Anyone dealing with High Blood Pressure

[makinao]

I was diagnosed with hypertension in my 30s while I was struggling to finish my MA, and deal with the rigors of new parenthood. I was put on a daily beta blocker, advised to change my lifestyle and diet. I was taken off medication a few years later.

I'm 54 now, and had another episode of high blood pressure this year. I had a rough, stressful year during which I finished my PhD and ended up getting saddled with more work at school, witnessed a friend die on court from a heart attack, and passed out one day while taking out the garbage. My BP was about 160/100 for a week after the passing out incident. After tests, my doctor said its a good thing I get exercise, or else it would have been much worse. This time, I'm now on "Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers" and a children's aspirin daily, indefinitely or when I'm told to stop. Now a steady 120/80.

[user92626]

All the things that happened to you are scary, makinao. I hope you're "motivated" now to make good long term changes.

[user92626]

Originally Posted by sureshs

I was 160/120 (same as my father was 30 years before that) and now I am 120/80 but with meds. I have also reduced weight and eating healthier, but I am afraid the meds are for life.

I don't want to stay on med if I can help it. I bet you still have a lot of room in your diet and exercise to change that. Try harder, suresh.

[sureshs]

Originally Posted by user92626

I don't want to stay on med if I can help it. I bet you still have a lot of room in your diet and exercise to change that. Try harder, suresh.

Yes I have a lot of room. In fact, if I don't step it up, I will end up taking higher and higher dosages. You got to run to stand still as you get older.

That is why I am off to play a Thanksgiving tournament right now.

[Ronaldo]

Best be careful with high intensity exercise when dealing with high blood pressure. My systolic number was between 230 and 240 while being monitored during exercise.

[sureshs]

Originally Posted by Ronaldo

Best be careful with high intensity exercise when dealing with high blood pressure. My systolic number was between 230 and 240 while being monitored during exercise.

High intensity exercise is not an issue I have to deal with

Though I played 34 games of doubles today for 3 hours in 70 degrees heat. Won 18, lost 16. I am pretty pleased with myself.

[Ronaldo]

Originally Posted by sureshs

High intensity exercise is not an issue I have to deal with

Though I played 34 games of doubles today for 3 hours in 70 degrees heat. Won 18, lost 16. I am pretty pleased with myself.

Only 17 games in 2 hrs in 50 degrees cold. Won one set, lost another, tied 5-5 before platform tennis called.

[sureshs]

What is platform tennis?

[sureshs]

Saw on PBS now - Ashwagandha for Alzheimers being researched by a Harvard neurology professor.