Blood Pressure Question - Need Advice

rach41413

Nurses, doctors, anyone who is relatively knowledgeable in the world of medicine: HELP!

I started MFP almost a month ago. I have lost 12 pounds so far. I'm 5'10, 21 years old, started at 270, and am now at 258.

Three months ago, I was in and out of the hospital, and therefore had my blood pressure taken a lot. It was usually in the 120/80 range, with the lowest systolic being 117 and the lowest diastolic being 67. Room for improvement there, but okay, right?! So when I started exercising and watching what I eat, I figured that my BP would at least stay the same, if not go down. But I went to the doc last week and it was 140/85! I attributed that to nervousness (new doctor, not so fun appointment), but she told me to monitor my BP for two weeks. I took it this morning, and it was 140/84, and then again at a different location and different time, and it was 145/92.

Is there any obvious explanation for this somewhat sudden rise in BP??? I am freaking out a little bit about this, I don't want to go on drugs. I am watching my sodium now, and am considering potassium supplements. I do about 60 minutes of cardio, 6 days a week, and also throw in some strength training 2 or 3 days per week. And on my "rest" day I still try to get out and walk the dogs for a half hour or so. My pulse has decreased from a resting rate of about 80/85 to 72 at the last doctor visit, so I am happy with that...I am just not seeing any logical reason that my BP would go up that much!