stress and blood pressure

[LuvToHike]

Hi... I don't really handle stress to well, apparently.  My BP is usually in the normal range under 120/80.  When under stress, naturally it goes up.  I know I'm beginning to feel stressed because my chest gets tight and starts to hurt.  For the last couple of weeks, it's been bothering me a little.  However, my question is, at what point should I be concerned about how high it does go?  Today it was 160/90, after rest, it came down to 138/88.

[vienna13]

I would sleep in a different room; if she would be defended by it, she should do then something about the situation.  The lack of sleep puts a strain on your health and on the marriage also if you let that to happen day by day to you. But I wonder if you dare to tell her, or just keep it inside or /and only talking about it jokingly. That is not good if you do keep it inside and do not tell her how big problem is this. It is a miracle your BP just that “high”.

[Smiley2000]

Hi John,

I can "hear" in your post that are depressed and you are giving up!  DON'T.  I can see that you have a brilliant sence of humor (lmao at the tourture-record and the song) and you can use that humor to get through this.

One thing your body needs is to get rid of any extra weight!  Eat a heart-healthy diet, go and play Golf over the weekend or start walking/jogging early in the mornings.  The excercise will do body and mind a whole lot of good.  

As for your spouse's snoring:  make sure her pillows are propped up and that she does not sleep on her back.  There are all sorts of resources out there for snoring patients.  Help her to find it, but be kind to her.

You are 54 years young and can still enjoy life, if you choose to do so.

Hope you make the right choice :)

[john733733]

My left chest has been under pressure for 5 years. Insomuch as times I can't catch a breath. I'm sliightly overweight at 210 5-10" with high blood pressure of avg 140/97  

I hate feeling this way. I just got out of bed and came to the computer to relax becuase my heart was beating so hard, that it was moving the bed. I'm unusually drinking 8oz of red wine and taking an asprin.  This is getting so old, that if I'm destined to have a heart attack, I wish it would hurry up get over with. Plus my wonderful wife snores like a freight train. This too "she is killing me softly with her song..." Doctors should provide some kind of sleeping pill to sposal snoring. I'm though about recording he snoring and give it to our goverment to use as tourture on their prisioners. I'm in a hell where no earplug can solve

I'm 54 and don't desire to live this way

[LuvToHike]

Thank you. Those are some good suggestions.  I STILL can't wait for warmer weather. A few pictures of life in warmer weather might help, though.  

[vienna13]

I used to have white coat syndrome, then could overcome of it most (not always);) The best was working for me is: closing my eyes while they took my BP and think of a nice place, like you have on your avatar.:) Forest, water, I was ‘listening’ the water, eyes still closed amusing ,the numbers were much better....also home I let the answering mashine  to pick up the phone message, I’ll call back later. Nothing is very important. It is, but I will not get myself over exited about anything as I used to years ago.
I’ve seen in your profile you too are interested about alternative medication. That is great. I’ve learned on the hard way: I also need and a must my all prescription medication, but love to add healthy extras.
Not necessary alternative pills, but ways, things …
A  beautiful fresh flower, it doesn’t need to be a special occasion,  every day can be special, it is up to us ….wearing good clothing even if I am just home for the day.
Even if winter, we can dress inside like it is a summer. :)
But you right, without the Sun, I feel little down too sometimes… Used to more, but now since I collected pictures, and love them on my wall those are about Sunset and Sunrise……..I find very important to have pictures on the walls we adore to look at.
I could of write this also in your journey maybe, hope you don’t mind I said that here,:)

Take care!
V.

[LuvToHike]

Thank you Vienna13 and Boonjer.  I try to keep things relaxed and easy, but on occasion I let it get away from me.  I'll add the aspirin to my wallet.

[Boonjer]

I forgot to tell you, when a person has chest pains, numbness and tingling in the arms. Grab a couple of aspirins and chew them while calling 911, this is a great way to possibly prevent a stroke, or a heart attack. We need to know the symptoms and to be prepared. Carrying aspirin should be considered a survival kit and a life saver.

[vienna13]

You saved me time. Wanted to say something like you did.:) Thanks.
I erased the word "worry “and that feeling from my life long time ago, since I am free.

[LuvToHike]

Thanks.  Sometimes we need someone else to put things back into perspective.

[Boonjer]

Ideal blood pressure is under 120/80. Stress happens when you worry. I have learned to take a day at a time and trust a higher power. When one can get to the place where they believe their necessities are taken care of and everything will fall into place, has found perfect peace. I have my health issues, but I see someone that has more problems than I ever was afflicted with I just feel so good that everything is as well as it is. We bring the stress on ourselves, so we should consider everything around us and be thankful and stress free.

[LuvToHike]

Thanks.  I guess I got worried.  Although it's been a couple of years (that I know of) I have spiked as high as 191/98.  That was at the docs office (the bugger makes me nervous).  He said I was at risk for a stroke with that reading.  He took it several times that visit and although it came down a little (I don't know maybe 160 ish /90 ish). He was concerned.  Now, whenever my chest gets tight from stress, or my BP goes up, I get worried.  I'd like to know at what point I should really be worried, if at all.  LOL my co-workers prescribed a glass of "vino", which seems to have calmed me down to acceptable levels.

[curmudgen]

Hard to say at what point anyone should take note of a change in their physiology.  Since you know it is a stress related rise in BP doesn't make the symptoms feel any better.  My guide for a doctor's visit is when something seems to be consistently a problem. I have gone to the ER with what I consider serious symptoms only to be sent home in two hours diagnosed normal.  I sure didn't feel normal.  It is up to you when to decide to be concerned but a temporary rise in BP due to stress would make me consider stress reduction and meditation.  I know, easier said than done. I've been there and there are no easy answers.