when to start meds for High Bp?

[Spudly22]

my blood pressure has always been high since I can remember. Normal at home is 135/85

I have family history of high BP .

Recently it has been edging up during my last weekly monitoring ( I do it twice a year ) it is sitting around 135/88 136/92

I am at the top of “normal weight” for my hight and very active.

I have an appointment with the GP next weekend but I wondered if anyone has ideas lower it naturally as I am not keen to start meds unless I have to and have exhausted all other routes

Thanks for any advise in advance

[gilreid1]

your gp will advise but in my opinion your BP is not high very similar to my own and I am on meds following heart bypass. Target for my BP 130/80 , 135 / 85 and doctors are happy with this.

[AlfredV]

I know that many people who go down a low carbohydrate route with their diet see a significant and maintained reduction in blood pressure. I'd been hypertensive for years (but didn't like the idea of the meds). I'm now typically around 105/75 unmedicated.

[Spudly22 in reply to AlfredV]

Wow that’s a great BP , I have a little bit of weight to drop maybe 11lb and my waist is over the recommended size .. gives me hope and motivation that dropping a dress size could help

[AlfredV in reply to Spudly22]

For me, the weight fell off with ease (about 50lbs over 6 months). What I like about my diet is that I rarely get hungry whereas I used to be hungry most of the time. I do have to set aside more time for meal prep though as I no longer eat processed foods. Good luck.

[Survivor1952]

135/85 is only just above the target nowadays of 130/80. The target for many years was 140/80 so not a lot to worry about it seems.

Recently mine has been in the 145/85 range as monitored for my doctor, they've been quite happy with it at that level although I would prefer it a bit lower. My most recent reading was 122/82 which I'm much happier with.

[Spudly22]

thank you for all your replies, I think I am ok with 135/85 it’s when it’s creeping up to 138/92 142/94 it’s making me anxious and I expect not helping! 🙄

[Bingo88 in reply to Spudly22]

I know its difficult but try not to worry. Your blood pressure changes all the time. So your doctor could ask you to write down your b.p readings for a week and then work out an overall average b.p. if they were to try and bring your 142/94 down which you only get occasionally there might then be times it goes too low. I was always told the guide lines are 120 to 140. Over 60 to 80. So as long as they are usually around this average you should be ok. Obviously a doctor will advise you better than me. Brian

[enitsirhc]

I have recently bought The Glucose Goddess book and within a week felt much more energetic. Also, my waist size has gone down. It is not a diet to lose weight but I feel so much better that I am doing more.

[Spudly22 in reply to enitsirhc]

thank you I just looked at that book is free for me on my kindle app

[Qualipop]

Your regular number is perfectly normal although it does depend on your age. The highest one is a slight concern but not dangerous. It's very possible that your anxiety about it is putting it up. What does your GP say? Mine always takes an average over the week's readings; he never looks at one high reading.

[Spudly22 in reply to Qualipop]

GP appointment is in 2 weeks - i sent in my 7 day readings so see what he says while I research - I read that beetroot juice helps also!

[Qualipop in reply to Spudly22]

Don't fancy that LOL. Just add up your readings and divide by how many there are; top numbers then bottom numbers. It may set your mind at rest.

[Jetcat]

Hi spud. My BP reading’s very close to yours. I’m 6 ft tall 15 stone and of muscular build. and my EP and doctors Iv seen have said they are happy with it. I also have my eyes checked yearly ( one anyway) ones artificial.👁️🤪 and they’ve said there’s no evidence of high BP on back of my eye. I still haven’t ever managed to ever get a half price eye test with having one eye.? But I’ll keep trying.👍