Who knew?

[no_hypocrisy]

I'm being treated for hypertension and am prescribed two water pills, a statin, and B/P pill.

I sporadically check my numbers but should do it more regularly. Last week, I was in the supermarket and saw a B/P machine and decided to check my status. 185/84!!

I immediately called my cardiologist for an appointment and was told to take my readings at home over the weekend. And the readings hovered between 150 and 175 systolic. (Otherwise, I felt good.)

Sooooo, I saw my doctor last evening. She asked if I had a recent refill on my regiment and on closer questioning, it was ascertained that the one B/P medication originated from a new manufacturer. And not all generics are the same. This one likely was ineffective and causing the spike.

If any of you are not getting the results from your medications, consult your physician and check the meds.

Will report back to you.

[global1]

1. Just So You Know - Those Machines In The Supermarkets & Pharmacies Get A Lot Of Abuse And They Are.....

not calibrated on a regular basis. As a result - the readings you get can be off by quite a bit and fool you.

I recommend you get a blood pressure cuff that you can use to take your own BP at home.

I have one that has a stetoscope built in so I can take my own BP. Works great and is very accurate as long as you don't mistreat it by throwing it around.

Just a suggestion!!!

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Here's the thing:

1. I took home readings with my monitor from Friday to Monday, all were above 150.
2. When I went to the hospital to see my cardiologist last night, the reading was 156/89.

I agree with you about the supermarket machines aren't necessarily accurate, I welcome the high reading as a wake-up call to monitor myself more closely and to replace the prescription made by another manufacturer.

[hlthe2b]

3. Yes. Caution with generics--especially those treating serious conditions. Likewise where you get

your BP checked can be an issue, although apparently not in your case. Those pharmacy BP machines may be fine in some areas, but they are notorious for never being checked/recalibrated once installed. So, get a reliable home unit and use it.