Travel, News, Information and Discount Offers for Over 55s in Ireland

Hi Rose

Many years ago I was told that I had high blood pressure and tried a low salt diet to bring it down. This helped but not enough and I was put on one tablet that worked and had no side effects. I was told that over the years it would probably rise and so it did.  SOme 10 years later I was put on 2 tablets and am now on 3 a day. It's under control now and I regularly visit the nurse/doctor to have it checked. I also have my own machine which I rarely use as I think one can become obsessive about it.

You need to check it regularly especially if you are on medication, even then, one irregular reading doesn't mean much, you need to take the averages over a period, even going to get it checked can push it up... Use low sodium salt. or Lo salt, try to avoid processed foods that contain high levels of salt, it is difficult to keep your intake down... 

Hope somebody can help me.

I am 75 years old, reasonably healthy and am on one tablet for high blood pressure. I went to the doctor 2 days ago and was told that my blood pressure was sky high. He increased my medication and wants to see me again in a week. He also said that I have a heart murmer and suggested that if the tablets wouldn't work he would run a series of tests, including an echo. My husband had a whole battery of tests done last March and found them quite tough. I do not want to go through the same process.

Has anybody else had a similiar experience?

Thanks

Patricia

Hi Patricia

I'm sure you know this already but stress is not good for your blood pressure so please do not be overly anxious about this. I too had high bllod pressure and it is v.important to get it sorted out as you can run the risk of stroke or heart attack. Mine is under control with the help of medication but it is regularly checked.My daughter has a heart murmer that she got checked and it's fine - has made no difference to her life. Hope this helps in some way. The main advice would be not to get stressed about it - it is a very common complaint but can be kept under control. Good luck. Kathryn

Hi Patricia

Just a thought did your Doctor suggest putting you on a blood pressure monitor? Last year I was on a 24 hour monitor. As a result my medication was changed and I was put on aspirin. I feel fine now and check it regularly both with my own monitor and when I go to the GP. Good luck. Bernard.

Just wanted to say thanks for the advice and apologies for not checking in sooner. I only use the internet infrequently but am so happy with my news today that I've made a special effort to share it with the world! I was very worried about the whole thing and had an echo done last week - very easy procedure and nothing to worry about. I also had the BP monitor on for 24 hours a few weeks ago - didn't like that so much! Anyway the Doc tells me today that my BP is excellent, my results are fine and stick with my current medication. All I have to do is check in with the nurse every few weeks to have it checked. Couldn't have asked for better news.

Patricia

Patricia

That's great news. Keep an eye on it and enjoy life!

Regards

Kathryn