[jerrymichele]

My bf has had his blood pressure checked at Walmart, and anyways his top number is 138. This is second time his reading has been like this. He checked it a couple months ago, and it read 138. I'm a little concerned about this. He's 6 foot, 6 foot 1, and weights 180. He's not over weight. I know in the past his blood pressure was under 120. He's 34. Should I convience him to go to the Dr.? I don't know why, but for some reason he is Dr. phobic. All suggestions are welcome.

[serafim_etal]

138 systolic (top number) falls just within the high end of the normal range for blood pressure if you are looking at older charts, and "prehypertensive" if you are looking at newer charts. Both mean the same thing....the number is creeping up and approaching stage one hypertension and needs to be monitored. It's important to know the diastolic (bottom number) as well though.

This reading could be just a fluke, there could also be something wrong with the monitor he used. It's also possible that it was elevated from recent exercise, or anxiety, or...any number of things. I would suggest having him check each time you see one of those machines somewhere. If you don't see another reading like that you can assume it was a one time thing. If you DO see that he is consistently elevated, then you can start talking to him about seeing a doctor.

[Rhapsody]

My husband was just recently placed on high blood pressure medicine after having his pressure checked at the doctors office - his blood pressure remained high for about six months before his doctor decided to place him on medicine for.

Has you bf been into see his personal doctor lately?

[lynn P.]

The machines in stores aren't always accurate and 138 isn't too bad really. He should go for a complete physical once a year.

[jerrymichele]

Originally Posted by Rhapsody

My husband was just recently placed on high blood pressure medicine after having his pressure checked at the doctors office - his blood pressure remained high for about six months before his doctor decided to place him on medicine for.

Has you bf been into see his personal doctor lately?

No he hasn't. I told him that he's going to go get it checked again soon. He has a really bad habit of eating everything that is wrong. I told him when I posted this, that he has got to start eating some healthy foods. Everything that goes into his mouth is deep fried food, or red meat. Fruits and vegetables he hates except for bananas. He calls the rest rabbit food. I do think that he's concerned about it, because these past few days he has been trying some of my healthy foods. lol, he hates it, but he's got to do something. If you looked at him you would never know. One thing that people need to realize just because your skinny doesn't mean that your healthy.

[Beholden]

I'm not sure, but I think that for the doctor to dx a patient with high blood pressure, that has to be recorded in an office visit 3 times before it is "real". Of course, if it is very high, that prodical may not apply, which his isn't. Having said that, the bottom number can be reason for concern also.

My pressure has been monitored closely lately and I've had a change in medication 2 times since Aug I think. the bottom number if over 80 (mine was running around 85- to 90) has a 2 or 3(I don't remember what my doc just told me, but he upped my dose of bp meds to get that bottom number within normal for my situation) times more change of the person having an "event" (heart attack).
But, I'm pre-diabetic, and have kidney issues, so my bp target is 130/80 or lower. When you get older your body is something that starts to fall apart You can help it with life style changes no matter how old you are, the younger the better.

Diet is important, one thing is cutting salt out as much as possible. Processed/prepackaged and fast foods are all high in salt. He can still have foods like hamburgers, but don't salt them.then gradually add ground turkey to the ground beef to make them healthier. Small changes work the best for me, a little at a time to gradually eat healthier works best for most people. Good luck.

[Naturefreak]

Mine was 175/95 when my doctor had to put me on a lifetime med.
Atacand 8mg. once a day . It's now around the 125/85 mark.
Stress , caffiene , smoking , salty foods . All not good.

[modelcarguy]

I have had BP problems most of my life. I would never trust a BP machine in a store. Those are so abused with kids playing with them and being knocked over. A lot of senior centers have free BP readings every month that are open to the public. He could go to one of them just to have a professional get a real reading. Ours has a nurse every Tuesday and Thursday for BP readings. My Doctor takes my BP record book that is filled out weekly at the center as her record of my readings.

[Rmdctc]

Just wanted to say that high blood pressure can lead to some bad things so I would really suggest you getting him to the dr. My mom has has high blood pressure all her life and had to have a 5 way bypass.

[salukigirl]

Also, you have to think of the environment he is getting it checked. You have to assume that if he is doing this in a place like wal-mart, not only is he up walking around, shopping but also dealing with stressful people which can all raise bp momentarily. I think if he is not having symptoms, he shouldn't worry too much since you say he is at the right weight and seems physically fit.

He really should go to a doc just for simple blood work and to have it checked though. Technically anyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years.

I just left the doc and my bp was only 100/60 which is bordering the low range and I do get light headed sometimes and have some of those symptoms but that is in my family and I don't have any other serious conditions so they said not worry about it.

34 is still pretty young but just over that mark that things should be checked out. I would at least try and talk him into going just to relieve any thoughts or stress about it. Better to know than to sit around and worry. A lot of guys are doctor phobes but I think if you express concern that you just want to know he is okay he might be more willing to go.

Hope everything turns out okay!