ENG 1 - Blood Pressure

[Redrum]

Hi guys, i'm due my ENG 1 soon, cant wait to get it out the way but i've been a bit worried as lately my blood pressure is a bit higher than it should be. I'm 5'7, average build all over and i walk to and from work everyday, used to run 110m Hurdle dash for county, play football, played rugby, consider myself all around fit and i have no underlying medical problems. I'm not sure why my blood pressure is as high as it is, but what do you think the doc will say?

[endure]

Where and when is your blood pressure measured? There is such a thing as 'white coat syndrome' whereby going to the Doc to have your BP measured actually puts it up.

Might be an idea to buy a BP machine (one that works on your bicep NOT your wrist) and have a go yourself. Use it when you've been sat down resting for a good 20 minutes and make 2 or 3 measurements a minute apart. Keep records and show them to the Doc.

[Redrum]

Been using a BP machine (bicep one) and measuring at home, bit nervous now only because of my blood pressure, my career could depend on it!

[endure]

Take regular measurements, keep a record and show them to the Doc. They understand about white coat hypertension and should take your readings into account.

[Redrum]

Okay will do bud, hows their policy on blood pressure out of interest, do you know?

[Blondie]

How high is 'a little high'?

[MrStealth]

The actions the Dr. will take depends entirely on how high your blood pressure is. If it's high they'll either pass you and simply class it as "white coat syndrome", or declare you as temporarily unfit whilst they investigate why your blood pressure is high.

My concern however, is that your blood pressure is high enough to cause you concern. As such, I suggest you get yourself to your GP as soon as possible - the quicker you find out the cause of the high blood pressure, the quicker it can be fixed.

[Redrum]

Just took a reading of 131 / 77...

[Blondie]

First thing, stop self diagnosing. 131/77 isn't massively high, it's in the normal range for an adult. If you're worried about it go see a GP regardless of the ENG1 medical.

[Redrum]

I think im fine if im honest... just did another of 130/76

[endure]

Both those readings are in the normal range. Stop worrying.

[Midge]

As someone who had pre eclampsia in pregnancy and that throws some whacking high results, I know being anxious can make it higher. Very easily. If you are using a home monitor make sure you do follow the instructions very carefully. Not doing so will give you inaccurate results, if it's not calibrated properly that can effect it.
If you have ever learnt any relaxation techniques use them you can see the effect it has between readings. I manage to be allowed home for a few hours on Christmas Day after managing to get mine down to a level they would accept by using it.
White coat syndrome is very common.
Don't panic!
If you do actually have a real blood pressure problem it is best to know about it and be able to treat it, health comes first.
Always best to use qualified medical advice, none of us are doctors on here but this might help you relax a bit.

From MSN 1822

7.2 Hypertension AD Guidance 8
Risk factor for ischaemic heart disease, eye and kidney damage and stroke. Risk of acute hypertensive episodes
Screening at medical. Early assessment/treatment of raised blood pressure
Normally 3 - if >170 systolic or >100 diastolic mm Hg until investigated and treated in accordance with British Hypertension Society (or other appropriate) Guidelines.
1 - if lowest reading is
(a) <140 systolic and <90 diastolic mm Hg OR
(b) <150 systolic and <95 diastolic mm Hg, under regular surveillance, compliant with recommended treatment and free from side effects.
See AD Guidance
1 time limited - if level of excess risk of recurrence is
1 time limited or 3 - if additional surveillance needed to ensure level remains <170 systolic and <100 diastolic mm Hg
4 - if >170 systolic or > 100 diastolic mm Hg with or without treatment.
Case by case assessment to include side effects of condition and treatment.
Surveillance required C.






Seems at your current level it's within limits so don't panic!

[Redrum]

My last four readings were good, im definately alright!.
123/74 121/85 120/74 123/86

[Midge]

My last four readings were good, im definately alright!.
123/74 121/85 120/74 123/86

Good ! Now relax don't think about it anymore. Get there in time alloy for traffic and you will be fine.

[ECauseway]

I believe the upper limit is 140/90 for the ENG 1. When I went for mine I had two readings of about 160/75 taken by the nurse, then I had to have a third reading by the doctor, which, fortunately, was 140/75. I was told if I couldn't pass, I would have to have a reading taken at my local surgery.