[lightly toasted]

If you have it, what are you doing about it?

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure just before xmas last year, and I confess I've done little.

I'm exercising more regularly, which is good. But I still haven't reached a level of fitness where I'm exercising the recommended 150 minutes a week. Most weeks I'm can't get past 45 -75 minutes. And I've removed the most egregious offenders from my diet, but my diet still needs a lot of improvement. I haven't lost an ounce of weight either - that's on me though, I love to eat.

I'd really like to adopt the DASH diet, but my god, the thought of cooking more and giving up so much of my favourite unhealthy but convenient food has me kind of depressed. But I'm willing to give it a go....I think

So how are you, my fellow bipolar folk with high blood pressure getting on?

[*Beth*]

My blood pressure was normal, then I started taking Celexa. I was still thin, but my bp elevated from the SSRI. (Almost all psych meds cause an elevation in bp, especially the AP's.)

So I was prescribed more psych meds and my bp went up to "borderline", but didn't need treatment. Then I started taking Seroquel, gained over 100lbs over a few years. At this time my bp is high. I can't remember the numbers, but it's in the "dangerously high" range.

My GP prescribed a med that I had an awful reaction to. It was scary...I was disoriented to the point at which I literally had to tell myself my name because I couldn't recall it well. SO my GP tried something else, which gave me a chronic cough. There's a class of bp meds that give some people a cough. It's really annoying (some people do just fine with it).

Then GP prescribed Amlodipine. It's been good, except that it causes my ankles to swell. I have to take hydrochlorithiazide, which is a diuretic. It takes some of the ankle swelling down. But my bp is down in the low borderline range. I wish it was lower, but it's tough with psych meds.

As for exercise, I had surgery on my achilles tendon in May, so I'm still in the healing stage. The most I can do right now is some stretching and walk 1/2 a block. Getting better every day, though.

Diet. Normally, my diet is healthy. Since my surgery it hasn't been as good because I'm ordering too much take-out food. I definitely plan on returning my diet to healthy, though.

So that's my blood pressure story, thus far. I will say that it is seriously important to treat elevated bp, because it can shoot up fast and become very dangerous as far as stroke, etc. High bp damages internal organs, too, especially kidneys. It's not something to ignore.

[bpcyclist]

I am about to try to be a bp cuff. Mine has crept up over time, but I added more exercise, so, interested to see.

[Fuzzybear]

I'm trying to eat more healthily and exercise more. I have not checked my blood pressure for a while. (I tend to avoid medical checks in general....Not ''good'' I know) I'm not overweight since I stopped some meds... (a doctor said it was ''a bit high'' when I was taking those meds which caused a lot of weight gain... no other info )

[Moose72]

I have high bp, too. I take meds for it. I'm a medical mess! Zyprexa gave me fatty liver which turned into cirrhosis! BUT, that's getting better- at least my numbers are. Cirrhosis is irreversable. I should go for more walks. I haven't exercised in over a month because I was busy doing apartment paperwork and mostly sorting and packing!

[BipolaRNurse]

I’ve had hypertension since my 30s. Been on multiple meds for decades. When I lost the 100 lbs. after my husband died, my blood pressure was low so my NP cut my doses in half. I was doing great till I started gaining most of that weight back, and now I’m going to have to go back up on the meds. I’m too old to mess around with this and have stage 3 chronic kidney disease to boot. Hypertension killed most of my relatives on my mother’s side of the family by leading to heart disease. I gotta do something about this weight.

[Bipolarchic14]

I take blood pressure medication and I started working and I’ve had to eat healthier.

[AzureBlueSky]

The way to get healthy is to eliminate all junk food, processed food, fast food, excess salt and refined white sugar, refined white flour, and alcohol. Lower or better yet eliminate saturated animal fat and cholesterol. Definitely eliminate trans-fats. Eat an abundance and assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits daily. Eat a low fat protein source with each meal.

Don't drink or smoke.

Exercise for 1 hour each day. Suggestions - Go for a walk in the park before or after work for 1 hour. Alternative is buy a treadmill or elliptical or that Tony Little Gazelle and use that for 1 hour a day.

Keep calories low so that you lose weight and then maintain it.

Take a multi vitamin. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fresh, pure water.

Do this faithfully for 6 months then go to your doctor and have a check up with blood test (CBC)

You will be amazed with the results.

[Soupe du jour]

It's interesting that you brought up this topic now. I am currently in the middle of keeping a blood pressure log ordered by my nephrologist/hypertension specialist. I never had high blood pressure until about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago (I'm now 49 1/2), then suddenly it increased. A year ago, it would be around 130/95, or the like. Both my GP and nephrologist noted it being high, but didn't suggest any blood pressure medication, just diet/exercise. Then about 1 1/2 weeks ago I went to an urgent care center because of an injury to my back/shoulder/neck area. I was quite revved up, at the time. My blood pressure reached a whopping 200/100 something (I forget the exact reading). They noted it, but didn't express extreme concern. Then coincidently, I had a phone appointment with my nephrologist and he ordered the blood pressure log.

So far after six days logging, my averages have been in the mid 130s/90, with some over 140/92 or a little higher. I talk to him again soon, and will send my log. He might prescribe something. Certainly the high stress I've been under has exacerbated my blood pressure, but as I wrote, it had been too high even before.

I have certainly been exercising a lot because of my move preparations. My diet, however, has not been perfect. Nevertheless, I did lose the weight I put on during my recent trip abroad. I do wish to adjust my diet again. I had been eating healthily prior to my vacation, for about 3 months. That helped lower my cholesterol and triglycerides, but didn't quite normalize them.

I think the increases in my cholesterol/triglycerides/blood pressure/A1C are partially due to my genes, partially my weight, and partially my antipsychotic (Seroquel XR). I have been my current weight many times in the past, but with perfect bloodwork results and blood pressure. They've been normal at times, also on Seroquel XR, though not at my currently higher doses of 650 to 700 mg per day. Right now I am about 11 pounds (5 kg) overweight. That is about 2 lbs above the "average American woman weight". [I do think the BMI scale has imperfections.] Regardless, if I lose 11 lbs or more, I expect things to improve, additionally. But be normal? Not sure.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

It's interesting that you brought up this topic now. I am currently in the middle of keeping a blood pressure log ordered by my nephrologist/hypertension specialist. I never had high blood pressure until about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago (I'm now 49 1/2), then suddenly it increased. A year ago, it would be around 130/95, or the like. Both my GP and nephrologist noted it being high, but didn't suggest any blood pressure medication, just diet/exercise. Then about 1 1/2 weeks ago I went to an urgent care center because of an injury to my back/shoulder/neck area. I was quite revved up, at the time. My blood pressure reached a whopping 200/100 something (I forget the exact reading). They noted it, but didn't express extreme concern. Then coincidently, I had a phone appointment with my nephrologist and he ordered the blood pressure log.

So far after six days logging, my averages have been in the mid 130s/90, with some over 140/92 or a little higher. I talk to him again soon, and will send my log. He might prescribe something. Certainly the high stress I've been under has exacerbated my blood pressure, but as I wrote, it had been too high even before.

I have certainly been exercising a lot because of my move preparations. My diet, however, has not been perfect. Nevertheless, I did lose the weight I put on during my recent trip abroad. I do wish to adjust my diet again. I had been eating healthily prior to my vacation, for about 3 months. That helped lower my cholesterol and triglycerides, but didn't quite normalize them.

I think the increases in my cholesterol/triglycerides/blood pressure/A1C are partially due to my genes, partially my weight, and partially my antipsychotic (Seroquel XR). I have been my current weight many times in the past, but with perfect bloodwork results and blood pressure. They've been normal at times, also on Seroquel XR, though not at my currently higher doses of 650 to 700 mg per day. Right now I am about 11 pounds (5 kg) overweight. That is about 2 lbs above the "average American woman weight". [I do think the BMI scale has imperfections.] Regardless, if I lose 11 lbs or more, I expect things to improve, additionally. But be normal? Not sure.

In my experience with myself and from listening to others, Seroquel wreaks havoc on bp, blood glucose, and cholesterol - and of course, weight. I really don't understand why it's so popular in the mental health profession.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

It's interesting that you brought up this topic now. I am currently in the middle of keeping a blood pressure log ordered by my nephrologist/hypertension specialist. I never had high blood pressure until about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago (I'm now 49 1/2), then suddenly it increased. A year ago, it would be around 130/95, or the like. Both my GP and nephrologist noted it being high, but didn't suggest any blood pressure medication, just diet/exercise. Then about 1 1/2 weeks ago I went to an urgent care center because of an injury to my back/shoulder/neck area. I was quite revved up, at the time. My blood pressure reached a whopping 200/100 something (I forget the exact reading). They noted it, but didn't express extreme concern. Then coincidently, I had a phone appointment with my nephrologist and he ordered the blood pressure log.

So far after six days logging, my averages have been in the mid 130s/90, with some over 140/92 or a little higher. I talk to him again soon, and will send my log. He might prescribe something. Certainly the high stress I've been under has exacerbated my blood pressure, but as I wrote, it had been too high even before.

I have certainly been exercising a lot because of my move preparations. My diet, however, has not been perfect. Nevertheless, I did lose the weight I put on during my recent trip abroad. I do wish to adjust my diet again. I had been eating healthily prior to my vacation, for about 3 months. That helped lower my cholesterol and triglycerides, but didn't quite normalize them.

I think the increases in my cholesterol/triglycerides/blood pressure/A1C are partially due to my genes, partially my weight, and partially my antipsychotic (Seroquel XR). I have been my current weight many times in the past, but with perfect bloodwork results and blood pressure. They've been normal at times, also on Seroquel XR, though not at my currently higher doses of 650 to 700 mg per day. Right now I am about 11 pounds (5 kg) overweight. That is about 2 lbs above the "average American woman weight". [I do think the BMI scale has imperfections.] Regardless, if I lose 11 lbs or more, I expect things to improve, additionally. But be normal? Not sure.

What bp cuff is it? Is it good? Thannks!

[sarahsweets]

Personally I do not care what age you are or what lifestyle changes you try to make.. any high BP should be treated with medication. You can always go off of it and reassess if your changes worked. My 23 year old son had two strokes.

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by BethRags

In my experience with myself and from listening to others, Seroquel wreaks havoc on bp, blood glucose, and cholesterol - and of course, weight. I really don't understand why it's so popular in the mental health profession.

In my case, despite any possible (or likely) effects on me metabolically, Seroquel XR is a great medication. My moods have been better than they have for well over a decade. Unlike many antipsychotics, Seroquel XR has not given me hyperprolactinemia, akathisia or any other form of EPS, and serves as a great sleep aid. Also, over the years, Seroquel XR (especially the XR) has been closer to weight neutral than other antipsychotics, like Zyprexa or Risperdal or Invega. It certainly is the case that some people have slightly to vastly different reactions to Seroquel XR than me, but I do think many agree that it is friendlier especially in terms of EPS and hyperprolactinemia. I also know that many really do appreciate it as a sleep aid.

Seroquel XR seems equally helpful at curbing and preventing both depression and mania for me. I can't say that about certain other antipsychotics. I also find that Seroquel (regular and XR) are helpful at curbing and preventing anxiety, for me. Honestly, so far I find it to be the least of the antipsychotic evils, in my experience. Unfortunately, I do seem to need an antipsychotic along with my moodstabilizers (anticonvulsants). Whether or not that changes in the future is TBD.

I know Lithium is some people's miracle drug. For me, it was downright nasty. We're all different!

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by sarahsweets

Personally I do not care what age you are or what lifestyle changes you try to make.. any high BP should be treated with medication. You can always go off of it and reassess if your changes worked. My 23 year old son had two strokes.

Wise words.

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

What bp cuff is it? Is it good? Thannks!

My husband and I think it's good. It's actually a wrist type. To be precise, this one.

We also have a more expensive traditional arm cuff type (with the squeeze ball), but it seems less reliable/accurate than the wrist type. My nephrologist wanted me to buy yet another that he recommends, but in the middle of a chaotic home improvement project and upcoming move, a third one just seems too much. It's a shame that so many doctors are not seeing patients face-to-face. Of course I understand, but healthcare is suffering a lot because of it.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by sarahsweets

Personally I do not care what age you are or what lifestyle changes you try to make.. any high BP should be treated with medication. You can always go off of it and reassess if your changes worked. My 23 year old son had two strokes.

Hugs and love. Praying for him.

[lightly toasted]

I'd like to buy a blood pressure monitor for home use, but I know I'm supposed to bring it in the doctor's office to compare readings with an actual sphygmomanometer to make sure it's accurate. But with covid, I'm happy to stick with virtual visits right now, so....

I think I'll ask the pharmacist for a recommendation.

I'm concerned because even as recently as 8 years ago, my blood pressure has always been too low. I'm the person that had to lay down for a blood test or I risked fainting. My blood pressure came into normal range a few years ago, it's only a little more than a year ago that I started getting high readings. I'm on a very low dose of seroquel, so I think my poor diet and lack of exercise plus being fat and 50 are the culprits. So I hope improvements in those areas will help, if not, I will be more open to blood pressure lowering medication.

I wonder if several years of not sleeping more than 3 or 4 hours a night ( this was pre-seroquel) and relying on benedryl or nyquil for years did some damage. I've been clear of that stuff for almost 2 years now, and I'm sleeping for the first time in years thanks to seroquel. Sorry just rambling and thinking out loud.....

[sarahsweets]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Hugs and love. Praying for him.

That is so sweet thanks. Its been nearly two years and he has made a full recovery. Graduated college with all sorts of awards and is applying to law school.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

....It's a shame that so many doctors are not seeing patients face-to-face. Of course I understand, but healthcare is suffering a lot because of it.

I think it's medical malpractice, frankly.

[Soupe du jour]

I just found the note from my nephrologist's office (also specializes in hypertension) recommending OMRON (Series 5 or 7) upper arm blood pressure monitor. They indicated that it is available from Amazon.