a.twiddler wrote: ↑16 Nov 2022, 11:42am
As someone who has been on some kind of BP meds for over 20 years Can I just add some comments. When i was first diagnosed with
hypertension the first I knew about it was that I developed a blind spot in one eye. My BP at that time was around 210/110 and until that time I had no other symptoms. I was overweight, had a stressful job, probably drank more than was good for me, all familiar things to many people, no doubt.
I was put on a fairly aggressive course of treatment by my GP. I foresaw myself being dead or disabled in a short time, doomed to keep taking medication for whatever was left of my life. It was a very grim time for me. I carried on working, had regular reviews at the opthalmology clinic, and gradually things improved. The BP meds initially made me feel quite dizzy at times, especially when standing after bending over or sitting, and I felt quite tired all the time. The diuretic made me have to plan carefully when I went out as I couldn't stray far from a toilet.
Over a period of time the blind spot disappeared. I was advised that I had been lucky, as it is common to occur in both eyes, and can become a permanent loss of vision. After 18 months I was told that it had totally healed. The initial dizziness from my medication faded, and with different medication over the years I no longer needed a diuretic. It has been my experience that if you persevere with medication, initial side effects do diminish. Compared with the alternative, it's worth persevering.
In measuring BP, consistency is the thing. Many people suffer from "white coat syndrome" at clinics and the advent of machines that allow you to self test at home has been helpful for this. It has been a mixed blessing though, as unless you use a reliable accredited machine you can't rely on the results. Preferably using the upper arm, the same arm each time, and using a cuff that fits you well within the range marked on it. If you have an unusually large or small arm it may need to be specially ordered.
As for taking the BP measurement, it is no earthly use being inconsistent. Sit down, back supported, both feet flat on the floor, arm straight and supported. Maybe you feel comfortable with variations on this, if so stick to the variation each time. Don't cross your arms or legs. You are trying to compare like with like. Loosen your belt if necessary, maybe take your watch off.
Don't drink alcohol or caffeine loaded drinks
beforehand or do it after exercise. Stick to the same time of day or as advised by your GP. It is all just what used to be common sense which in reality is not that common.
For all the theories about Big Pharma and doctors being in their thrall, I can only give my experience. That is without the medication I would most likely have been dead long ago, or worse, have lost my independence through disability or dementia. People can learn to live with disability, and many do, but to lose your independence, for me, is the worst thing.