Check out some similar questions!

josh1977 · Feb 3, 2013, 11:28 AM

Hi nurses... I am an obese, 35 year old man and I had a very high blood pressure read 3 months ago when I went to a doctors office. It was 195/105 however it did calm down to 140/98 after some time in the office. Anyway this was 3 months ago and I have made huge and drastic changes to my lifestyle since then.

I walk at least 20 minutes every day. This has improved my mobility. I live in chicken salads, blueberries, and seeds now. So I have been taking care of myself since then. Im still obese to be sure but I've definitely dropped some weight and yet I'm very nervous because I have to go and see a dr tomorrow. So my question is this... can I walk into the dr office tomorrow feeling confident that my blood pressure has dropped? And it is possible to take care of your body for 3 months and not see a reduction in bp? Im super nervous. Thanks

samcreed · Feb 3, 2013, 11:38 AM

I am not absolutely sure, but I think it will take more than 3 months to see a significant change in blood pressure without being on medications, such as Hytrin, Mavik, etc. If I were you, I would buy a digital blood pressure cuff, available at CVS, Rite Aid, and other stores. They are not that expensive, and get one that has a cuff.
I have taken blood pressure medications for the last 30 years! I also have a digital monitor which attaches to the wrist, and measures blood pressure. However, web sites tell us that this type measures a little higher pressure, since the vessels in the wrist are smaller than in the arm, measured by a cuff.
Being super nervous will give you a higher blood pressure reading! The doctor might want to put you on medication, or might not. I do wish you the best of luck, and hope you can get off some weight. This is a sign of "being at risk" for a heart attack. Good luck.

Wondergirl · Feb 3, 2013, 11:41 AM

I'm guessing the bp has dropped slightly if what you say is the truth. Losing weight is, of course, one of the secrets of a low bp.

Be sure the bp is taken at least twice -- once when you arrive and once a while later. If you remove from your intake wheat flour products and also sugars in your diet, even just until the next bp check, you will see what a nice improvement there will be in weight and bp.

JudyKayTee · Feb 4, 2013, 08:58 AM

I was a heavy "salt user." When I went salt free my blood pressure dropped drastically in two weeks and enabled me to get off blood pressure medication.

The cause of your blood pressure is a factor in getting it back to normal. Obesity, of course, is one of the issues.

CravenMorhead · Feb 4, 2013, 10:44 AM

One thing to caution about reducing salt in your diet. Make sure that you're getting the required amount of salt. It is a balancing act. Too little or too much is equally dangerous.

Also REALLY pay attention to what is in the foods that you consume. There is a lot of hidden surgar and salt that you don't notice.

Congratulations on your health changes. I think you should be confident that you have bettered your health. It will take time to for changes in your routines to reflect in your health. Don't get discouraged.

JudyKayTee · Feb 4, 2013, 11:20 AM

Good points - in my case "salt free" meant "put the salt shaker away." I also keep on eye on labels, but it appears almost everything does contain salt.

josh1977 · Feb 5, 2013, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Good points - in my case "salt free" meant "put the salt shaker away." I also keep on eye on labels, but it appears almost everything does contain salt.

Hey everyone I wanted to give an update. Went to doctor. My blood pressure is back down to normal. I got a read of 138/82 and this is especially good since I was nervous at the time. Huge relief. Huge victory. Turns out I can control my pressure with atenolol and diet. Thanks for the support everyone. I feel like a new man. I swear when I got that bp read from the doctor, it was as if a demon had been exorcised from my body. Weird analogy I know but this is the only way I can describe it

Wondergirl · Feb 5, 2013, 10:07 AM

Now, don't let down the fences. Continue on with this protocol, careful eating and exercise/walking.weight loss.

I'm proud of you and glad things are improving for you!

JudyKayTee · Feb 5, 2013, 10:15 AM

Good news, and thanks for coming back and letting us know.