High Blood Pressure and dealing with it

[JSHAW]

Any Wackbaggers / FBA'ers have high blood pressure?

It's pretty much a sure thing that I've just recently been diagnosed with it, and since I bought my own blood pressure monitor I've taken many reading over the past few days and they're borderline high.

I had a physical last week, it's going to take 2 weeks for them to get all the blood tests and urinalysis back. Going to have a cat scan done on my brain/head this week, and a heart stress test done first week of june.

My doctor mentioned he wants me to go on medication for high blood pressure, but I asked him can we wait till all the tests are done and see what the results are, and he said that would be fine.

I'm not a huge fat fuck, I currently weigh 250, my normal weight when I was single was 200, so I definitely could lose the extra 50. I don't have love handles, mine is in the gut area. I'm 6' 1". No man boobs, thank god.

I think my main problem area is STRESS. I am like alot of people when it comes to driving, sometimes I blow off some steam by letting some choice expletives fly, no finger flying, just ususally shouting very loudly, luckily for me there's usually no one else in my car, just me.

I have some anger issues that stem with family issues, I have a family that is so dysfunctional that it no longer functions as a family. My mom and dad are divorced, they live in Texas, I live in NC. I have two sisters and I don't know where they are, don't have addresses or phone numbers for either one, including my mom on that...no phone number, no address known.

My father and I talk from time to time, everytime it's me calling him. I care about him the most, I know he cares about me, he just doesn't show it by keeping in touch. This kinda shit is stuff I only talk about to my wife, it doesn't creep into my day to day life, it's shit I tend to keep tucked away in my mind and not a place I visit very often, it's shit I'd tell a therapist, if I was going to one, which I'm not.

Anyway, back to the blook pressure issue, Is anyone dealing with high blood pressure WITHOUT using medication? My wife thinks by going on medication it will open me up to fucking up other body parts/functions.

[MilkmanDan]

Medication will not open you up to hurting other body parts, what you want to do is lower it while going on a moderate diet/exercise plan. There's a ton of different ways that something should be prescribed so you really want a indepth bloodtest first. Klonodin/Klonopin would be something to use if your BP was in a dire situation. There are much milder things, but really get a good blood testing done. Cholesterol levels, Liver enzymes, alot of things play into what to prescribe for this.

Another important thing is, are you a drinker or drug user? (mostly drinking applies to this) if so, stop immediately with that stuff. Alcohol can really intensify blood pressure readings

[The Phoenix]

You may not be a fat fuck but you sure as shit could lose that 50 lbs.

Cut out the fucking salt! Not just out of the shaker. EVERYTHING has sodium in it. Pre packaged and fast food is loaded with it. You need to look very carefully at the sodium content of everything you eat.

Stress? EXERCISE! No shit, this is probably the most important thing you can do. No half assed shit either. Lots of cardio and stick with it. FOREVER. You can't ever stop. Deal with that. There's no easy fix. It takes work and discipline.

Most people opt for the quick fix pill. Most wouldn't need it if they did the above consistantly.

[Sack of Chisels]

Is this directly related to the {you} thread?

[chumpy]

How high was your bp?

[poppAwoody]

the long term affects of untreated high blood pressure will be worse for you. Losing weight, quitting smoking and reducing stress will help. I dont think yelling is making it worse, as a matter of fact, I would think that helps "get it out" but the stress you dont recognize probably doesn't help. Excessive drinking is no good either. Anyhow, get on it now and take care of it, if you let it sit you risk damage to other organs that won't last long under the constant pressure. Good luck


also try cutting starch, eat wheat bread and related products, and all other products with cornstarch, it really isnt that bad but you will see a much bigger difference. I have been doing it alittle over a month and my belly has lost inches

[JSHAW]

I'm 42.
I don't drink, smoke, or do any kind of illegal drugs.

At one time I played alot of basketball, but not anymore.

I'm going to buy a bike and ride it during my time away from work. I live in
an area that has plenty of places to ride.

I do use salt, more than most people. It's getting cut from my diet.
I don't eat fatty foods, and I watch my cholesterol. No bacon, eggs and crap like that most of the time.

My job does require me being on my feet, and walking around most of a
9 hour shift. I do alot of walking, per week, so it's not like a sit behind a PC for 8-12 hours a day, I don't.

Thanks for the responses.

Just took my BP, 150 over 98.

but really get a good blood testing done. Cholesterol levels, Liver enzymes, alot of things play into what to prescribe for this.

That's what the physical was for. They took 3 vials of blood, and a piss test. Test results should be in my hands within the next 2 weeks.

[The Phoenix]

My job does require me being on my feet, and walking around most of a
9 hour shift. I do alot of walking, per week, so it's not like a sit behind a PC for 8-12 hours a day, I don't.

Obviously your doctor will tell you whats best but don't think because you're not sitting for hours on end that you're getting enough exercise.
You need to get your heart rate up and sustain it at a level your doctor sees fit for your age and physical condition. Walking around at work is not a cardio workout.
I'm not bashing you but if you were eating right and getting enough exercise from work you wouldn't need to lose 50 lbs.
It's a bitch but it beats the alternative.:angel:

[Matt From Yello]

Im a physician assistant and i had borderline high blood pressure. I did regular cardio for a month and brought my blood pressure back down to normal.
what you need to know are your cardiac risk factors.
do you smoke?
has anyone in you family had a heart attack?
what is you cholesterol?

[Matt From Yello]

Obviously your doctor will tell you whats best but don't think because you're not sitting for hours on end that you're getting enough exercise.
You need to get your heart rate up and sustain it at a level your doctor sees fit for your age and physical condition. Walking around at work is not a cardio workout.
I'm not bashing you but if you were eating right and getting enough exercise from work you wouldn't need to lose 50 lbs.
It's a bitch but it beats the alternative.:angel:

Phoenix is absolutely right. doing cardio where you keep a sustained elevated heart rate for at least 30 min will help you lose weight and get you blood pressure down. if you do this at least 3 times per week you will lean up.

[Dani75]

150 over 98 isn't horribly bad.... The diastolic (98) is more worrisome. The measure for high bp used to be 140 over 90, it is now considered high if it is higher than 130 over 80. There are many meds out there that can help b/p at very low doses. Meds are always a last resort after lifestyle changes, but it needs to come down or else you put yourself at highers risk for stroke and heart attacks.

I'm not just talking out my ass either, I am a nurse :)

[Ack's Grl]

When it comes to cardio, you don't have to go crazy- esp. at first. Biking is a great idea. If you'd like to switch it up, walking will suffice. Since you walk a lot at work, you shouldn't have a problem getting into a walking routine. You don't have to walk fast- a pace you can comfortably hold a conversation at is fine. But be aware of whether that pace is raising your heart rate, because that's the ultimate goal for cardio.

Good luck with the biking. It's great for a warm area like yours. If it's shitty out though, don't make excuses. Bundle up and go for that walk.

[DanaReevesLungs]

I was diagnosed with HBP when I was 17 attempting to enter the Marines. I got turned down...3 times. I'm 28 now and still have HBP. I was taking medication back when I was 21 but was too fucking stubborn to realize the good results from it and ultimately stopped taking anything all together. Plus, my dad's side of the family is heart disease prone, HBP, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, etc.

I'm 28 now and about a year and a half ago finally manned up and went see a doctor who put me on 2 forms of medication, Atenolol (100mg) and Hydrochlorothiazide (25mg). My blood pressure usually runs about 150-160 over 90. It's been tht way for years. My wife can tell when I missed taking my HBP meds b/c my wedding ring gets tight and I get hives.

I'm not an obese primate by any stretch of the imagination, pretty active up until 2 years ago and started gaining weight, but even at 5'10, 190 in HS I had HBP. I've been reduced to a no salt, no cholesterol, no carb diet. Fucking BLOWS!!!

Do what the doc tells you man. I lost my dad at 51 to a 98% blockage in his coronary artery due to stress, unhealthy diet and heart disease. He never went to a doctor until a year before he died and by then it was too late. All his heart conditions were irreversible.

It's defeating b/c I feel I'm going to have the same fate as he did b/c out of my brother and I, I'm the only one who has the exact same genetic make-up as my dad, from looks, to behaviour, etc.

6 months ago I also got diagnosed with high cholesterol, so my world's changed dramatically from when I was 21. I rarely drink, I do do spit tobacco (which I'm trying to quit) and my diet was poor. It's hard but if you get the proper treatment, you can prolong the effects. Lifestyle changes suck and I'm learning that first hand. Stick to it man. Don't wind up like my dad. Good luck with everything.

[sknight]

Medication will not open you up to hurting other body parts, what you want to do is lower it while going on a moderate diet/exercise plan. There's a ton of different ways that something should be prescribed so you really want a indepth bloodtest first. Klonodin/Klonopin would be something to use if your BP was in a dire situation. There are much milder things, but really get a good blood testing done. Cholesterol levels, Liver enzymes, alot of things play into what to prescribe for this.

Another important thing is, are you a drinker or drug user? (mostly drinking applies to this) if so, stop immediately with that stuff. Alcohol can really intensify blood pressure readings
HOLY SHIT.

DO you fucking realize that CLONIDINE and KLONOPIN (clonazepam) are two different drugs, used for two different things, with no relationship or synergism between them?

The worst part about knowing about medicine is seeing how everyone is a fucking doctor.

PS- there are cases where alcohol can reduce hypertension, in the case of volumetric hypertension.

For fuck's sake.

[JSHAW]

I'm not worried about NOT making lifestyle changes. Be it diet and more exercise, I'm going to do it.

I have a heart stress test scheduled for the first week of June, by that time my blood test results should be in.

[stevethrower]

Not to sound flippant... but how about getting a pet. As walking my dogs has taken about 40lbs off of my fat ass (was 260 now like 220). Plus I am not getting those "my head is about to assplode" feelings anymore. Plus added bonus the German Shepherd puppy scares n's :)

[JSHAW]

Not to sound flippant... but how about getting a pet.

How about NO, I'm not buying a fucking dog. :haha7:

I live in an apartment complex that is very strict about pet owners picking up their dogs shit. NAH, sorry pal I ain't pickin' up a dogs fucking logs. Every morning I see the poor pathetic schmucks at 5-6am in the cold winter weather ( when it's winter), and rain waiting for their dogs to finish their business I say to myself "THANK GOD" I don't own a dog. I like dogs alot, but I'm not walking one and picking up it's shits.

I'm going bike shopping tomorrow.

As far as pets, I have some already, they're called cats and they shit in the litter box. I don't have to get up at 5am and tell them to hurry the fuck up it's cold out here so shit already. :D

[stevethrower]

Nah have a pen so they just go out the dog door... after we get up:) But getting our horse here in like a week so I for see I will be picking up a lot of shit in my future. :)

[LZMF1]

my father has high blood pressure and my mother has low blood pressure luckily my BP is textbook 120/80

[Charlton Heston]

jshaw - i've been on bp medication for 3 years. i'm 44 and weigh 215 and should weigh about 195. so i have 20 to lose.

i started with HCTZ, which is a diuretic (water pill) and that did the job for a time, but i just started on lisinopril, which is an additional med. i feel the difference.

i have cut out salt and try to basically eat as much salad and birds as possible, but let's face it, we're guys and we're gonna eat steaks now and again.

the main thing is EXERCISE. i don't get enough of it and it shows. there is no excuse for it - i'm speaking to myself here - so if you can do that, the bp will drop and stay low.

don't be afraid of BP meds. they are good for you and it beats a heart attack or stroke by 48.

PM me if you want more info.

[brose]

HOLY SHIT.

DO you fucking realize that CLONIDINE and KLONOPIN (clonazepam) are two different drugs, used for two different things, with no relationship or synergism between them?

The worst part about knowing about medicine is seeing how everyone is a fucking doctor.

PS- there are cases where alcohol can reduce hypertension, in the case of volumetric hypertension.

For fuck's sake.

I was about ready to say the same thing about the klonopin. I read that, and I wondered if that was some novel use for a benzo....then I re-read it and realized it was clonidine. Too bad you beat me to the punch.:action-sm

And for the OP, you shouldn't be worried about BP medicine causing damage anywhere else in your body. Depending on your medical history, and depending on your doctor, you may be started on Lisinopril which actually protects your kidneys (which get screwed up by high BP) and your heart. There are some side effects, but the benefit will out-weigh the risks of leaving it untreated. Diet is a good thing to help with your blood pressure, but more often than not it is not enough by itself.

Just listen to your doctor, and follow his advice. Good luck

[cigarsandscotch]

I don't drink, smoke, or do any kind of illegal drugs.

:cat3::cat2:
That's why you're so stressed out, you big mo. :action-sm

[cigarsandscotch]

.... walking will suffice. Since you walk a lot at work, you shouldn't have a problem getting into a walking routine. You don't have to walk fast- a pace you can comfortably hold a conversation at is fine. Bundle up and go for that walk.

Alright, we get it already. You're doing a walk to raise money for charity and you want people to join you.
:deadhorse :action-sm

[shuganuts]

Sounds stupid, but Subscribe to Men's Health Magazine. It's great in general and has a section on Blood pressure pretty much every month. One thing I used is to get hand grip squeeze things. It was in some article there to do 2 min per hand 3 times a day. I keep one in the car and have been pretty consistent for a month. I got the same 150 over 100 you just did about 3 months ago, my most recent reading was 138 over 86. Plus lose the weight

[chumpy]

You definately have to get yourself a sphygmomanometer. Very important

[MilkmanDan]

The worst part about knowing about medicine is seeing how everyone is a fucking doctor.



Nope, I just fill your prescriptions. Scarier huh? )
That is an embarrassing mistake on my part.

[Absolutely]

Any Wackbaggers / FBA'ers have high blood pressure?


I just assumed everyone here did.

[rowdy]

Im IN!!! High BP since 93!!:action-sm

[Cybouncer]

There are many medications that do work quite well at controlling your BP, and you should see little or no side effects.

As someone said, Lisinopril or Ramipril (ALTACE) are very common for mild hypertension. HCTZ is also often used first line.

For those that have a slightly higher BP, many Dr's will often go right for the ARB's (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers). The most effective ARB's are Avapro, Benicar, Diovan (in no particular order). These are great drugs because there are virtually no side effects and they're powerful.

As many of the others said earlier, your best bet would be to make lifestyle modifications and see what your BP is when you lose the weight. If it's still high, then hit the medicine.