# Hospitals suck. Don't let your blood pressure get out of control like I did **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 13, 2024, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240 "2024-04-13T18:55:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/1 "2024-04-13T18:55:18Z")
I just spent the last four days in the hospital, due to “stroke-like symptoms” and a seizure, all caused by me not paying attention and letting my blood pressure get way out of control. I am fully aware that the problem lies with me, and that the results could have been much worse (stroke and death, for example). And, as it turns out, I have already had a couple of strokes. Fortunately they were not in critical areas of the brain and I was not even aware of them. Take care of yourselves, folks. Don’t be like me. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/2 "2024-04-13T18:58:36Z")
Well, this is distressing. 🙁 We like our mods to be in good shape so they can ~~kick our butts~~ gently remind us when we go astray. You say you “weren’t paying attention,” etc.-- looking back what could/should you have done differently? We want to learn from you, sensei. ---
**Author:** ![Eric1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3bc359/32.png) [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/3 "2024-04-13T19:06:37Z")
Yes engineer geek. I’m glad you got released. Best wishes for that. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/4 "2024-04-13T19:11:17Z")
Oh, man. I’m glad you’re – at the very least – alive to tell the tale. I’m hopeful the situation is a whole lot better than that. Sound advice. Maybe _you_ don’t _be like you_ either 😉 ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/5 "2024-04-13T19:13:54Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > looking back what could/should you have done differently? I should have been constantly checking it instead of assuming what it was based on my past history. It ended up quite a bit higher than I thought it was. I should have been better about knuckling down and exercising as well. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/6 "2024-04-13T19:14:01Z")
Blood pressure is tricky because you don’t have any symptoms until you do. But I’m glad to hear that you seem fit and functional now, and that presumably your pressure has been medicated and is under better control. These things can sneak up on you slowly, so thanks for reminding others. ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/7 "2024-04-13T19:19:36Z")
It’s a dramatic way to get your attention, but I’m glad to hear you’ve learned an important lesson about your health without permanent major damage! Once you get in the habit, it’s pretty easy to keep track of your blood pressure, and this kind of wakeup call really helps a person get into the habit. Do it for your SDMB “kids,” if for no other reason! ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/8 "2024-04-13T19:23:17Z")
It’s good to check blood pressure first thing in the morning and again mid afternoon. I’m consistent about checking it in the morning after my shower. Sometimes I get busy and forget the mid afternoon bp. I need to do better. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/9 "2024-04-13T19:23:57Z")
When I met my wife she had been mostly avoiding routine medical care for several years since a very bad experience with a medical procedure. She was aware that her blood pressure was high, and her father had died of a stroke, but she was just ignoring the issue. I convinced her to get a checkup, and her blood pressure was measured at 230/125, which is a level that normally warrants an immediate trip to the ER. She was prescribed medication and has been taking it religiously, and her blood pressure is now under control. It scares me to think how things might have gone very differently if she hadn’t had that checkup. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/10 "2024-04-13T19:35:56Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Fortunately they were not in critical areas of the brain and I was not even aware of them. Very fortunate. Please take better care of yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/11 "2024-04-13T19:46:25Z")
Yay!! He lives. Get outside and walk. Now. I mean it. Glad you’re under control and feeling better, for real. ☺ ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/12 "2024-04-13T19:54:04Z")
Walking is dangerous, seriously. We’re sitting in the ER right now. My wife tripped on our walk and probably broke her left pinky and messed up her right ulna. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/13 "2024-04-13T20:10:24Z")
Get better soon! I love the mods. What **was** your bp? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/14 "2024-04-13T20:13:20Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Walking is dangerous, seriously. > > We’re sitting in the ER right now. My wife tripped on our walk and probably broke her left pinky and messed up her right ulna. Oooof. I hope she’ll be all right. And, I concur - walking is dangerous. 😉 Nine days ago, I was walking to the office from the train station, tripped or slipped on something, and broke my right elbow (technically, the end of my ulna). ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/15 "2024-04-13T20:24:50Z")
I think I’ll be extra careful this week. Healing thoughts sent to @engineer_comp_geek (again) and to @What_Exit and his bride (for the first time). Please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones! ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/16 "2024-04-13T20:53:56Z")
@engineer_comp_geek It’s very good to hear from you, and I’m glad that you’re on the mend. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/17 "2024-04-13T22:08:46Z")
I’m in my mid 50s and take blood pressure medicine. My neighbor died after having a stroke and falling down the stairs. The one thing his wife told me after that was to watch my blood pressure. I hope you can get yours under control. Be well. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/18 "2024-04-13T22:41:30Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > What **was** your bp? I knew it was high, but I was expecting 160 or 170 high. It was actually something like 240 or 250. I don’t recall the exact number. My memory got rather fuzzy after the seizure. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/19 "2024-04-13T22:44:52Z")
Are those smart watch health monitors worth anything besides data-mining? ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240/20 "2024-04-13T22:53:41Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > Are those smart watch health monitors worth anything There is only one with FDA approval: > **[The Best Blood Pressure Monitor Watch of 2023](https://www.healthline.com/health/best-blood-pressure-monitor-watches)** > > In this article, we explain the best option. There are easy to use wrist BP monitors, not as accurate always as arm cuff ones but easy to use in between dr office visits. This grizzled cranky old home health nurse urges you to follow the instructions of both styles to get reliable readings. Take your home BP monitor into to your dr visits to correlate with the office BP machines to keep tabs on how accurate and reliable your home BP machine is. It’s always good to do readings at various times of day and to record the readings in your phone or in a paper log for your physician. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospitals-suck-dont-let-your-blood-pressure-get-out-of-control-like-i-did/1000240.md?page=2)