A group of us were all hanging out and having some drinks at a friend's house (who happens to be a nurse). The wonderful idea of bringing a stethoscope out somehow came to fruition and I thought why the hell not? It's been a while. We all go around the table one by one..
Friend 1: 133/85. "That's right where I usually am"
Friend 2: 119/80. "Ayyy BP game on point... I'm on lisinopril tho"
Friend 3: 142/95. "Shoot, higher than usual. Could exercise more"
Friend 4: 175/110 "..."
Me: "Wait, that can't be right.. we should double check that"
*Nurse friend checks*
Friend 4 #2: 180/105 "...yea, that's what it usually is"
Yes, there are a variety of factors that could have shot up everyone's results but they were all ballpark numbers. At this point, I say in a calm manner and work into the conversation that he should get his annual checkup (which he probably doesn't do) so on and so forth as to not bring so much attention in front of everyone. The nurse didn't even seem a bit worried!
It's been a few weeks and I can guarantee that he hasn't done anything to address it and just kind of brushed it off. Anyway, I am legitimately concerned for his health and it's been weighing on me but I don't know the best way to approach a potentially sensitive topic, as a healthcare professional, with a close friend... who I feel may still just see me as that -- a longtime friend that he won't take 100% seriously as I am usually lighthearted and easy going. Any ideas?
Friend 1: 133/85. "That's right where I usually am"
Friend 2: 119/80. "Ayyy BP game on point... I'm on lisinopril tho"
Friend 3: 142/95. "Shoot, higher than usual. Could exercise more"
Friend 4: 175/110 "..."
Me: "Wait, that can't be right.. we should double check that"
*Nurse friend checks*
Friend 4 #2: 180/105 "...yea, that's what it usually is"
Yes, there are a variety of factors that could have shot up everyone's results but they were all ballpark numbers. At this point, I say in a calm manner and work into the conversation that he should get his annual checkup (which he probably doesn't do) so on and so forth as to not bring so much attention in front of everyone. The nurse didn't even seem a bit worried!
It's been a few weeks and I can guarantee that he hasn't done anything to address it and just kind of brushed it off. Anyway, I am legitimately concerned for his health and it's been weighing on me but I don't know the best way to approach a potentially sensitive topic, as a healthcare professional, with a close friend... who I feel may still just see me as that -- a longtime friend that he won't take 100% seriously as I am usually lighthearted and easy going. Any ideas?
