Is my BP low enough now?!
Question: I am a healthy 38 year old at a healthy weight and normal cholesterol. I exercise and eat right - low sodium and take lots of supplements. About a year ago, I took on my family history of high blood pressure, though I'd always been normal before, I gradually went up to around 145/92 on avg. I tried everything natural to improve it but nothing worked. I decided to get on a beta blocker - partially because I also have trouble with anxiety and I thought this would kill two birds with one stone. The low dose I am on helped the anxiety but has only brought my BP down to about 130/80 on average. My doctor seems satisfied with this number and does not want to increase or change my med, but I am wondering if this is low enough? It still seems high to me. Up until last year I was always around 117/70 - even lower - but I do have a strong family history of hypertention. What do you think? Oh- I've had a full physical including a heart scan and I'm perfectly healthy otherwise.
Answers: I am a healthy 38 year old at a healthy weight and normal cholesterol. I exercise and eat right - low sodium and take lots of supplements. About a year ago, I took on my family history of high blood pressure, though I'd always been normal before, I gradually went up to around 145/92 on avg. I tried everything natural to improve it but nothing worked. I decided to get on a beta blocker - partially because I also have trouble with anxiety and I thought this would kill two birds with one stone. The low dose I am on helped the anxiety but has only brought my BP down to about 130/80 on average. My doctor seems satisfied with this number and does not want to increase or change my med, but I am wondering if this is low enough? It still seems high to me. Up until last year I was always around 117/70 - even lower - but I do have a strong family history of hypertention. What do you think? Oh- I've had a full physical including a heart scan and I'm perfectly healthy otherwise.
130/80 is an ok BP but you need to make sure that there isn't a cause for it. Aging and family history definetly is. Have you had your renal arteries scanned? Are you on any other meds? I know that Welbutrin made my go up.
Your BP sounds fine to me - the lower number is particularly important. Your previous BP sounded a bit too low to me. Listen to your doctor
As long as your bp stays around that number you are fine. Dont worry about it, it is ok.... But do keep a check on it///
ya thats normal
No drug that is prescribed is all good with no bad. The reason your doctor does not wish to further treat your high blood pressure (which isn't ridiculously high anyway) is probably due to the fact that he believes that any further benefits are not outweighed by the potential risks. If your doctor is happy, I wouldn't worry another second about it.
The family history is what youre up against. Also anxiety can raise your BP. I know because it happened to me. Generally BP below 140/90 is considered normal.
I would recommend some sort of counseling for the anxiety attacks and I would also recommend buying and learning to use a BP cuff similar to the one your doctor uses. Take your BP daily.
You dont want to find yourself getting a heart attack or having a stroke.
Your BP is ok...if you want to bring it lower, try walking at least 4 times a week, then do some deep breathing. Diet with a colourful plate of food will help you too. Cut out the animal products.