High Blood Pressure: Hi Guys, Just... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,338 members34,003 posts

High Blood Pressure

Mrs-Christmas profile image
10 Replies

Hi Guys,

Just joined the group as I am suffering from high blood pressure,

Got home today and did a 'at home' reading - 161/105 not good eh.

Has anyone got any tips?

Written by
Mrs-Christmas profile image
Mrs-Christmas
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

Hello and welcome to the forum! A good starting point would be to check the BHF Blood Pressure webpages - there is a downloadable booklet - and ask any questions.

Doedoe profile image
Doedoe

Hi, from experience it depends on your age, what you had been doing before checking BP. If you are on medication this needs adjusting by the GP. BP needs checking after resting about 20-30 minutes. Perhaps look at your diet. If you're not seeing a GP and your BP stays around this level you need to make an appointment, something else may be lurking. Good luck.

G_Cyclist profile image
G_Cyclist

I'm a healthy weight and exercise regularly but found out a couple of years ago that my blood pressure was higher than it should be.

What worked for me, was being quite obsessive about reducing the amount of salt in my diet. Read the labels on food and try to keep within the RDA of 6g. Even some breakfast cereals can be high in salt. I cut down significantly on the amount of bread I eat. Almost every lunch used to be something on toast or something in bread rolls. I now generally have something in a jacket potato or with pasta for lunch.

jimmyq profile image
jimmyq in reply toG_Cyclist

Has your BP come down?

Mrs-Christmas profile image
Mrs-Christmas in reply tojimmyq

Yes 139/84 - good news

JonathanH profile image
JonathanH in reply toG_Cyclist

May I ask if the bread was white or wholemeal?

G_Cyclist profile image
G_Cyclist in reply toJonathanH

It was wholemeal but I think virtually all bread has a relatively high salt content, compared to potatoes, pasta and cous-cous which have no added salt

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

This is a pretty high blood pressure. Hard to know how accurate those home machines are. If I got more than one reading like that in one or two day monitoring I would call the md.

Write the bps down, call if they remain high. That's what I would do.

robert1957 profile image
robert1957

Please research magnesium deficiency

JonathanH profile image
JonathanH

It seems that sugar and refined carbs raise blood pressure because the elevated insulin levels that result cause your kidneys to retain sodium.

If you are overweight and eat sugar/refined carbs, then you need to correct those things. Sugar/refined carbs drive hunger and, if you're the same as me, will find that your appetite is controlled if you stop eating those and and start 16:8 intermittent fasting (do Google it).

This may not apply to you but, if it does, I hope it helps.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Very high blood pressure

Hi there, Just after a little advice really regarding my 37 year old partner. He has described...
Josh987 profile image

Blood pressure

Hi all has anyone ever had this happen .my blood pressure seem to get lower if I take exercise .to...

Is this high blood pressure?

If your blood pressure readings are high .... what should you do at home.... sit and relax or just...
Merlin22 profile image

Blood pressure cuff

Blood pressure cuff. Hi I know this is a stupid question but I can’t bear checking my own BP at...
Bladerun profile image

high blood pressure

so I finally went to a cardiologist he’s said structurally my heart is unremarkable and my current...
Adamj profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.