Hi all,
I'm new to all of this so am just reaching out to say hello! I'm very soon to be 57, post menopausal and have recently had very high blood pressure, possible cause being stress from work...I'm a mental health nurse so should know better!!. Have made a decision to change my lifestyle, including stopping smoking, changing to decaf coffee/tea and shifting way too much weight! Be great to hear from others similar to me. xx
Hello and welcome.Stoping smoking was one of the best things I ever did, even now, some 27 years later I'm proud to say no! when asked by a medical professional if I smoke.
Another of the best things I did was leave a very stressful job and change my lifestyle, moving to Devon and a slower pace of life.
Still suffer from high blood pressure, mostly under control but can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't made those changes.
Welcome to the forum.I had fearful blood pressure at 54 but under control now.I also had weight to lose and changed my diet completely and lost 5 1/2 stone.I'm sure you'll turn things about.
Hi, hope you don't mind me asking, how did you lose weight and what diet did you do?
Well I didn't follow a diet plan but I did cut out all meat and went plant based.I have fish occasionally and a little bit of dairy but otherwise all plants.I changed from white to brown carbs too. A big change but it worked for me.
Dear Weeble1965
Just a big welcome from me, I hope you find all the answers you need on here.
You have so many plans to change your life, the only advice I can give you is to take it a stage at a time.
This month stop the fags { yup I still miss them } the next month another stage.
You seem determined and I don’t see why you should not be successful, you deserve a new you.
Take care
Hi Blue1958, many thanks for your kind words of encouragement. I'm taking small steps, but hopefully in the right direction! Take care of you too! Weeble x
Sound advice. Be careful trying to give up everything at the same time. Your stress levels will go through the roof! Start with the cigarettes. You know how bad they are for you.
Cut down on cakes, biscuits and other sugary stuff including wine. The calories in wine are enormous.
Remember to drink lots of water. Sometimes your body thinks you are hungry when in fact you are thirsty.
Try to walk more. Its not easy with a full time job, but a quick walk in the morning or after work will be so good for you.
I wish you well and hope you achieve your goals. Its not easy but you have a lot of support on this forum.
Hi I had HA just before I retired also have several autoimmune illnesses .
I have been on Steroids for 6 years so it makes it difficult to lose weight
Gave up smoking many years ago .
Have done SW lost weight only to put it back on again
Check out BHF site for healthy eating
Also download one of the fitness apps thay track calories and if you have a fitness watch thay are great for monitoring exercise .I normally have done over 5000 steps by 8.30am just walking the dog.
I have lost 5lb since Christmas not a lot but as I say I am on Steroids
Welcome to the forum. I am glad you are considering a change in lifestyle. For me that was a big game changer in relation to my blood pressure. Excecise, revise your diet- more veg, fruits, reduce salt. Do some research on healthy eating to get ideas . Above all have a mindset to improve your lifestyle for the better. You will get there with determination! Good luck
Good for you. Heed the warning now and avoid future problems. After my HA I Lost 2 stone without even trying. I changed my diet. Husband is a pie, roast, meat and potatoes every day addict with cakes and biscuits. I just cut them all out apart from h is Sunday roast. I used more chicken and fish ( I hate fish), piled tons of veg to make up the bulk of meals, used quorn instead of mince (he still hasn't realised in 4 years) and stopped cakes and crisps. Oh and used the best rape seed oil I could find. I didn't even think about weight; I did it for my heart. When I got my summer skirts out and they all fell off I got a huge surprise.
Hi WeebieI’m a 58 year old nurse with very high blood pressure. I run 5 days a week don’t smoke or drink. So it came as a complete shock to me to be hypertensive. I’m struggling at the moment to find the right medication to control the blood pressure STRESS.
Anyway there is a lovely App called active 10 which is all about walking for 10 mins each day .
Lovely hearing from you . X
Hello, have you looked at the recipes on the BHF website? They focus on the Mediterranean “diet” with lots of veg and not much sugar. Best wishes to you and your loved ones.
Welcome. You are joining a wonderful bunch of people. Good luck x
Hi - like you diagnosed with high BP in November (I'm 57) trying different combos of drugs, which I think are beginning to come right. Was quite a shock as no meds at up to now. Also need to loose some weight. Was due a hip replacement but on hold at moment till BP is sorted. Hope all comes good for you.
Just Diagnosed With Atrial Fibrillation
Out of hospital after heart attack 4 days ago
Taking time out 
just found out I have a heart condition
