Over the last decade or so I’ve been battling a bunch of minor problems such as insomnia, headaches, chest pain, and blood pressure. Insomnia I can usually deal with as the extra waking hours can be used to analyze things until either I fall asleep, or solve/rationalize a complex problem. Headaches have been a common element of my daily life since puberty, and I cannot recall any day since turning 20 where I didn’t have at least one mild headache at some point. But this last item, blood pressure, is the one that has been really bothering me lately.
A few months ago I had experienced a similar problem where my blood pressure was super high. Whenever I was going from place to place I would notice that it’d reach levels where it felt as though my heart were trying to pump coagulated cooking oil, and this would occasionally happen even when I was sitting in a classroom without any activity whatsoever. This isn’t a new development, either, as I would occasionally experience this while living in Canada.
But what’s causing it?
When I had first started experiencing these problems back in Canada, I thought it was diet related. It’s no secret that food in Canada is not great for one’s health, regardless of what the “experts” say. This is especially true for single men who often take the quickest route to solving their hunger. So, without talking to a doctor about my problem, I’d start exercising more and cut back on my Venti Vanilla Latte intake. The problem would dissipate after a few weeks, and then I could resume my regular unhealthy lifestyle.
Ah, so it’s diet related?
Perhaps not. Since moving to Japan I’ve been eating a very balanced diet, exercising (by carrying a heavy bag and walking really fast for about 4km every day) … but I still get chest pains and the feeling that my blood pressure has climbed through the roof. It’s not due to excessive fatty foods, Starbuck’s lattes, chocolate bars, or any of the other deadly sins that I enjoyed while living in Canada, because none of these are part of my daily intake. So what the heck is causing the problem?
Could it be stress?
Many people have asked me if I’m stressed or feel anxious, but I really don’t think this is the case. As an English “teacher”, my job is about as stressful as a pensioner’s. Really. I have very few serious responsibilities and am reasonably confident that I will be employed in the foreseeable future so long as I don’t do anything really, really stupid. I’m slowly making headway in the direction that I want to go with my career, and I’m even finding more time to devote to writing, a passion that I had to forgo in 2009 for various reasons. So what the heck could be causing it?
At this point, I’m at a loss. Some days my blood pressure seems to have reached new heights, while other days I just need to contend with a headache or two. I’m loathe to see a doctor about this because they’ll most likely prescribe some unnecessarily expensive drug that’s no more beneficial than a 5円 placebo. So, I’ll do the next best thing: ask for your opinion.
What can I do to reduce possible stress or blood pressure? Headaches are all well and good, but I rarely take Aspirin … should I start doing that? I’d love to hear your suggestions.
I don’t think taking pain killers is a good idea if you don’t know the source of the pain. If you drink coffee or caffeinated drinks like cola/mountain dew, or energy drinks you need to cut that out. 4km a day is not much exercise either. I read somewhere that the first 20 minutes of exercise don’t count.
Regarding stress, sometimes it isn’t obvious that you’re suffering but that doesn’t mean you aren’t. Being a teacher can be quite stressful as you have to deal with people constantly but even if it’s not the teaching there could be stress from doing a job that you don’t want to be doing.
ええええええええ～? The first 20 minutes don’t count?
Well, I’ll be sure to talk to the doc about this kinda stuff on Monday. The Mrs. and I would like to have kids in the near future, and I’d like to be alive to see them grow up.
Another think that causes headaches is issues with eyes. If your prescription doesn’t match your eyesight that often causes headaches.
Glasses can probably be ruled out, as I had my eyes checked about six months ago. That said, I do get headaches if I’m in sunlight for anything more than 30 minutes.
Oh noes! I’m a mushroom!
I understand your reticence to popping pills, but high blood pressure is not something you should ignore. I recommend seeing the doctor.
Pills are generally to be avoided unless absolutely necessary, but in the case of chronic high blood pressure, they are indeed necessary. High blood pressure has a variety of causes but needs to be investigated and treated because it causes arterial damage and can significantly hasten the process of coronary artery disease, which everyone who grew up in a western country already has to some degree by their mid-20s. Get a full blood workup done including a lipid profile – it can’t hurt.
On another note, what kind of chest pain are you experiencing?
I’ll be paying a visit to the doctor on Monday, and I’ll be sure to have him check me out thoroughly. If he wants to prescribe anything, I’ll ask that it be exercise or something that requires time and energy rather than medication.
As for chest pain, it depends. Sometimes it’s like a huge weight on my chest, other times it’s like my heart just can’t pump blood through the veins. Suffice to say, neither are very fun
To avoid the unfortunate mispleasure of having to make a return visit, I’d advise you not to eat or drink anything (other than water) for 9-12 hours before your visit. The doc won’t be expecting that but when he starts mentioning an appointment for a blood test you can tell him you’ve fasted and can do the whole shebang that same day. Usually lipid tests are more accurate with a fast and fasting glucose levels can kill a third bird for diabetes screening. Sometimes they do the abbreviated version of a blood test here – so tell him that despite your youth, you want everything: CBC, cardiac enzymes, thyroid hormones and lipids.
Not sure what kind of pain you’re describing but it’s important to tell the doc if it’s happening at rest, when active or both.
My wife has high-blood pressure and nearly died the day she gave birth. She had to be rushed from the maternity clinic to a big hospital in Gifu where Ricky was born in an operating theater. It’s just not worth taking any chances. Glad you’re getting it checked out on Monday.
Hey Jason I had a similar problem last night. I felt chest pains and my heart was skipping beats. I could directly link it to eating too much salt and fried foods. I had 2 pounds of chicken wings, and I felt my heart work hard for that 3 pump.