Hey Guys just posted a non-sensical question on

[busterbrown]

High Blood Pressure..So I self-deleted and am trying again...I'm a 72 male and have experience very few health issues throughout my life Thank God..... I eat lousy!! Sometimes I Drink a little too much... Went for my annual med check-up and my blood pressure was over 175.. I work out about 30 minutes every day
strength and jogging .... So I was kind of Stung by my numbers... I guess my clock ran out and the booze might have been the determining reason why my numbers were up.. I took care of that and expect to be on the right train again....

I went back 2 weeks later exercised my ass off for the 2 weeks and had only 1 glass of wine a day and still my numbers went Up... I'm a very anxious N.Yer so that might be a factor... My Md wants me to take meds. Now the point.. Sorry about the jabber My question? I have read on the Net that some High Blood Pressure medicines can be dangerous..And you take them for the rest of your life?


Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[drray23]

1. "I have read on the Net that some High Blood Pressure medicines can be dangerous."

Thats you problem right there. Every drug has side effects. Better trust Your doctor than some random stuff on the internet. He will run the proper tests if necessary and make sure they are correct for you. The risk of not taking meds when your BP is 175 is far greater than potential side effects which are rare. As far as being on it for life, this depends on your condition. If you are overweight and lose weight for example, the BP will go down and your doctor will take you off them.

[Mersky]

2. First, I'm not a doctor, but...

Like I would for any of my friends and family, I can come up with a few points when dealing with a new health issue.

First, blood pressure of 175 is something to take action on. Perhaps take a friend with you to your next visit to be an extra set of ears listening to the pros and cons of each potential med. Can be helpful for reviewing doc's advice. Same goes for bringing in a list of questions/taking notes during the visit.

Taking meds for the rest of your life sucks, I've had to take thyroid meds daily for many years, but it can become okay and routine. And depending on your situation, maybe you won't have to take them long term.

Cortisol and thyroid levels could indicate other causes of hypertension, but kinda not likely (again, yikes, I'm not a doc). If you have a family history of thyroid dysfunction you may want to press for further testing/explanation. I felt I should mention this if your blood pressure went up notably just over the last year.

I'm convinced my increased alcohol intake and stress contributed to an uptick in my various numbers, so I've reeled it in, and lost a little weight... Shall see what my doc says next week.

Finally, I'm on a sleep improvement kick. Poor sleep quality can affect heart health... everything healthwise, really, from what I've been reading in health news in recent years.

I hope this is helpful, and my apologies if I'm just putting out there stuff you already know. Kudos on the exercise!

[Stonepounder]

3. My wife has chronic high BP

she has been on BP meds for years and years.

And when I say high BP I'm reminded of the time she hit something like 220/170. Called the Doc and his response was basically get her to the ER NOW!

So far the meds to hold her BP down have not caused any side effects that we are aware of. Talk to your doc about your concerns. Then decide if you trust him. If you do, do what he tells you to do. If not, find another doc.

[busterbrown]

4. Welcome to D.U. Mersky..

Thank-you for taking the time and effort to respond. Im grateful for your input ..... It really helped.
Now I'm gonna re-read your post a couple of times .. I've already learned a few things

[Mersky]

5. Hi, thanks & you're welcome

I know that, wtf did the doc just say about my numbers?meds? Am glad to share whatever I can about such.

Have been reading DU for many years... Was a lurking member in the bush years, came here for news. Felt compelled to get in the conversation, because trump has been a daily horror.

[Soxfan58]

6. In societies where salt is not used as a spice

High blood pressure is non existent. My cardiologist told me that years ago. And meds like HCTZ are diuretics that lower sodium through urination. Sodium is everywhere in todays foods its just not a case of putting down the salt shaker anymore. Good luck

[busterbrown]

7. Thanks for the input.

Trump eats nothing but salt.. Lets Hope!