My blood pressure has been high for a few weeks. What does it mean?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I’m a 49 yr old woman. Recently (Past few weeks) my blood pressure has been quite high. It stays at or around 130/90. A few days earlier it even went up to 145/95. I’m asymptomatic except my ears get hot, sort of feels like hot air coming out of my ears. That’s when I know my pressure might be high. My late father had high blood pressure, my older sister takes blood pressure medications and another one of my older sisters have also recently started taking medications for blood pressure. I’m not too keen on taking blood pressure medications as I’ve heard that if you start taking blood pressure medications you can’t stop taking them. Many people have said that 130/90 or 130/80 is normal for my age but I’m afraid this might damage me internally (heart, brain etc). I’ve done several Echocardiograms and all of them have reported to be normal. Another risk factor is that I’m obese. But I’ve been controlling my diet and walking for an hour daily. Serum cholesterol=226 mg/dL, Triglycerides= 215 mg/dL, Serum HDL Cholesterol= 28 mg/dL, Serum LDL Cholesterol= 155 mg/dL, Serum Total Bilirubin= 0.5 mg/dL.
0 likes, 8 replies
jx41870 Harlow67
Posted
Your BP numbers are still only a tiny bit high, many doctors wouldn't even recommend BP drugs at that level. However some of your lipid numbers are a bit high and probably need work first! Nothing of immediate danger, but nothing you want to go on for ten years, either.
Lots of people get off BP meds, especially if they clean up the diet, lose a little weight, and get a bit more exercise. Look into it! Do it!!!
mike92384 jx41870
Posted
jx41870...you're absolutely right when you say that cleaning up one's diet, losing a little weight & a bit more exercise can result in the reduction of bp meds or the elimination of them. A lot of people think that once on bp meds...forever on bp meds.
This is not true.
mike92384 Harlow67
Posted
Harlow67...your bp readings of 130/90 is fine, except that it might be a good idea to try to lower the diastolic (lower) number a little. Keep in mind that blood pressure fluxuates several times a day. You can have a reading say of 130/85 one minute, then about an hour or so later, have a reading of 145 or so. It depends on what's going on, etc. This is completely normal.
A reading of 130/80 is great for a person your age. I don't know of any doctor who would dispute that, but there may be the odd one who would pick on the 130 figure. Nuts...I don't think a doctor would prescribe medication for a reading like that; at least my doctor wouldn't.
If you are overweight, which you admit that you are, it would be a good idea to lower that weight. Already you are working toward that..by walking & watching your diet. When weight comes down, blood pressure does too, unless one is in pain, worried, anxious or downright ill.
Whatever you do...do NOT stress over the reading. Stressing only serves to elevate the numbers. For peace of mind...consult your doctor.
Harlow67 mike92384
Posted
thx . its good to know theres not much to worry about. my cholesterol levels were about 9 points higher a few months ago. i managed to get it down through regular walking and watching what i eat. Ive also been drinking lemon water on an empty stomach which i read helps with weight loss.
mike92384 Harlow67
Posted
Harlow67...I don't think I'd be drinking a lot of lemon water on an empty stomach. In time you could upset the stomach, & then you've got a new demon to get rid of...nausea. Yes, drink plenty of water...it fills you up...cuts the appetite...then the weight will also go down.
You're on the right track...don't be worrying about the bp readings, but do consult the doctor regarding the heartbeat.
Let us know how you get on.
mike92384 Harlow67
Posted
Harlow67...your bp readings of 130/90 is fine, except that it might be a good idea to try to lower the diastolic (lower) number a little. Keep in mind that blood pressure fluxuates several times a day. You can have a reading say of 130/85 one minute, then about an hour or so later, have a reading of 145 or so. It depends on what's going on, etc. This is completely normal.
A reading of 130/80 is great for a person your age. I don't know of any doctor who would dispute that, but there may be the odd one who would pick on the 130 figure. Nuts...I don't think a doctor would prescribe medication for a reading like that; at least my doctor wouldn't.
If you are overweight, which you admit that you are, it would be a good idea to lower that weight. Already you are working toward that..by walking & watching your diet. When weight comes down, blood pressure does too, unless one is in pain, worried, anxious or downright ill.
Whatever you do...do NOT stress over the reading. Stressing only serves to elevate the numbers. For peace of mind...consult your doctor.
mike92384 Harlow67
Posted
Harlow67...your bp readings of 130/90 is fine, except that it might be a good idea to try to lower the diastolic (lower) number a little. Keep in mind that blood pressure fluxuates several times a day. You can have a reading say of 130/85 one minute, then about an hour or so later, have a reading of 145 or so. It depends on what's going on, etc. This is completely normal.
A reading of 130/80 is great for a person your age. I don't know of any doctor who would dispute that, but there may be the odd one who would pick on the 130 figure. Nuts...I don't think a doctor would prescribe medication for a reading like that; at least my doctor wouldn't.
If you are overweight, which you admit that you are, it would be a good idea to lower that weight. Already you are working toward that..by walking & watching your diet. When weight comes down, blood pressure does too, unless one is in pain, worried, anxious or downright ill.
Whatever you do...do NOT stress over the reading. Stressing only serves to elevate the numbers. For peace of mind...consult your doctor.
VeeWat Harlow67
Posted
hi there. i would simply keep up the exercise routine and go on a diet to take off some weight BEFORE i started fiddling with meds. just keep an eye on it.
there are some great facebook groups...forks over knives, mcdougall.
books by Dr. Greger, Dr. McDougall, Dr Esselstyn
good luck