High Blood Pressure and Health

@KrauseHome (36448)
United States
December 5, 2006 4:03am CST
I have been diagnosed with having High Blood pressure. I know there are many here besides me who suffer from this, and wish there was a Cure for it. It can be a leading cause of Strokes, Heart Disease, Heart attacks and even Death. I am sure there are a lot of people who have no idea that they too suffer from this, and what are some of the best ways to help prevent this, or help yours to be able to decrease. Some of you may be on a Medication or two for this. I am sure many of you have tried a lot of different Medications until they find the one that works best for you. What aggrevates me the most is when your Blood pressure is normal outside the Doctors office, and then a little elevated when you go in there. And then if they make a Big deal about it, at least for me, mine tends to go WAY up. For me, some of the things I have found besides taking my Meds as prescribed, is avoiding HIGH Sodium foods like French Fried with a lot of Salt, Fried foods, and especially Pretzels. They are really high, and that will not help your Blood pressure at all. Another good thing to do is take walks. Walk as often as you can, and daily at best to help keep the blood flowing healthily to your heart. If you cannot walk for some reason, find a form of excercise you can do that works in helping stimulate your Blood flow. Yes, these are some of the things I have found to work, and what I go thru. I am sure many others can share some Tips and ideas for me along the way. But if you are like me, and have other issues as well, like Diabetes, etc. it can be a two way street, but the more I take care of myself now, the better I will be off tomorrow.
2 people like this
19 responses
• United States
8 Dec 06
i know how you feel but it is genetic. I am on 2 meds plus cholesterol med. 3 of my sisters and my brother also take meds for Hp. My nephew who is 26 is also on it. i know when i get aggrivated i feel different and my blood pressure is usually high. But unfortunately we cannot control stress no matter what the doctors say. I do try though and tell my family or my boss to chill out that their aggrivating me but you know how that goes. Good luck with yours and if you ever need to talk let me know.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
12 Dec 06
Well, it can be Frustrating... That is for sure. I know sometimes I would Love to scream when others think they are trying to help and it is getting on your nerves.
@Serjas (2328)
• India
1 Jan 07
thanks for your health tips.there are so many health tips in mylot.so we have to organise it...please post your tips or link to such discussion you have started...dont post links that are not related to discussion her it is health..its against mylot rules My health Center! http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/529315.aspx thank you
@ossie16d (11821)
• Australia
12 Dec 06
Blood pressure monitor - Blood pressure monitor
I too have high blood pressure and it was only picked up when I went to Hospital because I wasn't well about 9 years ago. At the time I was also diagnosed with a heart condition, and neither of these things thrilled me at all. LOL The worst thing was that they immediately put me on medication, and I soon realised that I would be on it forever. I think I should have been given an option to try and reduce my blood pressure first without having medication. In my case my high blood pressure is hereditary, so I am not too sure that I could have reduced it enough, but I would have liked to have the choice. A friend of mine generally has normal blood pressure but whenever she has to go to the Doctor, it is high. The Doctor then suggested that in future she takes a few deep breaths to relax and then he takes her blood pressure, and it has been normal ever since. There are some things that you can to do help and they include doing exercise, and walking is one thing that can assist. Also cut out fatty foods, salt and sugar or at least only have them in moderation and infrequently. Also eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Good luck and perhaps if you try taking those few deep breaths, they will help you. It would not have helped me of course, but I just do not like to think that people have to take medication when perhaps a few lifestyle changes can fix the problem.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
27 Jan 07
These are some Great thoughts and ideas my friend. I will have to remember the Deep Breaths thing next time I have to go to the Drs. office. I know some of the places I have been stress me out more than others, and so you never know. But mine could a lot be Hereditary as well, since my Mom, etc. have suffered from High Blood Pressure for yrs. as well.
@sbeauty (5865)
• United States
10 Dec 06
I'm sure that since you watch "The Biggest Loser" you saw Erik's interview with the doctor where he told him that things like blood pressure and diabetes were now down to a normal level. I'm sure excess pounds wreak havoc on all the body, and he was a great example.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
23 Jan 07
Well, not all Diabetics are overweight when Diagnosed, and not all people that are Heavy are Diabetic either. People need to learn a lot of it will be what you eat as well that helps with it as in prevention or to keep sugars at bay when you are Diagnosed.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
10 Dec 06
Yes I agree with you, I didn't know I had it, I was having nose bleeds and pulpitations, a friend of mine had a home blood pressure monitor which she put on me when I went to visit her and she said that my blood pressure was very high so I went to the doctors which I hardly ever do and she was shocked and said I was this close to a stroke, I am on 2 tablets a day now and I bought myself a home blood pressure monitor for peace of mind and I thought maybe I can help a friend out one day too.....I may not be here today if my friend hadn't have had that monitor....
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
26 Jan 07
Wow, that was a God send that she was there that day with a monitor. I know there are times that I think we all are unaware what is going on. I know though with mine, I am also Diabetic so that and Stress are Big factors for me.
@hemtata (284)
• India
13 Dec 06
I understand there are some postures in YOGA which can help to reduce BP and Diabetis. Yes , brisk walking everyday is very useful in controlling BP.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Well, I also have RA (Rhuemetoid Arthritis), so doing anything such as Yoga could be a hard thing to do as well. But I guess we all have to find what works best for us, and do it.
@happygal68 (3275)
• United States
7 Dec 06
Mine is fine, but my mom's is borderline. Thank you so much for the tips you gave. I am going to pass them on to my mom. Her doctor also told her to try to lose a few pounds, because that too will also help to get it down and hopefully keep it down.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
8 Dec 06
Well, I know people who are thin who still have problems with Blood pressure, and such, so it is not something that happens to only certain people unfortunately.
• United States
5 Dec 06
My mother is going through something very similar right now (aside from her knee surgery). De-stressing (however that is done) is supposed to be the best thing to lower your blood pressure. It's hard to stay away form all those salty foods I love, but I realize that one day I am going to end up in the same situation.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
5 Dec 06
Well, it is a hard one for sure. Just never sure what is the best thing from day to day.
@milott (2646)
• India
6 Dec 06
Don't rely too much on medications which in itself will cause some other problems. Try to calm yourself down with some yoga or tai chi, which are the best way to destress yourself because stress is one of the major contributing factor for high blood pressure and heart disease and stroke. Yoga can prevent other diseases from creeping up too. Find a yoga place where it is taught near your place or else visit this site to know more about yoga. www.healthandyoga.com
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
7 Dec 06
Unfortunately since I am Diabetic, and have Arthritis, etc. there is No way that Yoga is something I could even consider trying. But I know Stress is a Big factor to many issues, and that is why I try what I can to keep mine down.
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
6 Dec 06
Yes, I have high blood pressure too. I take atenolol for mine but that medicine also keeps my heart from flipping out. I try to avoid salty foods too. I have heard that garlic helps with high blood pressure,so my boyfriend puts it in almost everything.lol Right now my blood pressure is pretty good and I don't have any other ailments as of yet. I know what you mean about your blood pressure going up at the doctors. It happens to me all the time.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
8 Dec 06
It can be an interesting thing. And especially if the Doctors are blaming you. Why do they not seem to understand sometimes it is them, or just being there that creates the higher blood pressure?
• Singapore
7 Dec 06
Hi, i just read an article this morning which I think you might be interested. A good article talking about a natural way of reducing your blood pressure through something that we all knew when we were born - Breathing. The best thing is that breathing is free'. You can do a short breathing exercise everyday to help yourelf to reduce high blood pressure and not only that, through this breathing exercise, you can help yourself to relax too. For people with high blood pressure, eating healthy foods that are low in sodium and getting plenty of moderate exercise are the best ways to reduce it naturally. Medication is usually necessary, too, as prescribed by a doctor. But there’s something else you can do, too, that will decrease your hypertension and help your overall health. It’s something you do constantly, but that you’re probably not doing properly. Read the full post at: http://informationalnetwork.blogspot.com/2006/12/hypertension-learning-to-breath-again.html
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
10 Dec 06
Interesting. Thanks for sharing it with me.
• India
5 Dec 06
high blood pressure..i believe that the major cause for it is tension and stress caused due to todays lifestyle
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
6 Dec 06
Well, you could be on to something there. I know sometimes life gets so fast paced, but why do I read almost normal when I am somewhere testing other than at my Drs. office?
@Waiter (834)
• Italy
5 Dec 06
I don't know this!!! What is???
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
6 Dec 06
What is High Blood Pressure? Is that what you were asking?
@idramus (49)
• Indonesia
7 Dec 06
I don't how old are you. One poin that you mention yet is "things" to much Just relax
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
10 Dec 06
Well, I am 42, and I know Stress and worry does effect some of it, but I have had High Blood pressure for quite a few yrs. now so it is nothing New.
@djbtol (5493)
• United States
30 Jan 07
I am not struggling with high blood pressure (yet?), so I am not a good source of information. I would imagine that limiting salt intake is critical. Not sure what else diet wise. Of course meds are often used. Hope you and your doctor find the very best solution for what you need. Have a great day.
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
13 Dec 06
Hi, Krause--blood pressure and arthritis and diabetes all are linked together. If you have access to a heated pool, like a health club or YMCA even just walking in the warm water will benefit all of the conditions. The elevated blood pressure in the Dr. office actually has a term. It is called white coat syndrome and it happens to many people. I bought an inexpensive digital bp monitor.(under $50) I take my bp regularly at home, vary the time of day, and record it in a little book. When I see the doctor if my bp is even a little high in the office I can show him how it has been at home. I have never (so far) needed to be on meds. My doctor is one who is not threatened by informed health care consumers. If you decide to buy a bp monitor, check online for some revues. Actually, I got mine from Radio Shack. I also agree with all of the people who remind us to drink adequate wwater.
@madlough (69)
• India
13 Dec 06
If any body have pain in any parts of body. if they check Bp definitly they will found High Blood Pressure, if you treat for the pain to cure your High Blood Pressure will automatically comes down. Follwo this simple tips Sleep maximum 10 to 12-hrs daily Always keep yourmind relaxing Dont watch action movies read Jokes and watch only comedy in TV and films Hear only soft and melodious songs If you feel tension go and close your eyes for 10 to 15 min Try this
• India
25 Jan 07
What you have said is true. In my case traditional Indian herbal medicine (Ayurveda) worked, and after treatment for about 9 months, my BP is now normal. Ofcourse the usual low-sodium low-fat diet and exercise is a must, but no medication now!
27 Jan 07
Blood pressure and other vital signs tend to be higher than usual when you see a doctor due to 'white coat syndrome' - a known and proven condition where just being around a medical professional can have an impact on your physiology. Most doctors should be aware of this and should take account of it when assessing you - in the operating theatres we always read the vital signs and allow a 10% rise for white coat syndrome. My dad has hypertension but he also has arthritis and is a number of different medications for different reasons so it is difficult for him to exercise, plus fruit and veg cost so much its really hard to get the recommended amount when you live on a tight budget, which is annoying! He now has his own blood pressure monitor and he checks his bp every morning to get a truer reading and assess whether there is a trend. it can be very difficult though