lower my blood pressure

Almost four full weeks of “normal” blood pressure. There were two hickups, but it went right back down. I reserve the right to reactivate this in the future since I suspect it may come back.

I’ve done everything I can. I watch my sodium intake. I don’t use nearly as much salt as I used to. I’m getting more sleep. I hardly ever drink soda with caffeine. Yet after all that I still can’t get it below 130 – 90. While it’s not the 150 – 100 it was all that means is I’m not going to drop dead at work from a stroke.

But not perfect. It’s hovering around 136 over 85 which isn’t bad, but it could be a lot better.

138-88. The first time my diastolic went below 90 since I’ve been tracking it. Still, it’s been hovering in the 140-90 range for about a week now and that’s too high.

It’s gone down somewhat, but it’s still too high. We’ll see if the added activity from the bike and the changes in diet make a difference.

I was told by a doctor some 15 years ago that meant there was a very good chance it’s more of a case of when rather than if it catches up with me. Apparently that time has come. Having monitored my BP for a week it is clear I’ve developed a problem. This would explain the violent headaches and lightheadedness I’ve had since before Thanksgiving. Like most people I didn’t give my BP a thought, but a trip to the doctor to have my ear checked out revealed the beginnings of a problem. I called my doctor’s office today and he’s concerned (he says it’s way too high for someone my age) because my diastolic (the bottom number) has been over 100 for a week. For those unfamiliar with BP stuff that’s not good. He doesn’t want to drag me in once a week to check it out just yet so I am supposed to monitor my blood pressure. This means I will likely have to purchase one of those at home blood pressure kits and check it myself on a daily basis at the same time.

I have often been accused by friends and family alike of taking a very cavalier attitude towards important things about my health. This is not one of those cases. A distant relative on my mother’s side died from a stroke caused by complications due to her High Blood Pressure. Simply put, this is not something to screw around with and my strong aversion to going to the doctor has to take an extended vacation on this one until we know for certain what’s going on.