blood pressure

[mick]

I had a aortic valve and root replaced last Jan. and have been doing very well. I had it replaced totally on the reccomendations of the dr because of future heart problems later on down the road. Before I had this procedure done I was taking 30 Mgs of procardia for elevated BP. My readings were always higher in the dr's office I figured it was due to "white coat syndrome". when checked it at home it was always within the normal to high normal range. so when I got a high reading at the dr's office I never worried about it to much. On july 18th went in for a check up and my readings were really high. I went back on august 31st and again a very high reading. He prescribed another drug (Norvasc) and told me to come back in 3 months. Besides the new drug, I am taking toprol and altace. While in the hospital following my surgery My BP was perfect and during my recovery period (3 months) BP was good. I have no idea why the BP has become so high. I even got some high readings at home since July 18th and am now thinking I am causing my self to have the high BP cause I am so concerned about it. Anyone else have any similar situtations comparable to mine if so would love to hear them.

 

[tobagotwo]

I suggest you consider asking your cardiologist to put you on a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor. You might want to try it more than once.

As you pointed out, blood pressures taken in the doctor's office can be misleading and cause the docotr to prescribe or overprescribe medications that you don't need.

In your case, it would just be good to know what your blood pressure really is over a one-day time period. You can't really maintain a high enough level of anxiety throughout the day to keep your pressure artificially high. Again, you might want to try it again in a month, depending on the results. It can also tell what your pressure is while you sleep.

In my case, my readings at the cardiologist's were always high. When he wanted to prescribe blood pressure medication, I balked, because the readings at home were in the normal range. We agreed to a 24-hour blood pressure monitor. The results were that my blood pressure was actually normal. The conclusion was that cardiologists cause high blood pressure.

I hope your pressure is under control. If it has become very high, try to discuss possible causation with your cardiologist, rather than just medication. You should rule out th e possibility of physical problems with the heart and vascular system, especially because you have had OHS.

Best wishes%2,

 

[Dennis S]

Norvasc

Norvasc

One quick warning: I may be the only one ever, but I had a horrible reaction to a minimal doseage of Norvasc after about 30 days. I would watch carefully for any weight gain. I added 7 pounds of liquid weight, and it seemed to go to every joint in my body. The pain was literally comparable to what I experienced after my OHS on August 4th of this year.

I didn't catch on right away to what was causing my pain because of the 30 day period before it hit me.

 

[Susan BAV]

I'm kind of disappointed because I had to go back on bp medicine last month. I'm surprised how run-down the medicine makes me feel! I'm vigorously trying to get in better physical shape so I can hopefully get back off of it! I'm nearly two years post-op!

Anyone else on Diovan?

 

[Ross]

Anyone else on Diovan?

Yeap, 160/12.5 Diovan HCT. I can't tell whats kicking most. I'm on that, Atenolol, Aldactone, Lasix, Zaroxolyn, Allegra, Flonase, Coumadin, Asprin.

 

[McCln]

You might be suffering the "white coat syndrom." I have the same problem and I found that taking a breathe before th e bp helps. A problem that cause the high bp also that the nurse does not allow a person the sit an relaxe long enough to get a better reading. Usually they do the bp after just getting you in the doctor's room, after you just walked. So the bp would be up a bit from just walking into the room. Talk with you doctor about this. Might make a difference. Good luck.

 

[Der Biermeister]

I am the all-time champion of WCS. I even took 15 sessions of biofeedback to try to conquer it.

Now first of all .. I need to admit that I do have High bp, but it's always been under control with meds.

I have my own spihgnometer (sp) and have had it calibrated on 3 occasions with my doc. Anyway ... here is how bad my WCS was. After the 15th session of biofeedback, I had brought my own cuff and stethoscope to the session. I went through the relaxation routines and then resting comfortably in an easy chair, I took MY OWN bp, using my cuff, etc., with the therapist sitting in a chair across the room. My reading was 200/115. Drove home and 45 mins later took my bp in the privacy of my own office ---- 140/80.

So yes -- WCS is real for some people and it doesn't necessarily have to be a doctor in a white coat to cause it.
DB

 

[mick]

blood pressure

thank all of you so much for your replies on my latest question on blood pressure and white coat syndrome. at the present I am not taking it at home cause i am not in the right frame of mind to even take it at home. but i do know in the past the pressures have always been ok. for now I am just trying to occupy myself with other things. my cardiologist did assure me that the valve replacement had nothing to do with the high pressure readings.
this website is a "blessing" there have been times i have found out more information on this site than anyplace else i have been. thanks again
mick