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How can normal blood pressure suddenly rise and stay on the high side

Posted by penstruck @penstruck, 18 hours ago

I am a 75-year-old female. I left an extremely stressful job in March. My nerves and my BP were frayed and high. However, my BP is fluctuating and staying on the higher side.
The BP ranges from 127/71 to 133/75. My doctor gave me a BP medication, but it caused side effects.
My doctor is driving me a little crazy and insists I have an at-home BP machine. The at-home BP machine instructions read: Don't eat or drink anything, and still completely still, feet flat on the floor, for at least 30 minutes before taking a reading." Sitting completely still is difficult.
The readings today started at 158/70 and ended at 133/75. Three or more readings are required. Two days ago, the reading started at 137/66 and ended at 127/70.
What is a serious BP? I'm really concerned and fear going back to the doctor.

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gently | @gently | 17 hours ago

130/80 is considered normal for those of us over 50 because our blood vessels are a little less flexible. Your diastolic is within range and I'm a little surprised that you were prescribed BP medicine. Thank goodness for side effects (sometimes).
The systolic the top number varies from minute to minute between 5 and10 mmhg. Coffee or tea (caffeine) can raise the systolic number 14 mmhg.
If sitting completely still for 30 minutes is difficult, you must be normal. Forcing yourself to do so can raise your blood pressure.
158 is too high though the risk of stroke is said to be at 180. More importantly the 158 seems to be an anomaly.
And they want three reading because often the home devices aren't altogether accurate.
I don't think you should be worried at all. But you could get a cardiac consult. I decided to because of my age-- The cardiologist I saw doesn't consider prescribing medication for a systolic under 140 in our demographic.
From 1991 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9697712/#:~:text=A%20study%20found%20that%20there%20is%20a,times%20higher%20hazard%20ratio%20for%20previous%20osteoporosis

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | 4 hours ago

I bet your doctor's nurse doesn't give you time to relax after you walk into the exam room. I know mine doesn't.

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penstruck | @penstruck | 3 hours ago
In reply to @gently "130/80 is considered normal for those of us over 50 because our blood vessels are a..." + (show)
Profile picture for gently @gently

130/80 is considered normal for those of us over 50 because our blood vessels are a little less flexible. Your diastolic is within range and I'm a little surprised that you were prescribed BP medicine. Thank goodness for side effects (sometimes).
The systolic the top number varies from minute to minute between 5 and10 mmhg. Coffee or tea (caffeine) can raise the systolic number 14 mmhg.
If sitting completely still for 30 minutes is difficult, you must be normal. Forcing yourself to do so can raise your blood pressure.
158 is too high though the risk of stroke is said to be at 180. More importantly the 158 seems to be an anomaly.
And they want three reading because often the home devices aren't altogether accurate.
I don't think you should be worried at all. But you could get a cardiac consult. I decided to because of my age-- The cardiologist I saw doesn't consider prescribing medication for a systolic under 140 in our demographic.
From 1991 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9697712/#:~:text=A%20study%20found%20that%20there%20is%20a,times%20higher%20hazard%20ratio%20for%20previous%20osteoporosis

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@gently Thanks. I didn't agree with my doctor either on the 130/80. I did see a cardiologist, and he wasn't worried. I asked him to reach out to my GP and explain things to her.
I believe the 158 was a fluke. I waited about 5 minutes to continue. I think just have to take my BP everyday is stressful.

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