Living with High Blood Pressure: Some commonly asked questions
Can I take my own blood pressure at home?
There is an increasing use of home monitors and self measurement of blood pressure. However some monitors are not accurate. The most accurate readings will be achieved under standard conditions using accurate, validated and well maintained monitors with the appropriate cuff size.
The British Hypertension Society can provide a list of recommended monitors. Please visit the Useful Addresses section for contact details.
Can I continue to drive?
You only have to stop driving domestic cars if your drugs give you side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness. If you drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or a minibus with more than 8 seats you will not be allowed to drive if your systolic is greater than 180mmHg or diastolic is greater than 100mmHg, until it is under control.
Are there any jobs I can’t do if I have high blood pressure?
- If you fly or work under the sea for a living, you will not be allowed to continue in this line of work.
- If you work with machinery you must discuss this with your doctor before he/she prescribes any medication, as some tablets can make you drowsy.
If I have a medical examination for my work will my high blood pressure be detected?
The doctor has no way of knowing that you are on medication for high blood pressure unless you tell him/her. Employers sometimes want to know if you have high blood pressure to fulfil conditions for pension funds. Unfortunately if you choose not to disclose any type of information which is relevant for your job, you can be dismissed quite legally.
Does stress cause high blood pressure?
Stress increases your blood pressure for short periods of time. Once the stress is relieved your blood pressure returns to normal. This happens in everyone. Stress itself has not been proven to actually cause high blood pressure. However, if you are leading a stressful life you may find that you are not eating a healthy diet, you are smoking too much, drinking too much and not taking enough exercise. All these things will contribute to raising your blood pressure.
Do I have to mention my high blood pressure if I am buying holiday insurance?
Yes. If you don’t, your insurance policy may not be valid. Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland have prepared a factsheet containing a list of sympathetic insurance companies to approach for insurance cover.
Is flying quite safe if I have high blood pressure?
Sitting in one position for a long time and becoming dehydrated can cause the blood to thicken increasing the risk of clots forming. To protect yourself when flying always:
- drink plenty of fluids
- avoid alcohol
- get up regularly for short walks
- make sure you have plenty of leg room
- stretch and move your feet and legs about when sitting
If you have any queries about flying speak to your doctor or the airline’s medical advisory department.
Can I take a holiday at high altitude?
At high altitude your blood thickens and your blood pressure rises. This may increase your risk of a stroke. If you are thinking about going on a holiday at high altitude you should check first with your doctor to see that you are fit enough to go.
Will sex raise my blood pressure?
Sex does raise your blood pressure but only briefly - your blood pressure then falls immediately afterwards. However this is quite safe.
Very occasionally heart attacks and strokes can occur during sexual activity. This is relatively rare in comparison with other activities, which raise your blood pressure for similar lengths of time. As a general principal no one should give up doing something that gives pleasure and happiness to their partners and themselves without strong scientific evidence that it is necessary. There is no such evidence for sexual activity.
Will having high blood pressure affect my sex life?
All blood pressure lowering drugs can cause impotence in some people. Impotence that is caused by drugs is always reversible. If you find you have this problem after you start your treatment you should speak to your doctor who will try you on a different drug. 90% of people will find their sex life unaffected by their high blood pressure. If you find you are one of the remaining 10% you may be reassured that there is no evidence to link high blood pressure itself with impotence or a loss of sexual desire.
Which drugs are more likely to cause impotence?
Thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers tend to cause impotence more than other blood pressure lowering drugs. If you are having problems with these drugs your doctor may be able to put you on a tablet from a different group of blood pressure lowering drugs.
Will the contraceptive pill affect my blood pressure?
The ‘combined’ contraceptive pill can cause a small rise in blood pressure. Therefore if you have high blood pressure your doctor will not recommend this pill for you. You may be able to take the ‘progesterone only’ pill under supervision from your doctor or family clinic. Alternatively you may wish to consider another form of contraception especially if you are over 35 and a smoker.
If I have high blood pressure can I take HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can reduce the unpleasant effects of the menopause. It has no effect on your blood pressure. However, deciding whether HRT is right for your situation is complex. If you are considering it, you must discuss the risks and benefits carefully with your doctor.
Things to remember:
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer as it has no symptoms. Without treatment many organs are at risk of permanent damage. High blood pressure does not get better or just go away. Lifestyle changes to diet and exercise will always need to be maintained and can prevent the need for drug treatment.
Drug treatment + lifestyle changes can make blood pressure ‘normal’
Drug treatment will usually be needed for life. Your thorough medical check up should be repeated every 5 years. You will always have to have your blood pressure monitored at least annually.
The information in this page has been adapted from the CHSS leaflet Living with High Blood Pressure.
Last updated: 25/10/2007