Just want to make sure you see this, but you need to know your BP. I'm your age, have similar H/W stats, and elevated BP has always been an issue for me. Even without the huge amount of sodium from soy sauce, your stats put you at a high risk for it (which in turn leads to higher risk for heart attack and stroke.)
Ask your doctor at your next physical, or if you don't see a doctor regularly, you can buy yourself a good one off of Amazon. I have this one and vouch for it, but there's another one from the same manufacturer $15 cheaper.
No need to wait. The devices are cheap. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WCQVV71/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Costs about the same as a typical copay, but you can check as often as you want. When you get the feelings you're describing you can check right then and there, and know for sure if you're BP is elevated from normal.
My BP has been slightly high every time I go to the doctors, but when I have the nurses at work it's been fine. My doctor put me on high alert for Pre-E symptoms. Nothing so far, but either way, it freaks me out. I bought my own BP monitor from Amazon and it is amazing. It even has a 2 person setting so I can keep track of my husbands too. It saves the last 100 readings and keeps me sane. If any of you are in the same boat, this is the one I bought.
I have this little Omron 7 series wrist cuff. It’s very easy to use by yourself and I find it fast and accurate. Amazon has the best price I’ve seen.
Pharmacies and large superstores like Walmart will have them. Here is an Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Omron-Pressure-Monitor-Reading-Memory/dp/B004D9P1A8/ref=zg_bs_3777151_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9E693YYA44R7DS4D2TFQ
I’m not saying don’t worry about it but I have had chest pains for days after this stuff.
I bought a cardiac monitor on amazon and everything is fine.
This is a six lead EKG so about as good as you can get at home. And I think it’s the only one FDA approved.
AliveCor® KardiaMobile 6L | FDA-Cleared | Wireless 6-Lead EKG | Works with Smartphone | Detects AFib or Normal Heart Rhythm in 30 Seconds https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQW6SD5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8KJLEbX27N1GJ
This is the one I use
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I spent a lot of time researching various different brands and models and this seemed to be a good choice and I recently found out that the local medical university uses the same model.
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This one lasts me about 4 to 5 years .. works great . Make sure your arm is level with the bottom of your heart. I also got a wall adapter to save on batteries.
I have AFib, medication manages it and my cardiologist said it will not harm me as long as it's under control, it may become more of a worry after 60.
See a cardiologist and you'll be fine. I did go through testing and wore a holter monitor before diagnosis. I also bought https://www.amazon.com/KardiaMobile-Single-Lead-Personal-Monitor-FDA-Cleared/dp/B01A4W8AUK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=56419504979&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhZHY8cKf-wIVmjizAB2fCAH7EAAYASAAEgKRd_D_BwE&hvadid=274797286041&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9... to monitor and my docs think it's great.
I'm not sure what you're trying to monitor but this thing was recommended by my cardiologist and does a pretty good job. It's not continuous like the watch though.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A4W8AUK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you're insured/can afford it, go on and see a cardiologist. It wouldn't hurt, especially with your apple watch results. They'll most likely give you a Holter monitor, echocardiogram, and/or a stress ekg test. Very standard workup that's not an inconvenience and helps rule out alot.
If you're particularly worried, you can get a Kardia device that can help you see if your heart is in a weird rhythm when you feel these episodes. I use it when I feel my heart rate spike inappropriately and you can send the readings to your cardiologist.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQW6SD5?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
If you don't want to shell out $100 I Just got this https://www.amazon.com/Konquest-KBP-2704A-Automatic-Pressure-Monitor/dp/B077CXGSJW has 24k ratings almost 5 stars. I think it is the best selling BP on Amazon.
Sorry you are in a situation where you need to buy one, but I hope whatever you get can help you to manage your bp. Good luck and take care.
Konquest KBP-2704A Automatic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077CXGSJW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have this one & it has good reviews, seems accurate. It does squeeze the absolute bejeezus out of my arm if I don’t get it on just right, but I feel like that’s the nature of the beast. My nurses sometimes do that too lol
Great advice from WiseChoices. Something else you could add to your shopping list is a 6-lead EKG. It'll help rule out heart palpitations/AF -> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RQW6SD5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews Does not replace the ER's 12 lead EKGs, but it does help the anxiety of thinking it could be something heart related.
I also bought myself the BLATN air quality meter to test my air at home. PM 2.5/10 (so dust/pollen/dirt/etc in the air, plus TVOCs like mold, chemicals, etc).
Also try to get yourself seen by a pulmonologist ASAP (it took me like 3 weeks to be seen for similar symptoms... also went to the ER several times myself. "Not a heart attack, not covid, go home." So I feel your pain and frustration). I suggest you go to a minute clinic tomorrow if you can, they'll likely give you an albuterol inhaler with your symptoms. That'll hopefully help with any excruciating flare ups while you wait to see a lung doc.
It also wouldn't hurt to do an assessment of your work and home air quality. When were your air ducts last cleaned, any signs of mold or do you live in a high humidity environment where mold could thrive? Mold can thrive and hide underneath carpet if your home's humidity is high. They have some good options on Amazon for HEPA filters with UV lights to kill germs/potential mold spores.
Best of luck OP. Always feel welcome to share what's going on. I found being on here really helped me mentally, knowing there's people here who know exactly how we feel and care.
I bought this Greater Goods home blood pressure monitor: https://www.amazon.com/Greater-Goods-Pressure-Monitor-Balance/dp/B00N9I63PG a year ago and it's truly excellent. It's accurate, easy to use, has a memory for two users, not complicated—all in all, well designed, well thought-through product.
I got this one but haven’t received it yet. LifeSource by A&D Medical Upper... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VXO4JE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
But I might try the advice from another comment and learn to do it manually if this one doesn’t work.
I’ve also had health related anxiety. Are you able to exercise? Do you feel worse after exercise? If not, then you’re likely just fine. You can take an ekg and get an automatic interpretation with this device: https://www.amazon.com/KardiaMobile-Personal-Device-Heart-Monitor/dp/B07RQW6SD5/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B07RQW6SD5&psc=1
I'd add, if you are buying a smart watch, get one that monitors for AFib, or get something like this (https://www.amazon.ca/AliveCor-1141-Kardia-Mobile/dp/B01A4W8AUK/) Afib is no fun either.
Problem is most of the information is bullshit. The drug itself isn't that bad. People take desoxyn for decades and continue being normal and healthy. ...It's the not eating and sleeping that gets you. If you're able to keep that in check then you're fine.
That said, all stims are vasoconstrictors and it sounds like you may have either a cardiovascular or diabetic problem to content with. You should absolutely take a break, say 3 weeks, and see a doc. At the very least grab a blood pressure monitor and start checking regularly. especially comparing peak high to base values.
I've had the "OMRON Evolv Bluetooth Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Portable, One-piece Design – Works with Alexa" for 2 years and I love it. The Omron app you get on your Smartphone really gives you all the data history you need along with some nice charts to display the data. It automatically downloads to the app with Bluetooth when you take a blood pressure reading. The app allows you to send the data in excel, pdf, or CSV formats to your computer several ways including email.
I have very large upper arms, so I purchased this one. It's a little pricey, but it works really well and was the only one that came with the larger style cuff. The cuff includes markings on it so you know you're using the correct size.
High blood pressure is called a silent killer for the very reason it has no symptoms, yet long term high blood pressure increases your risk of a major cardiac event (heart attack, stroke, death etc).
Now this doesn't mean you have high blood pressure, but most certainly feeling fine doesnt mean everything is fine, again it's a silent killer.
I'd order a blood pressure cuff on Amazon like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCQVV71/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_TJ3MX4RTPC2NSWM1JZNH
See what kind of readings you are getting at home when completely relaxed. If you are regularly getting readings of 140+, medication is recommended to lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Greater Goods Blood Pressure Monitor Cuff Kit by Balance, Digital BP Meter with Large Display, Upper Arm Cuff, Set Also Comes with Tubing and Device Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9I63PG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0PMCS1KXT25YPNJR2EJS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what we have. “ Greater Goods Blood Pressure Monitor Cuff Kit by Balance, Digital BP Meter with Large Display, Upper Arm Cuff, Set Also Comes with Tubing and Device Bag “
ALL NEW 2021 LAZLE Blood Pressure Monitor - Automatic Upper Arm Machine & Accurate Adjustable Digital BP Cuff Kit - Largest Backlit Display - 200 Sets Memory, Includes Batteries, Carrying Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCQVV71/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EN3X6KCQJK678WTGPF0M
Everyone go to their product and write negative reviews! We can fuck them up for threatening a fellow redditor
I can get this to you by tomorrow. Would it help? Do you want it? If so, feel free to DM me your address.
Konquest KBP-2704A Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor - Adjustable Cuff - Large Backlit Display - Irregular Heartbeat & Hypertension Detector - Tensiometro Digital https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077CXGSJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VHYGMXTCFBDX7CWNBAJG
I have an older Omron (BP786N). I liked that I could sync the readings to my phone (and to apple health) which made it easier to bring the data in to my dr.
i use this one from amazon, its good if you’re looking for a fairly cheap one. i compared it to the one at my doctors office and its pretty accurate and comes with a case to bring it with you on the go! it also alerts you if you’re tachycardic, having heart palpitations, etc.