When I was diagnosed with hypertension (that’s technical for high pressure), It was another yet health worry to cope with! I was placed on the tablet ‘lisinopril’ which had some really unwanted side effects (see review on it). In fact it was enough to send you BP sky high!
Having a family history of hypertension related illnesses it was of some concern, though not majorly.
Normal Pressure is rated at around 120/80 - mine was around 140/90 (and above): Not that high I thought, and in fact according to the leaflet in this package it is acceptable as normal according to the World Health Organisation! But the very fact that I am diabetic was enough for concern, (as Pressure in a diabetic is generally required to be lower) and a prescription for ‘Lisinopril’ was issued.
Anyway, not being totally convinced I needed this medication, and the fact that I was scared witless to begin taking it, I invested in a Pressure monitor. Okay it set me back nearly £80 (bar 5p). But hey, if it meant I didn’t need this extra tablet it was worth the outlay.
I had white coat syndrome and now I had to prove it!
The meter
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Meters come in various shapes and forms, and probably complexities. However my one was simple (you know me not technical at all). I bought my meter online from www.p2u.co.uk and as stated I paid almost £80. The small box it came in contained just the monitor and an instruction leaflet/BP recording form. The meter is attached to a small cuff, which secures around the wrist.
How to use
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Simply place the cuff around your wrist and fix in place with the Velcro. Next switch the meter on, a simple operation consisting of the press of one of the two buttons. When the little heart is beating on an otherwise clear screen, you know it’s time to take your Pressure. This is a major technical errand, and involves pressing the second of the two buttons.
Readings
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Results are displayed on the screen and easy to read and understand language i.e.120/80. Record the readings as they could save you a pill!
Extra
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The meter also takes your pulse. (Something, that I personally haven’t paid much attention to so far).
Results and Overall
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My home reading were in fact a lot lower, in fact I had only a few high readings. Armed with this evidence I paid a visit to my GP, and explained the situation. I persuaded him to take me off the tablets (which I had started taking). Success- I was a victim of white coat syndrome!
Overall this meter/monitor is a great little machine that gives accurate readings in a short while. If you have any suspicions about hypertension or worries then next to a visit to your doctor this little machine will prove extremely helpful (providing you have a spare £80 that is). However, my advice is to get your BP checked by someone medical, before thinking about buying a monitor in any shape or form.
It is small enough to hide away, but not so small as to fit in a handbag or pocket (if you wish to take it anywhere). The leaflet I got with the company recommends that you home test your Pressure twice a day, which-I-admit- I stuck to religiously in the first instance. Now however I am happily off the pills, I take it far less regularly, although still enough to keep the medics happy at my check ups!
Please remember that I am not medically trained, and this is my opinion only. Should you have any health problems see your GP!
Thanks-Dave
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18.08.2006 11:20
Very well written. I've got white coat syndrome and I shall follow you down the do it yourself route. Ray.
10.01.2002 12:39
very informative op,cheers Deni
10.01.2002 12:36
Your blood pressure didnt sounds that high to me either, you've got me worried now! I used to have ultra low pressure, but it is creeping up slightly, must be an age thing! Helen