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High Blood Pressure

Editor's note: This story was originally published in the My Blood Pressure Newsletter. If you are interested in having your blood pressure story told, please email Kellie or Steve at support@my-blood-pressure.com.

My Story - John Sanders

Kellie: Hi John, you mentioned that you are a Registered Nurse, have you always been aware of your blood pressure readings?

John: I took my blood pressure at work every now and then. I discovered it had been creeping up over the years. Even though I exercise by cycling and lifting weights for almost 20 years. I wanted to monitor my blood pressure because of my family history.

Kellie: What were your readings like before you started medication? Has the medication lowered your blood pressure?

John: A few times, I had readings of 170/100, but mostly about 160/90. I used your program and with the use of a home bp monitoring unit, I kept a record to show my doctor. He was impressed and was able to prescribe medication based on the readings. I just started my new medication for only 1 week, lowest dose available, and my bp is now about 120/75, keeping a record in case I need medication adjustment.

Kellie: Did you have any symptoms of high blood pressure?

John: None at all. Blood pressure, when elevated, usually has no symptoms. Low bp does, such as dizziness.

Kellie: You mentioned that you noticed a trend over a month of home monitoring. What was that trend?

John: My bp was lower in the evening, higher in the am. It also kept creeping up, slowly. I thought this warranted an MD visit.

John's recent chart: - click to enlarge

Kellie: From your experience, what are the benefits of home monitoring blood pressure?

John: I've been in the nursing field for almost 20 years, the last 11 years as an RN. If you have family history and have noticed any kind of a trend in your bp that shows you are higher than you should be, home monitoring is almost a must these days. I have taken care of many people who have not watched their bp and the end up with a massive stroke. Believe, I can relate horror stories to you about how bad it is to have a stroke! Home monitoring is very important so you can see trends, see if you need a different medication, be able to print off your results to show your doctor. It's just a smart thing to do!

Kellie: Thank you and best wishes!