High blood pressure

[Hahuahin]

Scary...but here we go. Due to an unusually low resting heart rate lately and being somewhat exhausted in general lately, I went to the Red Cross clinic to measure my blood pressure today which was somewhat elevated. (Hypertension stage 1) For me, thats a wake-up call because I've always been extremely active, so high blood pressure was the last health problem I could think of. That said, I have always eaten/drinked what I want, so maybe that is the underlying cause! But I think there are many more people than me with high blood pressure in Hua Hin and would like to know where to start, which hospital/clinic is recommended without breaking the bank. Is a general health check without all the whistles and the bells the way to go or should I try to find a hearth specialist? Anyway I would be grateful for any info.
Thank you
hahuahin

[Big Boy]

I would suggest the Premium Clinic at Hua Hin Hospital.

https://www.huahinhospital.go.th/index. ... ium-clinic

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[handdrummer]

I find that whenever I go to a drs. office or hospital and the check my blood pressure it's always 30 to 40 points higher than when I check it at home. That's called the "white coat syndrome," as in when you go to see a dr. in a white coat, your pressure rises.
May I suggest that you buy a blood pressure monitor and check it every morning, 20 mins. after you get out of bed and before you eat or drink anything. Do this for 3 or 4 days to get an average.

Check a few websites to see what the range is for your age and weight. The medical prof. keeps changing the parameters, that's why you have to look at more than 1 website.

There is a yoga asana that is very simple and easy to do that will lower your blood pressure 5-10 points in a couple of mins. Check yoga for blood pressure.

Diet and alcohol do contribute to blood pressure. Less meat and more fruits and vegetables will help maintain normal blood pressure. A handful of walnuts each day helps to clean your arteries. The arterial blockage is a common cause of high blood pressure.

[Hahuahin]

Thank you for the replies and the link to the premium express clinic, didnt know we had something like that here, What days/hours would it be best to visit i.e, not to busy/ crowdy?
Thank you
hahuahin

[Big Boy]

It is never too busy, except on 'Thai Day', which is a Saturday. Just roll up at any time - doctor is usually there from 9.

Like any walk in clinic, it is luck of the draw how many others are in front of you, but it'll be a comfortable wait if you're unlucky, and hit a queue.

[caller]

I agree about white coat syndrome affecting BP even in a Doctors in the UK, which is when it was first recommended to me to buy my own monitor. Here, That is made 10 times worse by having to enter a hospital to see my quack. I do readings at various times of the day and after exercise, when it is generally very good. I do take meds for BP, but there can be a 1000 and one reasons why your BP is high, from stress i.e. white coat syndrome, to physical causes and all points in-between. Any Doctor should be able to help in the first instance. I personally prefer to see a cardiologist, which happpens to be the one I had to see before having a major op, simply because it is a better experience than seeing my normal Doctor.

[handdrummer]

I agree about white coat syndrome affecting BP even in a Doctors in the UK, which is when it was first recommended to me to buy my own monitor. Here, That is made 10 times worse by having to enter a hospital to see my quack. I do readings at various times of the day and after exercise, when it is generally very good. I do take meds for BP, but there can be a 1000 and one reasons why your BP is high, from stress i.e. white coat syndrome, to physical causes and all points in-between. Any Doctor should be able to help in the first instance. I personally prefer to see a cardiologist, which happpens to be the one I had to see before having a major op, simply because it is a better experience than seeing my normal Doctor.

Definitely see a cardiologist rather than a GP. It will save you from having to see one more doctor on the medical treadmill.

[Hahuahin]

Thanks everyone for the info and comments. I'm aware of the "white coat syndrome", that doesn't mean it doesn't affect me. I have seen the personal blood pressure monitors on Shopee / Lazada and "Omron" I think the name was seems to have many models so I will order one soon.
hahuahin

[Nereus]

Thanks everyone for the info and comments. I'm aware of the "white coat syndrome", that doesn't mean it doesn't affect me. I have seen the personal blood pressure monitors on Shopee / Lazada and "Omron" I think the name was seems to have many models so I will order one soon. hahuahin

I use an Omron HEM-7120 bought from Lazada. I have had it for a couple of years without any problems.
Most bigger pharamacies also sell them.

[Big Boy]

I agree with the remarks on White Coat Syndrome 100%, but I also believe it is the device you use for having blood pressure taken.

Like many, for years I have taken my blood pressure daily at home, and rarely does it become even close to high. In the hospitals they often have those bulky do it yourself machines. In my opinion the are set at 'Thai population' heights. When you are 6' 5" and a peanut tall like me, you need to be a contortionist to get your arm inside. Of course, it gives a false reading. My worst was when I went for my first Covid jab - 232/191. I think I needed the incinerator rather than a Covid jab Of course, when they re-tested with a proper machine, I was normal.

2 check-ups ago, I got the usual spiel from the doc - your BP is very high, and he got the usual argument back that my blood pressure was fine, it was the set-up of his BP machine. He actually agreed. We now have an arrangement that I record my BP daily at home, and take the readings at my quarterly check-ups.

I used to worry that my home machine was giving inaccurate readings, but I've checked it against similar machines, and it is most definitely the set up of those static machines. I note that downstairs in HHH they have the same machines on an all singing all dancing device that weighs you, measures your height and adjusts the machine's height. I've never had a problem using the BP element of one of those - I just need to find a way of getting it to produce a weight acceptable to the doc now

[Hahuahin]

Something to think about there, yes, and I don't know if the blood pressure monitor at the Red Cross is accurate!
hahuahin

[hhinner]

It is never too busy, except on 'Thai Day', which is a Saturday. Just roll up at any time - doctor is usually there from 9.

Like any walk in clinic, it is luck of the draw how many others are in front of you, but it'll be a comfortable wait if you're unlucky, and hit a queue.

Just to avoid a bit of confusion about the premium/express clinic and the SMC clinic for which you posted the graphic.

The SMC clinic is open evenings Monday - Wednesday, 4.30pm - 8pm and Saturday 8am - 2pm. The graphic also shows the days the various medical departments are represented.

The premium/express clinic (as per your link) on the 5th floor in the building behind the main building is different and is open most days during normal hours, except weekends (is it open Saturdays now?).

[hhinner]

^^ Just noticed that BB's link includes both premium and SMC clinics.

[Hahuahin]

Hmm.... now I'm not too sure what's what regarding the blood pressure readings. I visited the Red Cross clinic again yesterday on another errand in the city center and the first measurement showed roughly the same values as earlier in the week, but for once I read the instructions for use on the blood pressure monitor and saw that I should relax for a few minutes before the measurement and after the measurements show 120/80
hahuahin

[handdrummer]

Hmm.... now I'm not too sure what's what regarding the blood pressure readings. I visited the Red Cross clinic again yesterday on another errand in the city center and the first measurement showed roughly the same values as earlier in the week, but for once I read the instructions for use on the blood pressure monitor and saw that I should relax for a few minutes before the measurement and after the measurements show 120/80
hahuahin

That's good.
I don't know if you know the following, so I'll say that the top number indicates the rate of blood going to your heart, and the bottom is the rate of blood leaving your heart.
The top, systolic number is perfect, the bottom, diastolic, would be better under 80, but 80 isn't dangerous.
The more you move, the better your health will be.