Confused about my blood pressure.

[emmyn74]

My whole life I have always had a blood pressure that was in the normal range usually 110/75, or 118/78, somewhere around there. I went to the doctor last week (thurs) because I was really sick (with sinus issues) and my bp was 146/93. It was a new Dr. and I told her that I have never had high bp before. Even before I went on atkin's my bp was normal because I was at the Dr. back in the beginning of Oct. My question is, why would it be doing this now that I am changing my WOE? I thought that the Dr. was wrong and it was just because I was nervous but I came home and have been retaking it. Every time it is in the 140's. I am concerned for my health here and not sure what to do. My Dr. only said that my blood pressure was pretty high and ordered my old records to be sent to her. I know that if I want an answer I am going to have to go to the Dr. but has this happened to anyone else? Could it be constant stress (because I have acquired quite a bit of that this past month) or will that even make your bp go up like this?

[purplecat]

Re: Confused about my blood pressure.

Don't fret just yet. Being sick puts pressure (stress) on your body which will sometimes send your BP a little higher than normal. It's your body's natural way of reacting to stress. Also, certain sinus meds push the BP up higher as well. Don't be frightened until you're well and at least 3 days post sinus meds (that's how long they will stay in your system) then recheck your BP. All will be well. I hope you feel better soon.

P.S. Yes, situational stress will send your BP up too. Try to relax (although I know that's sometimes easier said than done).

[sallyseachange]

Re: Confused about my blood pressure.

Ditto what Catrenia says. Try not to worry. It'll most likely come down again when you're feeling better and less stressed.
Keep us posted.

[Einy]

Re: Confused about my blood pressure.

Yes emmyn. Take it easy, bp can fluctuate.. I have bp and agree 100% there with what Caternia said, if you are in cold/sinus/etc medication, did some physical work (climbing stairs, workout, running, etc), or even a small cup of caffeinated drink (coffee, coke, etc) would register a higher bp. I am not allowed to take any of those cold/sinus over the counter medications because it might spike bp.

If you are concerned (which I don’t think you should), measure it while you are relaxed, preferably just before going to bed or so and see how it is. The doctor will have to make sure you are not in any medication, take at least 3 bp readings, each about 1 week apart before s/he decides that you are hypertension.
Wait till you get better and all your cold or sinus symptoms disappear, check your bp again and see. If you still see it high, give it couple of days and check again. There are plenty of BP machines available for free bp check in Walmart, CVS, Eckards, and most other pharmacies.

If you still see a high blood pressure after all this, then you may want to go check it out with your doctor. Have you done any blood work? How is your cholesterol doing?

All that said, I always say, if you are still not feeling comfortable waiting or if you are worried, give your doctor a call and ask for advice, they usually are able to help over the phone. Meanwhile, and till you confirm your bp is ok, I would take it easy on the salt and sodium.

[emmyn74]

Re: Confused about my blood pressure.

Thanks guys for all of the info. I was thinking that being sick might make the bp higher but the Dr. seemed a little worried at the time. I have to take the meds for ten more days and then I will take bp again once I am off of them for three days. I have been worrying about it but from what you all said I shouldn't unless it is a problem once I am off the meds. She gave me four different sinus meds and an antibiotic to take for whatever I have. She never really told me what I had but it was pretty bad and my sinuses were really screwed up and extremely painful. I do feel better now that I have been taking the meds. She also gave me some prednisone to take as well which I was thinking might make it go up. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. Thanks again.

[Einy]

Re: Confused about my blood pressure.

Yeap.. Absolutely (as per to my wife -dentist-).. Prednisone in most cases WILL increase your blood pressure. Check Yahoo Health on the drug..

http://health.yahoo.com/hormone-medi...-d00350a1.html

I was thinking that being sick might make the bp higher but the Dr. seemed a little worried at the time

May be hesitant to prescribe the medication being conscious it may increase your bp! That explains why she asked for your previous records.

Is your doctor aware that you are doing a diet? If this is THE Prednisone specified in that link, you may struggle loosing weight. (Check the side effects section of the drug on that link).

[theredhead]

Re: Confused about my blood pressure.

My DH was pretty sick with a respiratory infection and finally dragged himself to the doctor. His super-high blood pressure alarmed her. His is normally very low. After checking his heart (which looked great), she put him on blood pressure medicine anyway. She then made him admit that he'd been overdosing on cold medicine. He's one of those dumb people who think that if one dose is good, two is better. She scolded him and I think he learned his lesson. So, if you've been treating with over-the-counter stuff for longer than 3-4 days, that could have contributed to the problem. I hope you feel better soon!

[purplecat]

Re: Confused about my blood pressure.

Thanks guys for all of the info. I was thinking that being sick might make the bp higher but the Dr. seemed a little worried at the time. I have to take the meds for ten more days and then I will take bp again once I am off of them for three days. I have been worrying about it but from what you all said I shouldn't unless it is a problem once I am off the meds. She gave me four different sinus meds and an antibiotic to take for whatever I have. She never really told me what I had but it was pretty bad and my sinuses were really screwed up and extremely painful. I do feel better now that I have been taking the meds. She also gave me some prednisone to take as well which I was thinking might make it go up. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. Thanks again.

I take MSM powder (all natural) - www.bio-alternatives.net - and buffered Vitamin C powder (www.vitapurity.com) for my sinuses. I used to get a monthly sinus infection and would end up on antibiotics. Not anymore. I also use a neti pot at times (www.sinucleanse.com). Please note I do not endorse any of these products, I just know they've helped me considerably.