I occassionally post the guidelines as a reminder to maintain the tone, etiquette and spirit of Mayo Clinic Connect. These Community Guidelines offer 12 short rules of conduct that help keep the Mayo Clinic Connect community safe, supportive, inclusive, and respectful.
On the topic of blood pressure guidelines, it is important to discuss your options with your doctor to find what is right for you. Let your doctor know if you would like to try an approach that doesn't rely on medications. Also remember that there may be a time when medication is the right option for YOU. Be informed.
Here are some articles from Mayo Clinic that people here might find helpful:
- What is hypertension? A Mayo Clinic expert explains. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/multimedia/vid-20538077
"How is it treated?
Treatment of hypertension involves lifestyle modification alone or in combination with antihypertensive medication therapy. For individuals with certain common conditions, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. Certain medications may be more advantageous to use compared to other medications. Deciding upon the best blood pressure to target, when to start antihypertensive medication therapy, and which specific medication or a combination of medications to utilize is highly individualized and informed by many factors."
My blood pressure varies....if I'm just sitting at my computer (and not looking at the news) it's usually less than 120 - 65. If I just climbed a flight of stairs, it's around 131 - 78, and if I'm feeling stressed, like when I experience palpitations, it will be over 140 /80. It would be useful to have an ambulatory BP monitor that continuously checks BP and uses an algorithm that averages all the data to a meaningful number.
Movement confounds the equipment, but it also yields only a temporary reading. A few minutes later, at rest, the reading might be 20 points lower and much less alarming. So, the instructions I have seen say to perform two measurements in succession, about a minute or two apart, and to take THAT average for the current reading. (Add the two numbers derived, and divide the sum by 2).
I have found that my best reading, and this is backed by an article I saw just yesterday, is going to be as soon as I awaken each morning, even before stirring much in bed. If you can relax for a few seconds after starting awake, and often we turn over or turn onto our backs, we should let that pass and another minute. Then, take your BP. I use a Samsung Galaxy watch (it also measures my O2 saturation throughout the night in case of apnea, measures heart rate, and stages of sleep and their durations/totals). That reading will be low, and should be the lowest of the day. But it's a veridical measurement before rising, thinking much of problems to be solved and chores to be done, and before ingesting any supplements, medicines, and caffeinated drinks....OR food, especially with carbs.
I think it's wise to take two other measurements, twinned as suggested, during the day to get a more honest appraisal of what your average pressure really is when not abed. Taking it during exercise is useful, but will greatly raise the average if it's substantially higher, and if it's substantially higher it isn't reflective of your typical pressure, so it could be misleading. I hope I'm making myself clear. We should all accept that our HR and BP change during the day to adapt to demands of all kinds, physical and emotional. What we should all do, according to the reading I have done, is to take a running average of all values and use that as an indication of overall health, but also of a trend if one shows in the data. If the average in 2024 is 120/70, and the running average near the end of 2025 is 126/78, that's probably a useful indicator that we're headed in the wrong direction.
You're resting blood pressure is low. Every ones blood pressure is high when exercising.
Maybe we shouldn't exercise but wait, exercise is healthy. Is the answer that BP should be low most of the time?
Maybe a low fat diet is the answer, but wait, the liver makes cholesterol while we sleep that the body needs.
Ok take statins to prevent that. Wear a Holter for a couple of months. If no sign of AFIB you can come off the blood thinners. Wait, what happens after the 60th day? Better to stay on them.
I posted this because I believe it is relevant to the purpose of this site which is to provide information about heart rhythm conditions. It was about BP and not about doctors or pharmaceutical companies. If you don't like the way that health care is being provided, then take your rants to a site where your post will be relevant.
Interesting that European numbers are higher. I always thought I was an American! Seriously, my sister-in-law has been on statins most of her life. Guess what? She has blockages all over! How are they dealing with it? More medicine!
My husband (and I) have also been on statins for more than 25 years. My husband kept his total cholesterol and LDL low - at the optimal recommended level of 70. Unfortunately, we did not know that he inherited a Lipoprotein(a) which is very atherogenic. Primary care doctors and even cardiologists did not test for it in the past either because they knew there was no specific treatment or they did not know about it at all - it was not commonly discussed.
My husband now keeps his LDL at 55 or lower and is taking a PSKC9 medication that has reduced his lipoprotein(a) by one third -- still way above the desired value but better than before.
There are several effective drugs in clinical trials but they are placebo controlled and my "read" is that you cannot take these other meds that might reduce your risk if you participate in these trials.
This might be the situation with your sister in law, who has blockages all over. I suspect it is -- either than or she may be taking a statin that is not effective for her but which may come with fewer side effects.
My husband (and I) have also been on statins for more than 25 years. My husband kept his total cholesterol and LDL low - at the optimal recommended level of 70. Unfortunately, we did not know that he inherited a Lipoprotein(a) which is very atherogenic. Primary care doctors and even cardiologists did not test for it in the past either because they knew there was no specific treatment or they did not know about it at all - it was not commonly discussed.
My husband now keeps his LDL at 55 or lower and is taking a PSKC9 medication that has reduced his lipoprotein(a) by one third -- still way above the desired value but better than before.
There are several effective drugs in clinical trials but they are placebo controlled and my "read" is that you cannot take these other meds that might reduce your risk if you participate in these trials.
This might be the situation with your sister in law, who has blockages all over. I suspect it is -- either than or she may be taking a statin that is not effective for her but which may come with fewer side effects.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. At some point in the future all this stuff will be figured out - barring devolution due to the present political climate. At the present, it's a case of being born at the wrong time! Best of luck to you both.
You're resting blood pressure is low. Every ones blood pressure is high when exercising.
Maybe we shouldn't exercise but wait, exercise is healthy. Is the answer that BP should be low most of the time?
Maybe a low fat diet is the answer, but wait, the liver makes cholesterol while we sleep that the body needs.
Ok take statins to prevent that. Wear a Holter for a couple of months. If no sign of AFIB you can come off the blood thinners. Wait, what happens after the 60th day? Better to stay on them.
Yes especially about BP. I have always wondered how that snap shot of your BP while trying to be almost comotose related to the reading through out the day. With even the slightest movement causing a spike. Society has a fascination with their medical care. But yes there are plenty of "rabbit holes" to go down 👍🏼
I posted this because I believe it is relevant to the purpose of this site which is to provide information about heart rhythm conditions. It was about BP and not about doctors or pharmaceutical companies. If you don't like the way that health care is being provided, then take your rants to a site where your post will be relevant.
Your post being about BP relates to docs and big pharma. The goal should be to lower your BP if needed. Mine is always low, around 100 or maybe 110, 60. It is that way because I eat few animal products, very very few processed foods. The rants as you call them are trying to benefit you to have better health without unnecessary drugs. But do what you wish. But the rants are relevant. Most people are short of correct nutrition, their body is not short of pills.
You're resting blood pressure is low. Every ones blood pressure is high when exercising.
Maybe we shouldn't exercise but wait, exercise is healthy. Is the answer that BP should be low most of the time?
Maybe a low fat diet is the answer, but wait, the liver makes cholesterol while we sleep that the body needs.
Ok take statins to prevent that. Wear a Holter for a couple of months. If no sign of AFIB you can come off the blood thinners. Wait, what happens after the 60th day? Better to stay on them.
A diet low in meat, cheese, dairy, sugar and higher in fresh fruits and veggies, avocados, seeds and nuts which have healthy fats. I am 77 yrs old this month, walk up and down steep hills to town every day, with no cane, clean my house, and rarely take a sliver of a pill. Have only baby aspirin and benydryl in my house, just a few them in case of allergic reaction, Where I live, you can buy just a 3 or 4 pills at a time, and most of the time they get old before I use them.
A diet low in meat, cheese, dairy, sugar and higher in fresh fruits and veggies, avocados, seeds and nuts which have healthy fats. I am 77 yrs old this month, walk up and down steep hills to town every day, with no cane, clean my house, and rarely take a sliver of a pill. Have only baby aspirin and benydryl in my house, just a few them in case of allergic reaction, Where I live, you can buy just a 3 or 4 pills at a time, and most of the time they get old before I use them.
When I was 75 I didn't take any pills and felt healthy. My GP said I was in great shape. I didn't see a cardiologist yet! One year later I had a triple bypass. Two years later an inguinal hernia operation. .Then my left kidney was removed one year later due to a large cancerous growth. One year later an appendectomy with part of my large colon a non-cancerous growth on it. I had POAF, Post operative AFIB, during three operation so I'm on Eliquis anti-coagulant. Plus I take BP med, stains, prostate med, iron, and vitamins.
My LDL is very low-40's but I'm still on statins! I read an article that said "don't worry. Let you doctor worry for you." Yeah, sure!
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A friendly reminder about the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/
I occassionally post the guidelines as a reminder to maintain the tone, etiquette and spirit of Mayo Clinic Connect. These Community Guidelines offer 12 short rules of conduct that help keep the Mayo Clinic Connect community safe, supportive, inclusive, and respectful.
On the topic of blood pressure guidelines, it is important to discuss your options with your doctor to find what is right for you. Let your doctor know if you would like to try an approach that doesn't rely on medications. Also remember that there may be a time when medication is the right option for YOU. Be informed.
Here are some articles from Mayo Clinic that people here might find helpful:
- What is hypertension? A Mayo Clinic expert explains.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/multimedia/vid-20538077
"How is it treated?
Treatment of hypertension involves lifestyle modification alone or in combination with antihypertensive medication therapy. For individuals with certain common conditions, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. Certain medications may be more advantageous to use compared to other medications. Deciding upon the best blood pressure to target, when to start antihypertensive medication therapy, and which specific medication or a combination of medications to utilize is highly individualized and informed by many factors."
- 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974
What lifestyle change are you making to help lower your blood pressure? What tips would you offer?
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1 ReactionMovement confounds the equipment, but it also yields only a temporary reading. A few minutes later, at rest, the reading might be 20 points lower and much less alarming. So, the instructions I have seen say to perform two measurements in succession, about a minute or two apart, and to take THAT average for the current reading. (Add the two numbers derived, and divide the sum by 2).
I have found that my best reading, and this is backed by an article I saw just yesterday, is going to be as soon as I awaken each morning, even before stirring much in bed. If you can relax for a few seconds after starting awake, and often we turn over or turn onto our backs, we should let that pass and another minute. Then, take your BP. I use a Samsung Galaxy watch (it also measures my O2 saturation throughout the night in case of apnea, measures heart rate, and stages of sleep and their durations/totals). That reading will be low, and should be the lowest of the day. But it's a veridical measurement before rising, thinking much of problems to be solved and chores to be done, and before ingesting any supplements, medicines, and caffeinated drinks....OR food, especially with carbs.
I think it's wise to take two other measurements, twinned as suggested, during the day to get a more honest appraisal of what your average pressure really is when not abed. Taking it during exercise is useful, but will greatly raise the average if it's substantially higher, and if it's substantially higher it isn't reflective of your typical pressure, so it could be misleading. I hope I'm making myself clear. We should all accept that our HR and BP change during the day to adapt to demands of all kinds, physical and emotional. What we should all do, according to the reading I have done, is to take a running average of all values and use that as an indication of overall health, but also of a trend if one shows in the data. If the average in 2024 is 120/70, and the running average near the end of 2025 is 126/78, that's probably a useful indicator that we're headed in the wrong direction.
You're resting blood pressure is low. Every ones blood pressure is high when exercising.
Maybe we shouldn't exercise but wait, exercise is healthy. Is the answer that BP should be low most of the time?
Maybe a low fat diet is the answer, but wait, the liver makes cholesterol while we sleep that the body needs.
Ok take statins to prevent that. Wear a Holter for a couple of months. If no sign of AFIB you can come off the blood thinners. Wait, what happens after the 60th day? Better to stay on them.
Madness!
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3 ReactionsHow are they not related? I don't think a 6 word comment counts as a rant.
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1 ReactionMy husband (and I) have also been on statins for more than 25 years. My husband kept his total cholesterol and LDL low - at the optimal recommended level of 70. Unfortunately, we did not know that he inherited a Lipoprotein(a) which is very atherogenic. Primary care doctors and even cardiologists did not test for it in the past either because they knew there was no specific treatment or they did not know about it at all - it was not commonly discussed.
My husband now keeps his LDL at 55 or lower and is taking a PSKC9 medication that has reduced his lipoprotein(a) by one third -- still way above the desired value but better than before.
There are several effective drugs in clinical trials but they are placebo controlled and my "read" is that you cannot take these other meds that might reduce your risk if you participate in these trials.
This might be the situation with your sister in law, who has blockages all over. I suspect it is -- either than or she may be taking a statin that is not effective for her but which may come with fewer side effects.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for your thoughtful reply. At some point in the future all this stuff will be figured out - barring devolution due to the present political climate. At the present, it's a case of being born at the wrong time! Best of luck to you both.
Yes especially about BP. I have always wondered how that snap shot of your BP while trying to be almost comotose related to the reading through out the day. With even the slightest movement causing a spike. Society has a fascination with their medical care. But yes there are plenty of "rabbit holes" to go down 👍🏼
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYour post being about BP relates to docs and big pharma. The goal should be to lower your BP if needed. Mine is always low, around 100 or maybe 110, 60. It is that way because I eat few animal products, very very few processed foods. The rants as you call them are trying to benefit you to have better health without unnecessary drugs. But do what you wish. But the rants are relevant. Most people are short of correct nutrition, their body is not short of pills.
A diet low in meat, cheese, dairy, sugar and higher in fresh fruits and veggies, avocados, seeds and nuts which have healthy fats. I am 77 yrs old this month, walk up and down steep hills to town every day, with no cane, clean my house, and rarely take a sliver of a pill. Have only baby aspirin and benydryl in my house, just a few them in case of allergic reaction, Where I live, you can buy just a 3 or 4 pills at a time, and most of the time they get old before I use them.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWhen I was 75 I didn't take any pills and felt healthy. My GP said I was in great shape. I didn't see a cardiologist yet! One year later I had a triple bypass. Two years later an inguinal hernia operation. .Then my left kidney was removed one year later due to a large cancerous growth. One year later an appendectomy with part of my large colon a non-cancerous growth on it. I had POAF, Post operative AFIB, during three operation so I'm on Eliquis anti-coagulant. Plus I take BP med, stains, prostate med, iron, and vitamins.
My LDL is very low-40's but I'm still on statins! I read an article that said "don't worry. Let you doctor worry for you." Yeah, sure!