should i seek medical attention??

[Jwizzy]

Hi my name is justin im a 20 yr old male my question for the day is should I seek medical
attention for my high blood pressure I am manic depressant but I just saw my doctor and my blood pressure was 162 over 82 my main concern is down the line I fear I will have some kind of heart failure something has to give right? Thank you

[KrustyBroccoli]

Hi,

Panic can raise our blood pressure to where it can seem like we're going to stroke out. I've experienced that many times. When I was 19 paramedics were concerned I was going to have a heart attack.

Definitely seek medical attention for your blood pressure concerns. There are techniques you can learn to lower your blood pressure without medication. If this is too difficult, then there are medications, other than actual high blood pressure medications, that can help you. They aren't necessarily in the benzodiazapine group either. Ask your Dr about anti-hypertensives. These are a non-addictive group, but only your Dr will know for certain if they are suitable for you.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DR IN THE LOOP. I cannot stress that point enough.

Your BP being 162/82 gives one little ray of sunshine. The diastolic, the 82, is the most important to keep lower. The fact that it is in the normal range is a good thing. The systolic number is very high indeed, but there are ways to effectively lower it.

Now, to develop a serious BP problem when there is no family history and no predisposition, you have to endure a constant state of high BP for an extended time. Have your BP taken by a nurse, and not just some machine at some pharmacy. They lose their calibration easily and can offer mistaken results. If a pattern develops in your BP then your Dr will definitely treat you.

If it is a hit and miss thing- as mine is (I have gone into the Dr with 110/100- dangerous as the 100 is the bad one,) then working to relax yourself is an important task. Learn relaxation techniques that work for you- tai chi, yoga, meditation, a quiet hobby are some examples of what works for other people.

Keep a record of your BP and what precipitates the rise and fall of the readings.

Stay strong, and never give up. Best wishes.

[ILADVOCATE]

   That blood pressure level might be of concern:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/HI00043
so it would be worthwhile to ask your doctor what appropriate follow up might be. It would also depend on the cause as that can be a potential side effect of some medications that can cause weight gain (which can lead to this) or high blood pressure. As well it might be from standard physical health concerns but most likely further follow up would be worthwhile in regards to adjusting salt/sugar intake and other standard health follow ups but only a doctor can determine the specific cause but it would be best if the doctor that did the test discuss this with any other doctor or psychiatrist you are seeing.