High Blood Pressure

[MidwestFootballNut]

Not really sure where else to post this. Went in for a checkup/physical today because it had simply been too long since I've seen a doctor. I am 24, 6' and weigh roughly 230 lbs. My BP came back 160/98 which they said is pretty high (it was checked again later in the appt).

Every time I've went to the doctor they always had made the comment in thep ast that my BP was a little high but never seemed too worried about it.

They want me to go on BP medication, Benicar HCT to be specific and I admit I am a little hesitant about this. I've heard bad things about blood pressure medications and IDK, it just makes me very nervous. Should I go with it and take the medications or not? They want to see me again in a week for a BP check and then again in a month.

[lousycare33]

Be very weary of all things the so called "doctor" tells you. Especially the ones in walk in care facilities. Really Doctors or  just pill pushers?? And Surgeons who are quick to cut or invade your body . Medical horror stories abound today in the greedy world we live in .Money becomes first and care secondly. Sad but true !!!!!

[solace21]

Hi,
   While I generally agree with the above comments, it is also important for you to bring down your high pressure with medication, never neglect it. If not treated, it can lead to irreversible strokes. While taking medications, you can do other techniques to regulate your pressure and bring down the dosage of the medicine slowly. Many times high pressure may be a symptom of some problems with kidney, brain, heart,  arteries, or cholesterol levels. You should do a thorough check up of all these and find out the real source of the symptom. If nothing could be seen, then the only other option is to continue to keep the pressure under control with medications and other means like weight reduction, reduction of salt, exercises etc.
Solace

[redheadaussie]

It is true that it can go up by 10 points when seeing a doctor. BUT they allow for that!
At your weight for your height, is overweight, so  your blood pressure will naturally go up.

Many doctors are happy to give you a pill. Be aware they get kickbacks from pharmaceuticals to provide pills. (this is a well known fact in the medical profession)

I would be inclined to try to get you to lose say 10 lbs to start with and try to alter your high fats intake. Many foods have hidden fats so read the labels!!!!

Unless you have a pituitary gland problem causing the blood pressure issue you can lose weight and your blood pressure will go down.

[remar]

I agree with the above poster.You might want to try exercise and diet for a short time to see if that helps. But not too long. Also, I would get a home BP monitor. My BP goes way up when I see my Dr so I got a home monitor and take the readings in to him. They're completely normal when I'm home. It's something about being in the DRs office that makes me so nervous. Don't be afraid of the meds. You must have been at pre-hypertension stage before and now your at hypertension stage. You can't take any chances with your health.     Remar

[keyzersoce]

I am not a doctor, but went through the same experience. Some people have "White Coat Syndrome" and get nervous in the doctor's office, raising their blood pressure. However, when it happened to me, I told my doctor, before pills, I wanted to try diet, exercise and cutting back my salt intake. It worked for me, my bp dropped to 120/80 and I never had to take pills. Often, doctors are too quick to prescribe pills unnecessarily. Try losing weight and changing your diet and a little exercise. Just my opinion.