Hello. Have a doctors appointment tomorrow but the best thing to do is get medical advice from trapperman first. 52, active, 5'7, 160, not stressed, Dad had high blood pressure (he's still alive), never really go to the doctor. Up until 3 years ago bp was always right at 120/80. Year and a half ago went in for an initial consultation for a colonoscopy and it was 130/90. Figured it was the nature of the visit, 6 months ago got the colonoscopy and was the same. Figured it was going into the procedure. Yesterday morning had a headache and just wasn't 100% so checked it (rarely do) and it was 140/100. Checked a couple more times and the same. Checked twice today and the same. Anyone able to get it down with or without medication? What worked? Thank you for your time.

Be careful taking meds for blood pressure
The doc here gave my wife some meds to raise her blood pressure (she always has real low blood pressure) and it spiked her blood pressure so high they thought she was having a stroke.
If I was you I would tray some natural or physical alternative bedore going on meds.

Leeches comes to mind.



Must be good medicine. Got it right off of RFK jr's web page.

I'd try changing diet before medication.

Mine runs a little low, but my doctor is happy. 104/64. Pulse 56. Will soon be age 80.

When it gets lower than this I am sometimes dizzy in the AM.

just checked mine it is 104/59 60 rate.

Mine has always ran a little high. A hereditary thing. Finally about a year ago started taking a small dose of Losartan which does the trick.

Just a basic ref. "They're" always changing the numbers . . . $$$$$ :-(

Quit watching the news

Schedule a colonoscopy while your there.

Get some blood work done.

Stress test wouldn't hurt either.

You know...a basic tune up

Have to agree with corky. I’m 74 and keep telling my young female doctor something going to get me. By the way she a fox. Have health issues at my age t I went trout fishing today with a friend and my grandson We caught 36 between us 3 of us and the friend keep 4 I use to get a colonoscopy every year always told my wife the specialist had a kid or 2 in college. Just do what your doctors say. Check your blood pressure and if you don’t like your doctor get a 2nd opinion. Enjoy life and don’t sweat the small stuff. It is (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) to get old. But we all get to that point

Cut down on your salt intake. Eat less processed foods. Cut down on carbs. Eat vegetables and meat or fish with every meal.
Your last BP of 140/100 is high on the bottom end. If it stays that way I would see a doctor preferably a cardiologist.

I take four different BP meds and I don't notice any evil side effects. Pressure stays around 125/60 unless I am doing some heavy type of work. Then it drops to 90/40 and I can barely function.

Seeing the cardiologist this morning

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure about 25 years ago.
I started in the line trade, ate worse, stress went up, drank way more and started smoking and chewing tobacco. That brought it down to a normal level........lol.
I guess it was the physical stuff and always being outside. The stress was different......financial stress was no longer existent which was probably the big factor in my high pressure before I guess.

SJA ... excellent chart!

BP is can never lead to a diagnosis on its own, you'll need a plethora of additional tests to determine a root cause. With a documented history of elevated BP, I'm sure the medical community will be happy to start you of meds. Be suspicious if they want to start you on the newest fangled drugs, you're being used as a guinea pig for big pharma! The old advise of cutting salt, carbs, diet control, ect isn't always right; it depends on what is causing the higher BP. The first thing they would do/did (before the shortages of saline) was hook you up to at least one bag of saltwater when you came in the ER, ever wonder why, if salt was so bad for ya. Your GP can order the initial test, but find a 'old school' cardiologist. Tech knowledge and new procedures are great, but experience will always trump the new ... you can fill in the blank. Avoid statines, there are alternatives.

If you're looking to immediately lower your BP, deep breathing will often accomplish that for you ... Breath in thru your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and completely exhale thru your nose for an additional count of four; repeat for ~ 2-5 minutes. You might want to do this sitting or laying down.

Other tidbits of useful info -
Never take your BP in the same arm in rapid succession. The cuff construction can alter the readings if not followed with enough time to return to stability.
BP differential can provide casual information between arms too. One arm/thigh always higher than the other?
Are you using the correct size cuff when taking your BP, it does make a difference.
Take your BP cuff with you to your doctor's appointment so it's accuracy can be checked ... It's amazing how far the automated cuffs can be off.
Never cross your feet/legs before taking a BP, it will result in a higher reading.
With the heat across the nation, are you dehydrated ... affects BP also.
And refrain from taking BP at least 30 minutes following exertion, it will alter BP in either direction depending on the amount and your body's tolerance.

I take two bp meds with no side effects. My systolic pressure is almost always in the 120s, but the diastolic is usually in the 80s or even 90s.
I have AFIB and take Eliquis for that. I have an annual check up with a cardiologist.

Diet and exercise can make a huge difference.
Also - as others have stated - learn how to get an accurate reading.
Make sure you wait 2 hours after a meal, legs not crossed, and sitting still for at least 10-15 minutes.