High blood pressure
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Queenmunchy wrote: »I was just put on meds last week from a sudden and dramatic spike from low/normal to extremely high blood pressure in the past six months. It is very hereditary, but I also have ridiculously high anxiety.
I'm a "normal" BMI and I LOVE salt and alcohol, hardly drink liquids and I'm inconsistent with my workouts. I decided to stop drinking, cut down my salt, make a conscious effort to drink at least a few cups of water during the day/evening, increase my workouts to something sustainable, and get involved in some kind of meditation or yoga to manage my stress.
I'd love to not be on meds, but I'm taking them now along with making the above life changes that I hope will get me off of them and keep me off of them. I just don't want to take the risk of having a stroke or heart attack in the meantime.
I've read somewhere that movement throughout the day is more important for blood pressure than doing your exercise session and you're done. Basically, breaking a 30 minute workout into 10 minute sessions spread across the day keeps the beneficial effect around, as it's temporary and needs to be constantly reinforced. Just walking a couple of minutes every hour is good enough. So don't worry if you can't significantly increase your workouts unless you are doing it for a certain fitness goal.0 -
@amusedmonkey, absolutely! Walking a bit more and being active as a lifestyle instead of going hard with my running and lifting and then crashing and burning. I've been doing that for 15 years and it hasn't worked yet!
Instead I want to just incorporate more movement and activity so that it's sustainable to me.1 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »hologramsabc123 wrote: »The doc has not prescribed me meds yet. I am seeing him on Wednesday. Based on my results however I don't think he is going to jump to prescribing me meds right away considering my history. I am borderline right now. I don't think meds are always the answer to everything. I think learning to change your life first is better - and if things don't work out at the very worst take the meds.
And considering the percentage of people responding to this post having lowered their blood pressure naturally is higher ,compared to those who needed meds - well there is my answer.
Amusedmonk I am going to try hibiscus tea. Ive heard a lot about it. How do you know whether or not your blood pressure is not salt sensitive? Again - I haven't been given the official diagnosis yet - saw my doc over a month ago last and it read 130/90 at the time. Been monitoring it since and its gone from 130-140/85-90. So we will see what my doc says this week.
Because throughout my quest to lower my blood pressure I went with the most common thing people do, considerably lowered my sodium. There was zero change after 2 months. The doctor told me some people are not sensitive to salt and that it's likely the case for me. Went back to my regular sodium intake, no change, so it was confirmed.
My doctor is the kind that would first ask if I have what it takes to change a few things before prescribing meds if the numbers are not too serious and if improvement can be achieved quickly. So he did not put me on any medication for blood pressure or pre diabetes since I was morbidly obese and losing weight would have likely improved both (and it did). He told me to drink 2-3 cups of hibiscus tea a day, and since we have a hibiscus tree, it was easy (and tasty), so I did just that.
I can't tell you if the hibiscus had any effect on my blood pressure, as my weight was dropping quickly and wasn't constant for an accurate comparison.
I also considerably increased my activity level, mainly the cardio type. I walk more than I did before and I took up running. The change in my blood pressure after 6 weeks of running exceeded my doctor's and my expectations.
Again, your results may vary considerably because I was in the super obese category (300+ pounds) and my issues were most likely caused by my obesity.
WOW! INTERESTING! Okay well I guess its just a matter of monitoring with my doc to see whats up. Your doctor sounds awesome. I am considered obese according to the BMI charts but at my thinnest I was too thin for my body/bone structure but at the proper weight according to BMI. I didnt have as much energy that size either. Its interesting. You are doing amazing, congrats!!!I was on high blood pressure meds for a decade before significant weight loss brought it down enough to stop needing meds. Exercise reduced my heart rate but did nit significantly change my blood pressure.
I suggest testing your blood pressure yourself weekly to start understanding your highs and lows. Blood pressure swings all day.
Another WOW! I actually have been testing my blood pressure every morning when I wake up. Havent tried testing it throughout the day. I might do that!I never had high blood pressure until my late 30's. I lost weight and was taken off of my medication. I do not eat a low sodium diet either.
Yeah same! I am in my mid thirties and here it is! I have an issue with Pizza. I don't eat fast food, junk food ...but pizza...I will have once a week maybe a whole medium to myself.Queenmunchy wrote: »I was just put on meds last week from a sudden and dramatic spike from low/normal to extremely high blood pressure in the past six months. It is very hereditary, but I also have ridiculously high anxiety.
I'm a "normal" BMI and I LOVE salt and alcohol, hardly drink liquids and I'm inconsistent with my workouts. I decided to stop drinking, cut down my salt, make a conscious effort to drink at least a few cups of water during the day/evening, increase my workouts to something sustainable, and get involved in some kind of meditation or yoga to manage my stress.
I'd love to not be on meds, but I'm taking them now along with making the above life changes that I hope will get me off of them and keep me off of them. I just don't want to take the risk of having a stroke or heart attack in the meantime.
Yeah if the spike was scary I can understand why the docs were concerned and gave you meds however when I am at my worst with my anxiety (like I am now) thats when my blood pressure rises. The docs actually tested it out and wanted to see how my body would react on anti anxiety meds and they brought the blood pressure back to normal.
Good luck with everything I am sure itll work out! Ill add you as a friend. I too suffer with anxiety so we could support each other!0 -
I have lowered mine through diet and exercise. I watch my sodium closely every day. I've heard that you can lower BP 5 points within 2 weeks by just adding 15min of brisk walking 4x to 5x per week.1
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I am not going to read through all the responses SO excuse me if I repeat - or if someone has spoken to OTHER side affects that I'm not thinking of. I've lost 70 lbs through diet, exercise and newer healthier habits involving stress management and more sleep. I'm sure that there are many that have lowered their blood pressure when it's a result of weight gain or diet; however, keep in mind genetics. 130/80 isn't exactly low to begin with. I wasn't thrilled to begin BP meds but instead of 145/90 avg, I take the beginning dose and in 3 1/2 years have never had to increase it. My blood pressure is now consistently 110/68-70. I think it's not just the meds but of course the lost pounds AND working out at least 5 times a week. I still consider that I might be able to come off the drug especially when I lose the additional 30-40 needed - but in the meantime, at least I know that I'm not likely to have a stroke. Don't compare taking the pills with being a failure. If you don't bring it down in a few months with the lifestyle change....talk with your physician. Good luck!2
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one1fast68 wrote: »I have lowered mine through diet and exercise. I watch my sodium closely every day. I've heard that you can lower BP 5 points within 2 weeks by just adding 15min of brisk walking 4x to 5x per week.
Good for you!!!!!putupurdukes wrote: »I am not going to read through all the responses SO excuse me if I repeat - or if someone has spoken to OTHER side affects that I'm not thinking of. I've lost 70 lbs through diet, exercise and newer healthier habits involving stress management and more sleep. I'm sure that there are many that have lowered their blood pressure when it's a result of weight gain or diet; however, keep in mind genetics. 130/80 isn't exactly low to begin with. I wasn't thrilled to begin BP meds but instead of 145/90 avg, I take the beginning dose and in 3 1/2 years have never had to increase it. My blood pressure is now consistently 110/68-70. I think it's not just the meds but of course the lost pounds AND working out at least 5 times a week. I still consider that I might be able to come off the drug especially when I lose the additional 30-40 needed - but in the meantime, at least I know that I'm not likely to have a stroke. Don't compare taking the pills with being a failure. If you don't bring it down in a few months with the lifestyle change....talk with your physician. Good luck!
Those are incredible numbers! Well Ive always been 130/80 - go for regular check ups and never had any doc tell me I was at a risk! They should have!!!
I don't see myself as a failure taking meds at all. Its the side effects that scare me most based on past experiences. I will take them if the docs insist however.0 -
I take bp medication. At my doctor visit 3 weeks ago he told me to keep a check on it as I lost more weight. If the top number got below 110 or I started to feel dizzy light headed to contact him. He said it is a possibility as I continue to lose weight I might not need the medication anymore, since I only started taking it in my 40's after putting on weight.0
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Hi, I'm 33 and was diagnosed with Hypertension 1 last February. I had my bp reach as high as 190/100 due to stress and anxiety and the fact that hypertension and high cholesterol runs in my family and I am also obese. I am currently taking BP meds and have generally controlled my BP to 120/80 on a good day... There are still some "bad days" where in my BP would spike up to as high as 150/90. Like you, I am actually stressed about by BP which in turn also causes my BP to spike up. (crazy, huh?) But right now, I am trying to lose weight. I 've already lost 18 lbs so far (I used to weigh 160lbs and I am only 4 feet 11inches tall/short. ) and have tried to exercise as much as 30minutes a day atleast 5 days a week. I'm currently struggling with losing more weight as I feel that I have reached a plateau. I've also cut down on my sodium intake. Reading this thread here has helped me a lot because I've always felt "alone" in my struggle with hypertension. My family and loved ones are really all supportive, but sometimes it's nice to hear someone who really understands the struggle as they have gone through it themselves. Your stories are all inspiring me to keep doing what I'm doing and have a positive outlook in life.
Hopefully I lose the 20 more pounds I need to lose to finally reach my weight goal and maybe stabilize my BP soon. Cheers! 
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Watching sodium and losing the weight WILL lower your BP. Mine was higher than yours 140's over 96. I wieghed 203 at 5ft 4 was drinking beer all the time and eating pizza, chinese, chips and put tons of salt on everything. Since January I cut the salt started using hot sauce for taste instead, started cooking light exercise and have lost 35lbs and my BP is a faithful 118 over 75. I also got a BP cuff at my pharmacy for about 40 bucks to moniter it every week.0
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laurenwilson60629 wrote: »Watching sodium and losing the weight WILL lower your BP. Mine was higher than yours 140's over 96. I wieghed 203 at 5ft 4 was drinking beer all the time and eating pizza, chinese, chips and put tons of salt on everything. Since January I cut the salt started using hot sauce for taste instead, started cooking light exercise and have lost 35lbs and my BP is a faithful 118 over 75. I also got a BP cuff at my pharmacy for about 40 bucks to moniter it every week.
@laurenwilson60629 I only like to make my own hot sauce occasionally, but I found that I really like Alex's Ugly Sauce - only 10mg sodium per tsp as opposed to 180mg for Frank's. I'm also pickling my own jalapenos.
I used to make all of my own condiments back in the day, and tapered down to just marinara, BBQ, and enchilada sauce. Now I'm back to making them all again or buying things like salt free mustard or making mayo! That's my downfall. I love my condiments. 1 -
weirdpurplepig wrote: »Hi, I'm 33 and was diagnosed with Hypertension 1 last February. I had my bp reach as high as 190/100 due to stress and anxiety and the fact that hypertension and high cholesterol runs in my family and I am also obese. I am currently taking BP meds and have generally controlled my BP to 120/80 on a good day... There are still some "bad days" where in my BP would spike up to as high as 150/90. Like you, I am actually stressed about by BP which in turn also causes my BP to spike up. (crazy, huh?) But right now, I am trying to lose weight. I 've already lost 18 lbs so far (I used to weigh 160lbs and I am only 4 feet 11inches tall/short. ) and have tried to exercise as much as 30minutes a day atleast 5 days a week. I'm currently struggling with losing more weight as I feel that I have reached a plateau. I've also cut down on my sodium intake. Reading this thread here has helped me a lot because I've always felt "alone" in my struggle with hypertension. My family and loved ones are really all supportive, but sometimes it's nice to hear someone who really understands the struggle as they have gone through it themselves. Your stories are all inspiring me to keep doing what I'm doing and have a positive outlook in life. Hopefully I lose the 20 more pounds I need to lose to finally reach my weight goal and maybe stabilize my BP soon. Cheers!
Wow what a story! I am glad this post is making you feel better. It is for me too. Anxiety really has a huge roll in high blood pressure and I wish docs would look at that more instead of jumping to pills right away. I wish you the best of luck in it all and add me as a friend so we can support each other!!!laurenwilson60629 wrote: »Watching sodium and losing the weight WILL lower your BP. Mine was higher than yours 140's over 96. I wieghed 203 at 5ft 4 was drinking beer all the time and eating pizza, chinese, chips and put tons of salt on everything. Since January I cut the salt started using hot sauce for taste instead, started cooking light exercise and have lost 35lbs and my BP is a faithful 118 over 75. I also got a BP cuff at my pharmacy for about 40 bucks to moniter it every week.
This is so motivating...wow! I don't eat a lot of fast food but I did go through a phase of being obsessed w Chinese...lol the worst!!! But your bp is amazing now!!! I will definitely keep going!
**UPDATE**
Just saw my doc and my bp was reading 145/90. We talked about everything and he thinks my anxiety has a big role but would like me to continue my new healthy lifestyle for a month and if it's now lower next month we will discuss medication. I personally don't think a month is enough time for me. I'd like to lose 20 lbs before seeing results I'm sure. He's referring me to a nutritionist and suggests I go back to my therapist for my anxiety and stress. I don't really have anything to talk about with my therapist that I don't already know so we will see.
I'm getting tests for my heart and kidneys to rule any physical issues out. But so far my blood work had come out really healthy regarding cholesterol and iron etc.
Here's hoping I can lower it at least a little in a month!!
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Hey guys!
I thought I should give you an update.
All tests came out perfect.
I lost 8 lbs so far and my blood pressure has gone down to 117-120/80! Ive been watching my sodium intake, meditating everyday and working out 4-5 times a week.
So it is possible for it to go down just with a healthy lifestyle for some. Not for all. But it can happen. I just have to keep going and not stop because I am now at risk.5 -
Clean your diet and do a lot of running1
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hologramsabc123 wrote: »Hey guys!
I thought I should give you an update.
All tests came out perfect.
I lost 8 lbs so far and my blood pressure has gone down to 117-120/80! Ive been watching my sodium intake, meditating everyday and working out 4-5 times a week.
So it is possible for it to go down just with a healthy lifestyle for some. Not for all. But it can happen. I just have to keep going and not stop because I am now at risk.
Great to hear.1 -
I was on Bystolic 5mg for a few years for pre-hypertension. My BP was averaging 132/78. I have mild LA rigidity and used to have bouts of stress induced ventricular tachycardia.
I just got reduced to Bystolic 2.5mg with a plan to terminate medications within 6 months by my cardiologist because my trough values average 106/68 now after 8 months of maintaining healthy diet and regular mix of weights and HIIT. I still smoke and there is no sign of LA rigidity progressing.
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I really like @hologramsabc how you came back to give us regular updates on your progress. Girl, you really know how to respect a thread.2
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same issues here, am hoping to lower my blood pressure through weight loss but am happy to take meds if the doctors prescibes them in the meantime ( just found out this week my BP is high) am off to a cardiologistsoon, wont bore with the details however, a useful tip is aside from diet and exercise, try and keep salt below 6g a day and switch to decaffinated tea, coffee and cola1
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hologramsabc123 wrote: »Hey guys!
I thought I should give you an update.
All tests came out perfect.
I lost 8 lbs so far and my blood pressure has gone down to 117-120/80! Ive been watching my sodium intake, meditating everyday and working out 4-5 times a week.
So it is possible for it to go down just with a healthy lifestyle for some. Not for all. But it can happen. I just have to keep going and not stop because I am now at risk.
Woohoo! I have an update too. My ambulatory 24 hour monitor showed me anywhere from 190/120 to 140/100...I KNOW!
I am on 12.5mg hydrochlorothiazide, but with the changes I made - particularly cutting my sodium down to low levels and drinking a lot more water, I was 114/80 within one week.3 -
Queenmunchy wrote: »hologramsabc123 wrote: »Hey guys!
I thought I should give you an update.
All tests came out perfect.
I lost 8 lbs so far and my blood pressure has gone down to 117-120/80! Ive been watching my sodium intake, meditating everyday and working out 4-5 times a week.
So it is possible for it to go down just with a healthy lifestyle for some. Not for all. But it can happen. I just have to keep going and not stop because I am now at risk.
Woohoo! I have an update too. My ambulatory 24 hour monitor showed me anywhere from 190/120 to 140/100...I KNOW!
I am on 12.5mg hydrochlorothiazide, but with the changes I made - particularly cutting my sodium down to low levels and drinking a lot more water, I was 114/80 within one week.
I'm also on HCT. I had a few scary months in the red zone with extreme stress, but the drug brought me down to the 130s/80s pretty quickly... Since starting MFP, exercising and losing weight, I've actually measured NORMAL the last few times I checked. I have decreased my sodium intake, make sure I have adequate potassium and magnesium, and I take CoQ-10 a couple times a week. I believe that the biggest factor for bringing it into the normal zone was the increase in exercise, because it seemed to really jump (down) after starting C25K.2 -
That's amazing everyone! It's doable and we must never give up. I haven't felt this energetic in a really long time.2
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My wife lost weight 47 pounds (73 to go) and got off BP meds 100%.
I lost 75+ pounds, work out religiously, eat right, and still have to take it - it was meant to be I suppose. FWIW - It is benign and I notice no difference when I forget to take it as compared with when I take it.2 -
That's why they call it the "silent killer", @Tweaking_Time . Kudos to you for staying with the regimen, even though you feel no difference. I am sure you are adding years of vitality and on behalf of your wife, thank you.1
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Tweaking_Time wrote: »My wife lost weight 47 pounds (73 to go) and got off BP meds 100%.
I lost 75+ pounds, work out religiously, eat right, and still have to take it - it was meant to be I suppose. FWIW - It is benign and I notice no difference when I forget to take it as compared with when I take it.
It's the same with my dad. He works out every day, eats very clean food and is very natural. All about the Organic. But he still has very high bp so the meds are the only thing working for him. I am hoping I don't need meds only because the side effects scare me.
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