Help to lower blood pressure

[energy1]

Last night thought had DVT this was resolved but have high blood pressure I am 60 years old lady thought my diet wasn't too bad really opened up my eyes I need to change my my lifestyle don't smoke or drink do try drink a lot water my diet not good and have a lot stress around me my husband suffers with mental health issues can be hard at times and I am nurse my work can be stressful needs some help 😊

[ellj]

You have the perfect recipe for high BP.

Stress is so difficult to lower when you are surrounded by it.

As a retired nurse I know what your work related stress can be like and add the problems at home to the mix and you are up against it.

Sadly lifestyle changes can be very hard to achieve,

All very well saying change your diet etc but do you have a way to ease the stress ? Can you find time to do something nice for you, even just shutting yourself in the bathroom and having a warm bath or doing a hobby or anything that can distract you from everything.

I personally am a bookworm but it doesn't always distract me which is why I am on meds to lower my BP.

Best wishes

Ellie

[Qualipop]

The bHF main website has excellent advice on diet and lots of recipes.

[Tinker2015]

Back in March at time of lockdown doctor took my blood pressure baring in mind I get anxious when I go to doctors. He said it’s high and out me on Amlodipine there and then. I had a review with nurse 2/3 weeks prior blood pressure taken 150/80. Doctor wanted me back week later to see what it is. He took it. Same as what the nurse got prior. He said he was happy with that. I took it for five months out up with side effects rang doctor change of med to losarten took one had a funny turn in Sainsbury’s it was then decided not going to take anymore. I controlled it before on beetroot caps. So taking them if I get anxious then everything goes up. So try to keep calm, lately just started juicing 4 sticks of celery in morning drink slowly for 30 mins then after 15 mins breakfast. I don’t have a monitor as I get white coat syndrome but my headaches have gone feel ok I try to watch my diet. No caffeine. My blood pressure is borderline so I will continue with what I am doing.

[energy1 in reply to Tinker2015]

Thank you for sharing this what I am thinking don’t want to take medication this first time I too have anxiety been really stressed lately with work do drink spot caffeine started to reduce how much I drink have brought more veg and fruit and beet root going aim down this route first going contact my dr today then go from there thank you x

[Jessie1234]

I have been through similar over the last few years and hated the thought of medication but it’s a condition in my family. Be aware that as you get older blood pressure can creep up naturally and for your health’s sake and to avoid the danger of a stroke or heart attack it would be very wise to take medication. Once under control, which your doctor will monitor, you can work on reducing your risk factors and even eventually come off medication totally if you are lucky. I have managed to keep the medication at the lowest value. It’s a huge help to exercise every day, walk an hour if you can ( 2 half Hours is the same) or even a half hour building up to brisk walking. I use the Headspace App for meditation 10 minutes daily or even deep breathing briefly throughout the day. Cut salt away down. I started to use more ground black pepper and a seaweed shake. Eat potassium rich foods such as a banana daily, a little dark chocolate and a very small glass of red wine, if you tolerate it, with your dinner to relax the heart arteries. The Mediterranean diet with plenty of greensis strongly advised but stay away from ready meals. There is a specific diet for lowering blood pressure but I can’t remember it’s name. One thing I have learned which is really crucial I think is that Blood Medications tend to leave you dehydrated so it’s important to drink plenty and eat food like melon and celery that have a high water content. All the very best. Take some of this advice you’ve been given here and try not to stress so much.