I know this isn't a medical advice forum, but I'm hoping some of you who have dealt with this issue could provide some advice.
I have never been one to visit a doctor regularly, so I've only had blood pressure checked sporadically.
About a year ago, nurse measured on forearm with normal sized cuff reported 130/60.
When I was in hospital after ankle surgery those auto monitors showed around 140 - 150/100 about 4 years ago. Had pressure taken on upper arm with normal cuff by random doc about ten years ago reported "that's pretty high" didn't give me a number.....advised check it at the store (which I can't do cuz of arm size) and come back if still high.....never went back.
Visited a new doctor because of back pain this past week. Nurse took pressure on upper arm with what seemed a larger than normal cuff, but is the cuff they seem to use on everyone reported 180/100.
Doctor used same cuff in same location reported 150/100. Both times the cuff got extremely tight and painful and my arm was bruised and sore for several days after.
My arm measures about 18 inches, which would be above the upper limit for most large cuffs. Doctor acknowledged cuff may be too small, but couldn't be arsed to get a larger one.
On my doctor's advice I bought a monitor for at home, but got a wrist model due to the store not having an arm model the correct size. The reviews indicate the model has a reputation for accuracy, but I'm getting readings of 120/60-80. Which is vastly different from my doctor's.
So.....now I'm a bit leery of taking the BP meds they prescribed. I have a follow up appointment in one month, so I'm considering taking my monitor in and requesting they use a "thigh cuff" to check accuracy before I take any meds.
However, given that they seemed not terribly concerned about making sure they used a correct cuff before giving me meds and that if correct those readings are pretty high.....not sure if waiting is the right course or if I should consider another doctor entirely....tho it would likely be a month to get in to a new one.
I do have mild edema....I'm not sure if "water pills" would be beneficial even if my BP is ok or if the side effects would outweigh benefits or if the side effects are mild enough that I should just take it and see what happens.
The med is hydrochlorothiazide 25mg.