High Blood Pressure

[Shilo]

Strangely, in light of how much neglect and abuse I have leveled on my body during most of my adult life, I have been blessed with relatively few health problems. But recently, there has been a noticeable spike in my blood pressure readings when I visit my lone Pattaya doctor for a vision related issues. That along with some tightness in the chest when walking (or other noticeable signs) has got me thinking that it is time to talk with someone about possible blood pressure issues. I also believe that this has been an issue along my family tree.

 

The problem is that I'm not sure where to start and I don't feel comfortable just taking a stab in the dark...

 

I would love to get any info or recommendations on next steps from those with first hand experience.

[DazzaDownUnder]

I don't live in Pattaya but definitely get it checked out ASAP.

 

But don't panic, as it might not be as bad as you think.

 

I had some concerns myself recently. Felt like crap, tired, chest felt tight. Also had concerns after being a bad boy and sleeping with hookers without using condoms a few months back.

 

So decided to get a complete checkup - both for STD's and also for my general health.

 

I was pleasantly surprised. No STD's whatsoever, and everything was normal, in terms of blood pressure, sugar, cholestrol etc.

had no problems whatsoever.

 

So don't panic, but it's good that you're gonna do something about it and checked out.

 

Sorry, probably not much help by posting all of this.....but if I can help at all, just don't panic, and if you have any issues, there are treatments for almost everything.....but do it now, don't leave it.

[Scumbag]

I think you need to get yourself properly checked out. If you are going to a clinic that is not enough as they don't have the facilities to conduct the necessary tests. You need to get to one of the hospitals as soon as you can. The tightness in the chest would scare the shit out of me and I would be going straight to a hospital, as I don't believe that is a blood pressure problem.

[DazzaDownUnder]

Get a "heart stress test."

 

They put you on a treadmill and stick these suction caps on ya, and measure your heart rates and all this other shit. You need to go to a hospital to do it.

 

From this, they can tell if you have any blockages in your arteries, and check the general condition of your heart.

 

I did one of these too, and got the all-clear.

[Goolabert]

You need to get your own BP monitor. Not too expensive, and can probably find in Fascino or any big pharmacy. Any decent doctor you see will want you to check youself at least daily to get a better idea what your baseline is.

[sanuk247]

Strangely, in light of how much neglect and abuse I have leveled on my body during most of my adult life, I have been blessed with relatively few health problems. But recently, there has been a noticeable spike in my blood pressure readings when I visit my lone Pattaya doctor for a vision related issues. That along with some tightness in the chest when walking (or other noticeable signs) has got me thinking that it is time to talk with someone about possible blood pressure issues. I also believe that this has been an issue along my family tree.

 

The problem is that I'm not sure where to start and I don't feel comfortable just taking a stab in the dark...

 

I would love to get any info or recommendations on next steps from those with first hand experience.

 

Ok.. first hand experience and recommendation:

 

Complete physical and don't put it off any longer. Following the physical you will be given some options and recommendations. Take them seriously.

 

My recommendation is here for the physical:

http://www.bumrungrad.com/thailandhospital

 

Bangkok Hospital here in Pattaya offers the same service, but having used both before I suggest the trip up to Bangkok. You usually can get the appointment and get this done within a weeks time.

[Shilo]

You need to get your own BP monitor. Not too expensive, and can probably find in Fascino or any big pharmacy. Any decent doctor you see will want you to check youself at least daily to get a better idea what your baseline is.

 

Thanks... thinking about it, this does seem like a pretty good idea. At least I would have some data in hand when I walk into an appointment for a physical. I have a clinic just up the road so I'll start to collect readings tomorrow.

[Shilo]

Ok.. first hand experience and recommendation:

 

Complete physical and don't put it off any longer. Following the physical you will be given some options and recommendations. Take them seriously.

 

My recommendation is here for the physical:

http://www.bumrungrad.com/thailandhospital

 

Bangkok Hospital here in Pattaya offers the same service, but having used both before I suggest the trip up to Bangkok. You usually can get the appointment and get this done within a weeks time.

 

If it comes down to needing surgery of any kind that I would naturally want to seek out the best... but for the physical, just to get a "read" on the problem, do you think that there is that much of a difference between the Bangkok vs Pattaya options?

[layow]

Fix ya diet, less salt etc.

 

Maybe get on a light asprin a day thing

 

Its up to you, as you've said you've given yourself a hard time and

as you age some of that will come back as pay back so you have to take better care of yourself..

[sanuk247]

If it comes down to needing surgery of any kind that I would naturally want to seek out the best... but for the physical, just to get a "read" on the problem, do you think that there is that much of a difference between the Bangkok vs Pattaya options?

 

Several that do their annual physicals at Bumrungrad have posted in PA so a search should give you additional info on their experiences. Bumrungrad is on Soi 3 I believe about a block off of Suk in Bangkok. About 3-4 blocks from Nana. I take about 3 day's off and travel up, visit the bars and entertainment area's, get the physical, then back. Only restriction is no food, booze, after about 8pm the night before the test (blood, urine). Once you have an appointment time the complete test's take perhaps 2 hours and your on your way. The cost of the annual physical is given to you before testing, so you know what the cost will be for the work they are doing that day, no surprises.

 

Yes, I suggest Bangkok Bumrungrad vs Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya, as they are two totally different hospitals, with different ownership, and having experienced both my confidence to recommend one for you would be with Bumrungrad. Costs will be about the same for whichever one you choose. If you want to know the cost at Bumrungrad, use this link below, then answer the questions in the online form there, as it will give you the exact cost and what you will receive. Appointments can also be made online.

 

http://www.bumrungrad.com/check-up-package

[padfoot]

I believe a thorough physical as suggested above would be a good idea. There comes a time in peoples lives when health maintenance becomes important. The symptoms you describe could be the sign of a serious problem. It is money well spent having them checked. If the problem is serious or has the potential to be serious then you can take care of business. If it's not serious then you will have some peace of mind. 

[Shilo]

Well, first off, thanks for all of the replies and info. And for those who have mentioned it, I don't plan to ignore the problem and or consider any form of self-medication. At the moment I am focusing most of my attention of finding a doctor/hospital that I can trust...

 

And it is also worth mentioning that the more I have read and researched my "problem", I am inclined to believe that my main issue isn't High Blood Pressure... I'm pretty sure that I am dealing with Stable Angina. Someone on another board pointed me in that direction and I have to admit that the symptoms are pretty much dead on. Naturally, I'll have to follow through with the tests to know for sure.

 

Somehow, I feel like I may be better off working with a Heart doctor who can distinguish between the two rather then a General doctor who might focus on the blood pressure... but I'm sure that I will know more once I get in for some tests.

[scot75]

Hey Shilo - definitely get it checked out by a Hospital Doc. The key to controlling high BP is finding the root cause whether it be Angina, lifestyle/stress or even hereditary and all of these can be controlled by medication. If they suspect Angina or can't find cause, I would ask the Doc if an MRI scan would help - no idea what the costs are in Thailand but a MRI scan will show if there are problems and exactly where they are and possibly the cause. I was 24 when I went to the dentist for a pre-deployment checkup and had very high BP (200/140), they freaked out and I was rushed to ER. It took 18 months until I eventually found a good military cardio specialist who sent me for an MRI and they found I had a birth defect (coarctation of the aorta - blockage) and the next week I had heart bypass surgery - not that this is your issue by any means!!

 

Of interest I noted you were at docs for 'vision related issues', eye doctors/opticians can also tell if you have blood pressure problems as untreated elevated BP can cause damage to your eyes. Had an eye check-up last year and the doc asked if I had ever had high BP and when i told her what I had previously she told me she could see the scarring and nerve damage.   

[bigbill340]

I went to the doctors about four years ago and when he took my blood pressure he put his head in his hands and just said he thought he was going to call me an ambulance!

 

 With the symptoms that you are having I would quickly go and get yourself checked out my friend!

 

Whilst high bp will/can cause some of what you have described, it sounds most likely that you may have another issue going on as well. I had blood pressure of 340 over 190 when they found mine and I had no symptoms at all, the only reason I had seen the doctor is because of a hernia I have.

 

Go to the hospital as soon as possible and tell them all of your symptoms, it might be nothing, it might be something, but it will always be better to know now than when you are in the back of an ambulance fighting for your life!

 

Go and get it checked my friend!

 

 

Bill

[udontony]

I have used the Bangkok Pattaya hospital several times for check ups now and believe that they are very good.  Not cheap but reliable and very good service.  You can get an appointment almost immeadiately but you do need to starve etc the night before the tests but I am sure you could easily book in for tomorrow.

 

The heart stress tests etc come included in some of the health check pachages so you can choose what you want and know the costs before you start.  A discussion with the doctor is included and a referal to cardiology is almost instant if one is needed.  Good luck and as many have said before, do it sooner rather than later.

[bobdown]

Whilst high bp will/can cause some of what you have described, it sounds most likely that you may have another issue going on as well. I had blood pressure of 340 over 190 when they found mine and I had no symptoms at all, the only reason I had seen the doctor is because of a hernia I have.

 

 

 

 

Bill

Fuck

[Pattaya_mad]

I went to the doctors about four years ago and when he took my blood pressure he put his head in his hands and just said he thought he was going to call me an ambulance!

 

 With the symptoms that you are having I would quickly go and get yourself checked out my friend!

 

Whilst high bp will/can cause some of what you have described, it sounds most likely that you may have another issue going on as well. I had blood pressure of 340 over 190 when they found mine and I had no symptoms at all, the only reason I had seen the doctor is because of a hernia I have.

 

Go to the hospital as soon as possible and tell them all of your symptoms, it might be nothing, it might be something, but it will always be better to know now than when you are in the back of an ambulance fighting for your life!

 

Go and get it checked my friend!

 

 

Bill

And your still alive?