so I will. Keep the bp monitor at heart level and don't move or talk when checking. Now if want a higher reading lay it in your lap, and for a lower reading hold it above shoulder level. :rofl:

[Georgia]

Thanks Harold - yes the instructions say to hold your arm out at chest level & keep still & do not talk to obtain an accurate reading. This morning it was 126/70 :)

[KickStart101]

Thanks Harold - yes the instructions say to hold your arm out at chest level & keep still & do not talk to obtain an accurate reading. This morning it was 126/70 :)

Hi Georgia: :) Well, your bp's seem to be staying level by the monitor
so hopefully the moniter and the Methyldopa are both working for you.
That would be Great. Good Luck with both and at your Doc's appt.
Keep us updated please. :top:

[Georgia]

Will do. Thanks for the support everyone.