Warning - High Pressure!

Yesterday I had a "new patient" check with the Health Care Assistant at my new GP's surgery, lovely lady. She took some blood for the usual tests; U&Es, TFTs, lipids etc. We had a chat about my medical history and she took my blood pressure . . . 3 times (which is the usual procedure) . . . then she asked me to come back and see the doctor the following day because my BP was 168/102. Way too high to be healthy!

Today I went to see the doctor, who also measured my blood pressure . . . 3 times . . . and it was even worse; 179/117. Aaaarrrghhhh!

Discussions followed, mainly from the doctor; could it be "white coat" hypertension? Had anything changed recently in my life? Was I under a lot of stress? Had I noticed having headaches? Is there a family history of hypertension or heart disease? etc, etc.

Fortunately my bloods were back from yesterday's tests; my liver, kidneys and lipids are all fine, and I'm not diabetic. I am overweight :(

Negotiations followed, mainly from me; how about I have a 24 hour monitor to see if my BP is that high all the time? How about I make some lifestyle changes immediately? How about an ECG to see how my heart's doing?

The doctor was excellent, she appreciated that I am highly motivated to get my BP under control (big operation at the end of the year and the surgeons will certainly refuse to operate with an uncontrolled BP). So there will be more tests, I will sort out my lifestyle.

It's been a bit of a surprise, but if my BP really is always that high then it's better to catch it now.