Up till recently, I was a active runner, low BMI male. I'm age 38. Over
the last 3 years, I have had increasing stress in various areas of my life.
Over the past 3 trips to the grocery store, I measured my blood pressure at
140/83, 143/84 and 144/90 at one week intervals at one of those free machine
tests. Since I am being worked to death, I haven't been running at all, and
my weight has gone from 160 to 190. Do I have high blood pressure?

Next time you check your blood pressure at the free machine, be sure
you're in the best state to test it. Caffiene can increase blood
pressure. Mild activity can too. Next time, no coffee or coke for
5 hours before hand and sit for 5 minutes before you take your
pressure. If it is still elevated, then go see your doc or maybe
look up on WebMed for advice.

My pressures were always elevated and I went to my doctor. She told
me about the activity and caffiene. My pressures look much better
now that those pieces are controlled.

Linda and the zoo.

Simpledog wrote:

Simpledog wrote in message ...
When I use one of those machines, I repeat the test at least 3 times,
looking for some repeatability. I often find that my b.p. at initial sit
down reflects the effects of running around the store. A quickie test
right after sitting down returns 140+, it usually drops below 130 with
rest and repeated testing.

I have been told that a proper medically approved b.p. measurement
requires 10 minutes of rest and relaxation before the test. The purpose
of the standard b.p. test is not to see how exercise spikes you, but "what
is your baseline value".

I have moderately elevated b.p. and take an ARB. My formal doctor's
office b.p. are always lower than any of the averages from the store
machines but the trends revealed by the store machines are very useful.

That said, you have identified a life-shortening problem. It's
unfortunate that you are in those job circumstances but the only person who
can deal with it is you.

BTW: such weight gain and b.p. spike often accompany developing diabetes.
You have another rationale for both but don't play doctor, i.e. don't skip
any physicals or any other opportunities to have your blood sugar tested.
Also, if you have blood relatives with diabetes, they are more like alarm
bells than "signs".

Regards
Old Al

"Simpledog" <SPAMLESSCBURNETT1@san.rr.com> wrote in message
news:nvkMc.2855$GB1.533@twister.socal.rr.com...
accroding to my Dr-my BP is just like yours-he says borderline High blood
pressure-
I lost weight do aerobics everyday-still it would not go below 140/80- he
gave me that stuff and now it is roughly 130/79- he says that I will live
longer at that BP-
he said the medicine is pretty miniscule- I am a vegetarian that does not
take any meds- but do that BP stuff..
I am 55.
good luck
Michael

On Sat, 24 Jul 2004 03:15:31 GMT, "Simpledog"
<SPAMLESSCBURNETT1@san.rr.com> wrote:

High enough that you'll want to properly monitor it. Buy a home
blood monitoring kit - they are not expensive. A very worth-while
investment. Also keep note of your resting pulse with it. Don't buy
one that goes around your wrist. Get one with an adjustable cuff that
goes around your upper arm.

Store machines can't always be trusted. I was the same as you, and
would periodically monitor my blood pressure at the store. A couple
of times I freaked out becaue it was 148! Then I'd go down the
street to the next store, do it there, and it would be under 130. The
one across town would give readings around 120.

Now that I monitor at home, on a regular basis, I know it's OK. My
blood pressure is typically around 115 (110-115 over 68-72) now.
Still, for fun, I still like to take my pressure when I'm near a store
machine. The numbers I get there are very inconsistent from machine
to machine. The home kit on the other hand is very consistent.

Things that can cause the machine readings to be off:
- exercise or exertion, even regular walking (you should rest 10-15
minutes before taking your pressure with these or any machine)

- 'white coat' stress... some people just stress out about getting
their blood pressure taken, either by machine, or at the doctor's
office, which causes an inflated reading

- everyday/job/life stress

- cuff size (this was a problem with the 'store machines' in my case).
I'm fit, but have larger than average biceps/arms, and the cuffs on
those machines are only calibrated for arms between 11-13" (or
something like that)

- make sure you position your arm properly, and sit quitely while the
reading is taking place

- natural fluctuations throughout the day... which is why you have to
monitor your pressure often to get a good 'average'.

- recent studies have shown that there are also seasonal fluctuations


In answer to your question, yes 140-144 would be considered high (if
that's an accurate reading)... but not too high that you can't
intervene yourself now to control it through diet, exercise, weight
control, and stress management. If it were to get much higher, you'd
need to go to the doctors, which might require medical intervention
(drugs!)... obviously, it's best to avoid going the drug route if at
all possible!

P.S. - I'm not a believer of the 'dash' diet, but think that Orange
Juice (folate), and Fibre, can have a very positive affect on blood
pressure. Drink 2 cups of extra-pulp OJ per day, and your BP is
guaranteed to drop!