Has your blood pressure improved?

[catchmeifucan]

Well after the elation of graduating last night with my final run of week 9 I'm brought smartly down to earth with a bump as I've just been to a 'well man' type thing at the docs to be told 'your blood pressure reading is a bit higher than we'd like'. So has anybody in the same position some good news for me in that you've seen an improvement as you've carried on running?

[Hidden]

I've just had my 'wellwoman' check at work. I registered with a new GP in Dec 2013, and they did the usual smutter of tests, including the 'your blood pressure is in the high range of normal'. That was at the start of the month. The one I had last week at work (end of Feb 2014, so 3 months) shows that it is lower. It's still on the high end, but more at the normal end rather than off the scale 'you need to see your GP about this now'. So the excercise is helping. I do need to overhaul my diet though: the crisps, chocolate and cheese are definately not helping. I'm so glad Lent has started: I'm aiming to give these up for Lent. Day 1 and I'm already chewing the curtains

[catchmeifucan]

Thanks for the encouraging news. Good luck with holding back on the 'goodies'.

[Hidden]

This time last year I had high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. I was advised to lose weight and get some exercise. I started out using an exercise bike (there was still snow lying around) and devised an eating plan for myself (I am a qualified weight consultant although not been my own best advert for some years). I also started doing Pilates exercises (tones the body) and C25K. Blood tests last November showed that my pre-diabetes has been reversed and no longer exists. My blood pressure (I stopped smoking a while ago) has now reached what is known as 'optimal'. So, yes, exercise and healthy eating can help with these things. Best wishes.

[catchmeifucan]

Thank you Fitmo, this all makes good sense. I go to Pilates too since a back injury and find it really helpful and thoroughly enjoy it, probably just the being told what to do for an hour!