Blood pressure ramblings
 

A couple of weeks ago my pharmacy offered to take my BP, I declined but decided to check it at home, I'm on meds for pre-hypertension. The systolic number was ok (sb <120) but the diastolic number was nudging 80 (sb <80). I decided to up my exercise regime but was alarmed to see the diastolic number continue to climb over a week.


I followed the readings guidelines, measure 30 mins or so after getting up and before eating, don't measure within a couple hours of eating etc.

I should point out I feel the cold. After living in SoCal for 20+ years I really feel the cold. I never thought much about it but then wondered if my BP might be linked to air temperature, a quick google revealed that it is. I suppose it's obvious because your blood vessels constrict to conserve heat.

I turned the heating back on and went to sit in the conservatory since the sun was out. I measured BP when the air temp reached 70°F and got 92/65 (averaged over 2 readings over 15 mins). One of the morning readings was 114/89 (averaged), a considerable drop. I think at comfortable temps my BP is fine.

So, if you need to take a BP reading, make sure you're sat in the warmth.

Re: Blood pressure ramblings
 

In this house easier said than done! But yes temperature does make a difference. I find it hard to find a window to take readings because when I awaken my first thoughts are I am ready for a cup of tea!

Re: Blood pressure ramblings
 

I take a reading once a week since going onto BP pills. I take it while watching a YouTube video so I'm fully relaxed.

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Re: Blood pressure ramblings
 

I check mine every now and then, generally it's reasonably OK but does vary quite a lot depending on how/when you do it. I saw a guide (youtube maybe, i forget now) explaining a number of things to consider when doing it, things like resting, sitting, food etc. One of the things suggested was that the cuff (top of arm type) should NOT be too tight before running the test as this can alter the readings, which I have found to be the case. The cuff should be slack with just the loose taken up, definitely not pulled tight.
I was advised to get an Omron, as simple as possible (upgrades just get you more recording options etc generally, for straightforward checks an M2(+) does fine). Boots do their own branded version which is just an Omron M2 with a Boots label on it. When I got mine the Boots version was quite a bit cheaper than the Omron, but checking now it's the other way round, just see what you can find.
If you are of a certain age or disposition, blood pressure and blood sugar are very easy checks to do yourself regularly. Type 2 diabetes is in my family but so far I'm clear, I take after the side of the family with no real history so hopefully OK, I'm not overweight and have a reasonably healthy diet and lifestyle so just occasional checks seem fine. For blood sugar I used GlucoRx stuff which I've found easy to use and reliable, just bear in mind the advisory guidelines for use.

Re: Blood pressure ramblings
 

Worrying about BP can increase your BP... it naturally gets higher as you age anyway... If you feel the cold and your hands suffer ( like mine do at slightest temperature drop, but settle down once temperature has been cold for a few days ) because of your body constricting blood vessels in fingers and toes get some Ginkgo Biloba or beetroot tablets...