AAARRRGGHHH!!! I have high blood pressure and I'm only 34. I can't begin to tell you how angry I am that I have this condition. I'm not overweight, I don't smoke, I don't drink to excess and I'm in great shape so you can probably understand why this pisses me off so much. It's a weakness in my armor. It throws my mortality in my face and forces me to realize that I'm not invincible. What makes this more aggravating is that I apparently have no control over this thing. It's a genetic flaw. I'm no longer super human in my own mind. I now have to take medication to control my flaw. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!

That said, I'm glad I caught it early. I had a friend die a few years ago from complications from undiagnosed high blood pressure. There's a reason they call it the silent killer.

Moral of the story is to get your blood pressure checked, even if it's at the local grocery store on one of those machines.

AAARRRGGHHH!!! I have high blood pressure and I'm only 34. I can't begin to tell you how angry I am that I have this condition. I'm not overweight, I don't smoke, I don't drink to excess and I'm in great shape so you can probably understand why this pisses me off so much. It's a weakness in my armor. It throws my mortality in my face and forces me to realize that I'm not invincible. What makes this more aggravating is that I apparently have no control over this thing. It's a genetic flaw. I'm no longer super human in my own mind. I now have to take medication to control my flaw. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!

That said, I'm glad I caught it early. I had a friend die a few years ago from complications from undiagnosed high blood pressure. There's a reason they call it the silent killer.

Moral of the story is to get your blood pressure checked, even if it's at the local grocery store on one of those machines.

I had the same reaction when I was diagnosed. I was a national champion runner at one point, my pulse was in the 40's, and as a career airline pilot who had to take a medical every 6 months, physicians would often comment on my extraordinarily low blood pressure.

One day during a physical, the nurse said "your blood pressure is elevated." Later when I saw the doctor, I asked that he personally check my pressure because I certainly could not have high blood pressure. I did. I took every test in the book, because I was convinced that it was caused by something else in my body. As an aside, make sure that is not the case. I consulted with a Nephrologist who specialized in high blood pressure. Bottom line, was I did in fact have high blood pressure.

Here is the importnat thing: Although it sort of feels like you are getting a glaring look at your mortality, modern medicine is great, and mine is controlled nicely with modern drugs with absolutely no side effects.

Be sure an get yourself an accurate blood pressure measuring device, and check it regularly - keep a log. Good luck, but you will be fine.

Soda,

Sorry to learn about your HBP, but take it from a person who was diagnosis with HBP around the same age you are now, you can live with it, I have for about 20 years.

I've taken a number of different meds over time, some alone, some in combination and I can tell you this, the best medicine out there for HBP is cycling. I've been cycling seriously for about 8 months, do about 100 to 125 miles a week (not alot compared to some, but for a former couch potato it's alot). It was not until last month after taking all these different meds (currently 3 meds a day plus an Asprin) that the doctor is seriously thinking of dropping a med, all because of cycling.

I know most people think HBP is an old persons problem, but it knows no age. Please drop into the Fifty Plus Forum, you will see posts by myself and others about HBP. You will also see one other thing, the help cycling has.

Yes, no one, not you, not me, not anyone wants to admit they are not super human, or mortal. You are correct it is a shock when you find you are no longer as healthy as you thought, but you are not alone. Either in having HBP or in having at your age. They do not call HBP a silent killer for nothing. There are more people out there with HBP that do not know it than there are who do know it.

Welcome to a club no one wants to belong too, but is growing everyday. Do what the doctor tells you, when you are told. Keep riding, riding and riding, you'll find you'll deal with the problem better than you think.

Heh, I had the same thing, at the same age, and had a similar reaction. But, it could be worse. You could have found out the hard way by having a stroke or worse, or at a much later age when more damage has been done. I consider it a blessing, not a curse, that I found out early.

In theory, you do have some control over it, though if you don't have any weight to lose and are already in good shape, there's probably not a whole lot you can do without medication (and -- ugh -- diet). I heard of a new device called the RESPeRATE, which is supposed to help lower BP without drugs, simply by helping to control your breathing (info at http://resperate.com/). I don't use it (yet); been lucky enough to be able to keep mine down without drugs (which, modern or otherwise, I hope to avoid as long as possible).

I'll ditto what skydive69 says about a good cuff or similar device. Take yours in to your next doctor's visit, tell him or her that you want to make sure it's working correctly and they'll get you sorted out (usually they'll do several tests with the device on one arm and their own cuff on the other, a few minutes apart). A lot of the cheaper ones suck. Omron is a good brand, from experience. And check your BP frequently, at different times of the day and under different circumstances. You'll be surprised how much it varies over the course of a day.

Also, your doctor may or may not have already told you this (mine didn't!), but: avoid nasal decongestants (pseudoephedrine) and "NSAIDs" (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, such as ibuprofen), which can raise your BP, sometimes significantly.

Good luck!

AAARRRGGHHH!!! I have high blood pressure and I'm only 34. I can't begin to tell you how angry I am that I have this condition. I'm not overweight, I don't smoke, I don't drink to excess and I'm in great shape so you can probably understand why this pisses me off so much. It's a weakness in my armor. It throws my mortality in my face and forces me to realize that I'm not invincible. What makes this more aggravating is that I apparently have no control over this thing. It's a genetic flaw. I'm no longer super human in my own mind. I now have to take medication to control my flaw. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!



Unfortunately, we all have to face mortality at some time. I planned on doing so at 80 or 90. Like you, I was always active, no smoking, little drinking. At only a dozen years older than you, I discovered I had a bad aortic valve and root out of the blue (essentially no symptoms). I had to have open heart surgery (something I always thought of as happening to old people or those who didn't take care of their health) within weeks of discovering the problem to correct my genetic flaw. I now take blood pressure meds twice daily. I hated it also, but you have to get over it and go on with the hand you are dealt.

The BP meds normally aren't a big deal although the doctor may have to experiment with a couple before finding one or two that work best for you (the first couple they tried on me didn't have much impact). Taking the meds shouldn't have any impact on your life (other than having to remember to take them). Just make sure to get a good cardiologist.

Good luck, and remember it could have been much worse in any number of ways.

How high is high? Is it under the new guidelines that says 120/80 is now considered high blood pressure, or is it really elevated? Well... if you feel like sharing...

Koffee

Same thing happened to me. I kept fit and active, BP was ALWAYS 120/70. I had it checked before a training program last summer and wham! It was way up. Just that fast. WTF?

Off to the doctor and I am now on a light dose of HGTZ and it's back in the safe zone, but not entirely without the occasional spike. It is very frustrating, but not as frustrating as dieing of a stroke at 45.

Hang in there.

AAARRRGGHHH!!! I have high blood pressure and I'm only 34. I can't begin to tell you how angry I am that I have this condition. I'm not overweight, I don't smoke, I don't drink to excess and I'm in great shape so you can probably understand why this pisses me off so much. It's a weakness in my armor. It throws my mortality in my face and forces me to realize that I'm not invincible. What makes this more aggravating is that I apparently have no control over this thing. It's a genetic flaw. I'm no longer super human in my own mind. I now have to take medication to control my flaw. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!

That said, I'm glad I caught it early. I had a friend die a few years ago from complications from undiagnosed high blood pressure. There's a reason they call it the silent killer.

Moral of the story is to get your blood pressure checked, even if it's at the local grocery store on one of those machines.
Dude. You are stressed and you can control that. Just read your post. Chill out.

How high is high? Is it under the new guidelines that says 120/80 is now considered high blood pressure, or is it really elevated? Well... if you feel like sharing...

Koffee
I question the new guidelines as being a little on the low side-my blood pressure has gone up a little (between 130/85 to 142/93) and all the doctors that have checked it say it is fine. One guy in the fiftys forum was taking meds. for blood pressure in that range.

I question the new guidelines as being a little on the low side-my blood pressure has gone up a little (between 130/85 to 142/93) and all the doctors that have checked it say it is fine. One guy in the fiftys forum was taking meds. for blood pressure in that range.
I just read tonight the new standard is 120/80 and that is considered borderline hypertensive. I need to find that web site.

I just read tonight the new standard is 120/80 and that is considered borderline hypertensive. I need to find that web site.
Yeah, like Diabetes, they've recently lowered the standard for "Normal", and without any changes, overnight people who were not hypertensive now suddenly are. I think recent research has shown that pressures above 120/80 increase risk of problems considerably. So now anything over 120/80 is known as "prehypertensive", and anything over 140/90 is Stage 1 (this has not changed).

Here's some info from the Mayo Clinic on the subject: http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2003-mchi/1810.html

I have Low blood pressure, for a few years now. I get light headed easily because of this. It sucks either way.

Well with the new standard they will sell a lot more meds.

I admit that I'm probably a little high strung and I wish it were as easy as calming down but due to problems beyond my control, my homelife is a bit above the norm in terms of stress. That's the reason I started to cycle in the first place. But I agree with that statement about chilling out. I'm going to have to learn to not get so upset about things that I can't control.

As for my numbers, I tested in the 140's/98 and then in the 130's/92 a short time later at the gym yesterday. My doctor isn't as concerned about the upper number as he is the lower number. Strangely, it was the upper number that had me concerned at first. As early as a few months ago, my lower number was always near 80 but the upper number was always in the high 140's. So when I went in for my yearly physical, I asked about my BP and the reading at the doctor's office was as expected except that the bottom number was at 94. This was new to me as I've never seen it at 90 in my previous readings that I was having taken every few weeks at the gym (not by the machine). After a month on meds, I went back to the doctor and it had dropped to 90. This again was alarming because I was still getting readings near 80 everywhere else but the doctor ultimately has to go with his numbers. He kept me on the meds and against every logical thought I've ever had, I ran out of the medication and didnt' get it renewed and I went a few weeks without the meds. I thought I was fine because I attributed my 90's to "white coat" syndrome, since I was obviously reading near 80 or below everywhere else until yesterday. I had it taken again and it was back up to 98 and it obviously couldnt' be white coat syndrome so I'm now back to taking the meds.

Work on the lifestyle changes and anything in your diet that negatively affects blood pressure (like salt). Take the meds and work with your doctor to get your BP under control.

The second number (measuring the pressure with your heart at rest/between beats) is the one most doctors are more concerned with.

As indicated above, get a good monitor, check it against your doctor's readings, and then monitor it at home. The American Heart Association guidelines say to take it on your left arm, after sitting still for at least 5 minutes, and with your arm extended, palm up and resting on something (supported). You may find a substantial difference in your pressure at home as compared to the doctor's office or even out somewhere like a health club where some stress levels are always present.

I keep my BP monitor next to my computer.

oh.. forgot about that suggestion. Can you (anyone) recommend any?

oh.. forgot about that suggestion. Can you (anyone) recommend any?
(I think you're talking about monitors?)
I have an Omron "HEM-432C", which has a digital readout but manual pump bulb. Couldn't be simpler, just stick your arm in the cuff, push the on button, pump-pump-pump, wait a few seconds and there you have it. Auto-off in case you forget. Semi old-fashioned, but reasonably priced.

Whatever you get, remember to take it in to your next doctor visit and have them help you test that it is reading accurately. I had 2 other meters (different brands) before this one and they were both off in different directions.

Also I'll reiterate my suggestion to check at different times. If you always check at the same time of day or always under the same conditions, you may not be getting an accurate picture of your BP. For example, if you always only check it first thing in the morning, you're likely looking at your lowest BP all day; you don't want to base your choices on that. Check at random times, at least for the first week or month or so. Keep a log and note the conditions. You may find patterns of behavior or whatever that you can use to help control it a little better.

I have been diagnosed with "elevated" blood pressure too. My doctor told me to get a home testing kit and watch it periodically on my own. What I learned was that I have a horrible case of "White Coat Syndrome." (as my doctor called it). Basically, some people, myself included, just freak out when they see a doctor and their blood pressure rises. My blood pressure will be in the 150+/90+ range at a doctor but when I test it on my own, it will be 130/70 range. Just to make sure the machine wasn't screwed up, I had my mother test it (she is a nurse) and it proved the home testing results. Something to consider...

Q

I admit that I'm probably a little high strung and I wish it were as easy as calming down but due to problems beyond my control, my homelife is a bit above the norm in terms of stress. That's the reason I started to cycle in the first place. But I agree with that statement about chilling out. I'm going to have to learn to not get so upset about things that I can't control.

As for my numbers, I tested in the 140's/98 and then in the 130's/92 a short time later at the gym yesterday. My doctor isn't as concerned about the upper number as he is the lower number. Strangely, it was the upper number that had me concerned at first. As early as a few months ago, my lower number was always near 80 but the upper number was always in the high 140's. So when I went in for my yearly physical, I asked about my BP and the reading at the doctor's office was as expected except that the bottom number was at 94. This was new to me as I've never seen it at 90 in my previous readings that I was having taken every few weeks at the gym (not by the machine). After a month on meds, I went back to the doctor and it had dropped to 90. This again was alarming because I was still getting readings near 80 everywhere else but the doctor ultimately has to go with his numbers. He kept me on the meds and against every logical thought I've ever had, I ran out of the medication and didnt' get it renewed and I went a few weeks without the meds. I thought I was fine because I attributed my 90's to "white coat" syndrome, since I was obviously reading near 80 or below everywhere else until yesterday. I had it taken again and it was back up to 98 and it obviously couldnt' be white coat syndrome so I'm now back to taking the meds.


Good deal. Now change your Avitar. That will raise your BP at least 10 points. I know it does mine. :D :)

I have been diagnosed with "elevated" blood pressure too. My doctor told me to get a home testing kit and watch it periodically on my own. What I learned was that I have a horrible case of "White Coat Syndrome." (as my doctor called it). Basically, some people, myself included, just freak out when they see a doctor and their blood pressure rises. My blood pressure will be in the 150+/90+ range at a doctor but when I test it on my own, it will be 130/70 range. Just to make sure the machine wasn't screwed up, I had my mother test it (she is a nurse) and it proved the home testing results. Something to consider...

Q

Isn't it maddening? I always have nice low pressure at home (I also brought my stuff to the office to check accuracy and it was dead on), and as soon as I see that stethoscope I know my pressure is rising because I desperately want to "score" a good number for the doctor. Finally, after a couple of years I got over it, and record normal readings at the office.

Soda,

I went off my meds a while back when my pressure was 140/90 on my meds (pre-biking). I thought the doctor was going to kill me before I could kill myself. My pressure went to 210/120. Needless to say I'm on my meds and will never pull that stunt again. In November I went to the Doctor, pressure 124/84, the lowest in years.

Take your meds, do what the doctor says, stop worrying about the pressure, you doing more harm than good.

My monitor is an Omron741CREL. Digital readout with battery pump. Around $50 at Walmart (I don't remember exactly, it was 3 years ago).

Sorry to hear about your high blood pressure, Soda. I guess I am ignorant about it, too, because I thought it was caused by lifestyle choices. Anyway, like you said, good thing you caught it early.

I give blood every couple of months and they check BP as part of the procedure. Mine used to be 110/70, but now it is more often 120/80. Last week when I donated it was 138/80. I was a little alarmed by the first number, but after reading these posts I know better. Thanks for the education.

Tom

I guess I am ignorant about it, too, because I thought it was caused by lifestyle choices.
Probably the most common mis-perception of HBP ("high strung" or "Type A" personality, etc.). Genetics have the overwhelming influence (though of course bad lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol and possibly too much sodium don't help things). If your parents or grandparents are/were hypertensive, you are at increased risk without a single lifestyle choice being made...

I give blood every couple of months and they check BP as part of the procedure. Mine used to be 110/70, but now it is more often 120/80. Last week when I donated it was 138/80. I was a little alarmed by the first number, but after reading these posts I know better. Thanks for the education.
I'm not sure what you think you learned, but systsolic (the first number) above 120 or diastolic above 80 is "elevated" ("prehypertensive", up to 140/90 which is Stage 1 Hypertension). Both numbers _are_ important. I would keep an eye on it if I were you, as it sounds like it could be on the way up, unless you really think that one was a fluke. Don't be tempted to write it off; it's easy to control if caught early, and you don't want to live (die?) in denial...

Actually, there are a couple other things you might want to try. Even though anxiety may not often be a factor in hypertension, a generalized relaxation response may lower BP a bit. Methods to try include relaxation (progressive or imagery), meditation, or biofeedback. They probably all work about the same. I think that most people would find relaxation the easiest and cheapest (as in free).

Another intervention worth researching is the DASH diet. There have been controlled studies showing that this diet can lower BP. It is basically just a good natural diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables along with milk and dairy products. I believe that the extra calcium and other minerals in this diet may be the key. Here is a Link:

http://http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/
(NHLBI, DASH Eating Plan)

Of course, as you and others mentioned, it is often the case that you will still need medication, but perhaps the number of meds or the dosages will be lower if you also make the lifestyle changes.

Good luck--I'm sure you"ll be fine!

Finally, when you get a BP monitor, make sure you get the correctly sized cuff (the part that goes around your arm). They usually come in small and large adult sizes. If you use one that is too small, it will give you a reading that is too high.

I have been diagnosed with "elevated" blood pressure too. My doctor told me to get a home testing kit and watch it periodically on my own. What I learned was that I have a horrible case of "White Coat Syndrome." (as my doctor called it). Basically, some people, myself included, just freak out when they see a doctor and their blood pressure rises. My blood pressure will be in the 150+/90+ range at a doctor but when I test it on my own, it will be 130/70 range. Just to make sure the machine wasn't screwed up, I had my mother test it (she is a nurse) and it proved the home testing results. Something to consider...

Q

I believe that the most recent research finds that WCS may be as dangerous as "regular" hypertension, and should be treated as such. I have had WCS for years, and kept denying that I had hypertension, much to my later regret. It may be symptomatic of what your body is going through whenever you are in a tense situation.

Also, hypertension is closely associated with sleep apnea - I am having my SA test tonight. I know that my BP readings upon awaakening are among thehighest of the day, and an echocardiogram shows pulmonary hypertension.

Aerobic exercise will usually cause a lowering of your BP, due to the stretching of the blood vessels during the exertion.

I believe that the most recent research finds that WCS may be as dangerous as "regular" hypertension, and should be treated as such. I have had WCS for years, and kept denying that I had hypertension, much to my later regret. It may be symptomatic of what your body is going through whenever you are in a tense situation.

It does make sense that your BP might be elevating every time you get a little nervous--probably not only in the doctor's office.

"White coat hypertension", as it is commonly called, isn't necessarily a dangerous sign, but if you're the anxious type who constantly runs your adrenal glands on "high alert", it could be. I suspect that those prone to white coat hypertension are also those who live in high stress environments or have inadequate coping mechanisms. That said, lots of completely normal people get temporarily elevated blood pressure when at the doctor's office. It's completely normal. Aside from whatever worry brought them in that day, there's also the anxiety-producing concern of possibly receiving bad news, or having to get stuck with a needle. That alone is enough cause an elevated reading in an otherwise normal person.

Most recommendations suggest several readings on first awakening (before your morning coffee!), lying down or sitting. The previous poster's warning to use the proper-sized cuff is important. Using a cuff too big or too small can alter the blood pressure reading significantly.

Also, I wouldn't panic at an elevated blood pressure reading before giving blood either for the same reason. The anticipation of being stuck with a relatively large needle will temporarily increase the blood pressure of most people.

Soda,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I also have an excellent lifestyle, but have had HBP off-and-on since age 25, due to genetics (grandparents, parents).

Once you get your BP controlled with medication, your risk factors will greatly decrease, so you can expect to live a long, healthy life, like to age 100 if you keep cycling. Be glad you found out at 34, not when you have a stroke or heart attack at age 50.

It's a gift man, it's a gift.

I agree. It's a gift. After reading this post and a few PM's I'm not upset anymore that I have HBP. I've learned that it is genetics and I'm comforted to know that I'm not the only one. I've started my medication again (lisinopril) and ordered a home blood pressure monitor yesterday. I've also been paying attention to the salt content of what I eat and am blown away at how much salt there is in canned foods. My Progresso soup that I like for lunch (I used to eat one can) had 2.5 servings and each serving had 40% of the daily recommended allowance for salt. That one can was giving me almost all the salt I needed for the day. Add to that my love of sourdough pretzel nuggets and other things and BAM! I've blown the salt barrier.

Thanks for the support guys and I hope that at least a few people went and had their BP checked after reading this thread.

One person mentioned diet but I don't think it's been emphasized enough. One option you might want to look into is the McDougall plan. (It's similar to others like the ones from Dr's. Pritikin or Ornish.) It's based on starch-based plants (e.g. whole grains, potatoes, etc.) along with fruits and vegetables. No meat or dairy. Technically it is vegan. No added fats or sugar is allowed except what comes in the plants themselves. You still get fats from the plants, but they are good for you (nuts, avocados, tofu, etc.). Also, no added salt unless you want to sprinkle a little on the surface, where you can actually taste it. (Like you've found in your soup, a lot of food has the salt dissolved in which gives you too much salt for too little taste benefit.) No cafeinne or alcohol.

I've read that if you follow this and take medication at the same time that your blood pressure can go too low (because you don't need the medication anymore). It sounds like you'll be able to track it with your home cuff. If you do this, then go back to the doctor for adjustments, like less or no medication. I'd probably recommend: "The McDougall Program: Twelve Days to Dynamic Health" amazon link (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0452266394). Although he does have a separate book on heart related stuff specifically.

Don't worry about the "Twelve Days" in the title. The idea is to try it for twelve days and see the difference, then you'll want to keep doing it for life. I believe some of the restrictions are let up after the twelve day part. I'll have to admit though that changing your diet is very difficult which is probably why doctors just do the medication thing first.

I think someone mentioned the DASH Diet. There is good clinical evidence, including two controlled studies sponsored by the NIH, that this diet significantly reduces blood pressure. And it is simpler to follow, being very close to a traditional "healthy" diet. However, it would be quite a change for someone on the standard American melted-cheese-on-everything diet. You go low on red meat and fats, eat lots of fruits and veggies (up to 10 servings a day) and partake of 3 servings of low-fat dairy a day. Not too difficult! There's lots of info on reputable web sites. Try this one to get you started:

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/65/72560?src=Inktomi&condition=Weight%20Control
(DASH Diet Works Like Hypertension Drug)

I agree. It's a gift. After reading this post and a few PM's I'm not upset anymore that I have HBP. I've learned that it is genetics and I'm comforted to know that I'm not the only one. I've started my medication again (lisinopril) and ordered a home blood pressure monitor yesterday. I've also been paying attention to the salt content of what I eat and am blown away at how much salt there is in canned foods. My Progresso soup that I like for lunch (I used to eat one can) had 2.5 servings and each serving had 40% of the daily recommended allowance for salt. That one can was giving me almost all the salt I needed for the day. Add to that my love of sourdough pretzel nuggets and other things and BAM! I've blown the salt barrier.

Thanks for the support guys and I hope that at least a few people went and had their BP checked after reading this thread.

Yeah, the salt issue is quite an eye-opener when you start reading labels. The AMA says only about 50% of people with HBP are actually "salt sensitive" (i.e. too much sodium increases their BP), but anyway it certainly hasn't hurt me to become more aware of just how much sodium is in seemingly everything, and moderate consumption. My doctor initially told me no more than 2,000mg/day; RDA is 2,400 (eq. about 1 teaspoon of salt). It didn't seem to do much to my BP, so I've become less maniacal about reducing sodium, but I still keep an eye on things and avoid those foods with ridiculous amounts (processed meats, anything with preservatives, etc. -- it's not just "salty" flavored foods). For me, losing weight had the most significant impact, but I believe you already stated you are at an ideal weight (I still have another 15 or 20 to go!).

Anyway, glad you are coming to terms with it. Good luck keeping things under control!

Speaking of salt, I have read that the current recommended limit will be halved. There are quite a few items that contain a lot of salt. Look at the amount of salt in a 12 oz can of tomato juice, for example.

Speaking of salt, I have read that the current recommended limit will be halved. There are quite a few items that contain a lot of salt. Look at the amount of salt in a 12 oz can of tomato juice, for example.
I haven't heard that much of a cutback, but I've heard that they are planning some reduction. Research indicates that the human body only _needs_ about 200mg of sodium per day. And I've heard the average American diet comes in well over the 2,400mg allowance at 3,000 or even more if you are one of those who likes to take your bike through the McD's drive through :p

It makes sense to reduce the daily allowance, and will hopefully put some pressure on food manufacturers to reduce sodium in their products. I was positively, jaw-droppingly shocked when I started looking closely at the labels on stuff I was eating and doing the math (remember those numbers are PER SERVING!). And like I said, it's not necessarily just "salty" foods; sodium benzoate and other sodium-based preservatives that don't add much flavor can really kill things. I imagine that's why the DASH diet leans so heavily toward fresh foods.

Oh yeah, if you're into low-salt cooking and eating, there's a decent cookbook called . . . drum roll . . . "The Low-Salt Cookbook", put out by the American Heart Association. There are some really good tasting recipes in there (Chicken Enchiladas, Meat Loaf, Chicken with Yogurt-Cilantro sauce are among my favorites). Of course, there are some losers, too, but they could be starting points if you're culinarily inclined.

Just been browsing these web sites. Amazing the amount of sodium!

Wendy's Oriental Chicken Salad - 1,540 mg of salt (including noodles and dressing) - 50% of daily sodium requirements.

http://www.wendys.com/food/US_Nutrition_2003.pdf

http://www.mcdonalds.com/app_controller.nutrition.index1.html

Wendy's Oriental Chicken Salad - 1,540 mg of salt (including noodles and dressing) - 50% of daily sodium requirements.

I think you mean allowance not requirement (!!!). How about a McD's 10-piece Chicken Selects: 3100 milligrams :eek: :eek: :eek:

I think you mean allowance not requirement (!!!). How about a McD's 10-piece Chicken Selects: 3100 milligrams :eek: :eek: :eek:

Point taken. I did not have much sleep last night, so was browsing early in the AM. My post reflects my "out-of-it" status :D .

They are ALL amazing in the amount of sodium they have, almost without exception.

Point taken. I did not have much sleep last night, so was browsing early in the AM. My post reflects my "out-of-it" status :D .

They are ALL amazing in the amount of sodium they have, almost without exception.
FWIW, take a look at the nutrition data for Subway. Yes, Subway. Almost every meat based product has a large amout of sodium in it! Not everything is what it seems, i guess. Anyways, much to my dismay, i joined the HPB club today after having a nuclear stress test done on my heart at my cardiologist's clinic. Yes, i'm alittle bummed cause of the prescription pills that i need to take every day but the good news is that i DIDN"T have any signs of heart disease at 37 years old. ;)

Quite a few of the fast food places have foods high in sodium. I hate to eat out sometimes because I worry more about the salt content than I do about the fat content! All those places that advocate healthy eating seem to add more salt with lower fat content, but that's how they do it. Stuff that's usually lower in fat has extra salt to mask the taste we're used to with the fat. Stimulating a different part of the taste buds of the tongue is the way they trick the body into thinking the taste hasn't changed.

By fast foods, I also mean those frozen dinners too. Take a look at the sodium content- I think they usually range from 900+ mg of sodium per serving, which is just sickening. I don't eat frozen dinners at all anymore.

Koffee

I had low blood pressure my whole life, but in the past couple of years it's gone up, still normal but at the high end. My doctor said it's nothing to worry about, it's not hypertension. Still, it worries me a bit. BUt there are several reasons; i had a year of terrible stress, and I'm on medication that can cause blood pressure to rise. I'm sure it's the medication. But i was always either low or totally normal.

There's lots of good info in this thread and I think much of it is worth consideration particularly diet related stuff, you are what you eat :)

I have had, I stress had HBP. Cycling has done two things beneficial for me. 1] it burns sodium as it makes me fitter and 2] it enlightened me to the dangers of caffeine.
I believe this drug to be most dangerous, for me anyway and probably more than partially responsible for my wife requiring a quad bypass at age 46 from drinking copious quantities of Coke over many years. It's no coincidence (IMHO) that many high performance athletes, cyclists, triathletes, etc are experiencing HPB, fibrillation and other serious complications. The common thread could well be caffeine given that many of them use it as a stimulant.
Since my diagnosis aprox. two years ago I've been able to reduce my meds from 5 to 1mg and I'm confident I'll be off them completely this year. I'm 63, I race every w/end and Monday nights and train every other day. BP is currently 120/80 'in surgery', less at home relaxed.
I've basically stopped using caffeine altogether and it's made a huge difference to both my heart rate (now regular) and my BP.
Try it, you've got nothing to loose by not using caffeine and it may just make a significant difference.

I always knew I had HBP. Previous physicals noted an elevated /but not serious BP.

2 years ago, my mom had a major stroke, due to HBP. I promised sister I would check my BP. Never did.

I turned 46 last week. Yesterday I went for my first physical in about 10 years (I'm a guy, I hate doctors)
For the most part, I checked out OK but my BP was 170/90. Pretty damn high. blood work / cholesteral check next week.

I guess the hardest thing to accept is that i have never had a prescription in my entire life.

I did a 35 mile ride and then took my first hit of diovan lastnight. I guess I can't be 28 years old for ever - as hard as I've tried.

I'll get used to it.

I truly think that caffeine, like tobacco, will be found to be a most dangerous drug even though, again like tobacco, most of us consume significant amounts every day. Do yourselves a favour and get off it.
The other major issue with most affluent societies is hydration. All your organs, including your heart find it difficult to function properly without sufficient hydration. These are two simple issues your can address which may even make meds unnecessary.

I don't think there's a simple answer (like "it's caffeine"). High blood pressure has many causes, some of them related to diet and lifestyle, but some that have not been conclusively identified (which is usually written off as "genetics") -- that is to say, some people who do not drink caffeine nor massive amounts of sodium and are not overly stressed still develop HBP. On the other hand there are plenty of people who do drink a lot of caffeine, consume a lot of sodium, and lead high-stress lifestyles who do not develop HBP.

I don't disagree with you about caffeine; it probably wouldn't hurt to drop it and certainly might help -- but there still have been no conclusive studies that caffeine causes HBP (NOTE: it can *aggravate* it, but that's a different story). It's just not that simple.

it isn't just the sodium. Most individuals with High Blood Pressure are not salt/sodium
sensitive. Even if they reduce their sodium level, (good ), they won't see a
significant decrease in blood pressure. The key is Potassium. Consuming more
potassium then sodium. High levels of potassium are found in fruits and vegetables.

I don't think there's a simple answer (like "it's caffeine"). High blood pressure has many causes, some of them related to diet and lifestyle, but some that have not been conclusively identified (which is usually written off as "genetics") -- that is to say, some people who do not drink caffeine nor massive amounts of sodium and are not overly stressed still develop HBP. On the other hand there are plenty of people who do drink a lot of caffeine, consume a lot of sodium, and lead high-stress lifestyles who do not develop HBP.

I don't disagree with you about caffeine; it probably wouldn't hurt to drop it and certainly might help -- but there still have been no conclusive studies that caffeine causes HBP (NOTE: it can *aggravate* it, but that's a different story). It's just not that simple.
I'm not suggesting caffeine is the only contributor to HBP but i do think it makes a significant contribution to some people's heart malfunction. I have two problems, HBP and an uneven heart rythm both of which are substantially agrivated by caffeine.
I think some studies should be done.

AAARRRGGHHH!!! I have high blood pressure and I'm only 34. I can't begin to tell you how angry I am that I have this condition. I'm not overweight, I don't smoke, I don't drink to excess and I'm in great shape so you can probably understand why this pisses me off so much. It's a weakness in my armor. It throws my mortality in my face and forces me to realize that I'm not invincible. What makes this more aggravating is that I apparently have no control over this thing. It's a genetic flaw. I'm no longer super human in my own mind. I now have to take medication to control my flaw. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!
WOW and you wonder why your BP is high! :lol:




color added by me

How high is high? Is it under the new guidelines that says 120/80 is now considered high blood pressure, or is it really elevated? Well... if you feel like sharing...

KoffeeTrue. 115/75 is the new gold standard. The reason it was lowered from 120/80 is because some people were still having complications related to hypertension. Mucho info on the medical web sites. I boned up on it when my Dad was in the hospital as his was around 80/50.

Mine is high. It's 129/80 tonight just sitting here putzin' 'round on the computer.