Joyofsixreboot Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 My BP has always been low. Since the end of May last year I've lost appreciable weight, begun exercising and tried for a healthy diet. At my annual check up today my BP was 145/81. Eeek! So, I will begin the DASH diet and cut my sodium to 1500mg. I pretty much was there but a little more restriction. Bad timing? My age? (I was 50 in Jan). I'm peeved. Maybe I should have stayed fat and lazy. Advice? Other approaches anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 I don't think I'd base anything on a one-time reading at the doctor's office. Can you get a machine (dh got his at Walmart) and check it at home on a regular basis? That would give you a more accurate, complete picture. Congrats on the overall healthier you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 I have to agree with Chelle in MO. Did your Dr. mention anything? I have had my BP taken and it was sky high (for me) and then retaken on the other arm and it was perfectly normal--the nurse told me that can happen. If you were nervous, tired, anxious, anything, it could mess briefly with BP. Have it rechecked a few times before you do anything drastic. A one time high BP doesn't seem to me to be a big deal, unless some other factor has your Dr. concerned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saddlemomma Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 This same thing happened to me. I've always had low blood pressure. When I hit 48....BAM....My bp went through the roof! A nurse practitioner wanted to pur me on meds right away, but I said no. I wanted to try natural methods to lower it first. I went on the DASH diet and started exercising more. Within 2 weeks I was back down. My mother had the same thing happen to her in her late 40's too. I believe it's an age thing for a lot of women. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Or...if they take it right after you get into the office, you've been moving, or you've eaten recently, your BP is also elevated. My BP is normally about 100/50, unless I eat, then it can register as high as 120/60. ;) They really want your BP at a resting level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted March 21, 2013 Author Share Posted March 21, 2013 Thanks guys. The doc was the one to recommend the diet and sodium restriction. Getting a BP monitor is on the list for tomorrow. I guess I'm just worried it's my age and meds are inevitable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnificent_baby Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 Mine was high as well, and I'm only 35. My Dad has been on BP meds since his mid-30's; my doc advised to continue monitoring, just to see if it was a fluke before we discussed meds. Sometimes it is just genetic and there's nothing we can do to change it. Good luck, and hope you are able to get it down before meds become necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-bex Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 Could be "white coat" syndrome. I get stressed out just knowing someone is going to take my BP, and I'm usually in the 115/68 range! Definitely retest. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 I don't know if I've ever had a normal BP reading at the doctor's office, but it's always normal at home. Mine goes up at least 20 points when I pull into the parking lot. I would check it regularly at home for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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