has anybody lowered their bp w/diet and exercise?

[mtemm]

my bp seems to be higher than normal lately. I have an electric cuff that I bought when I was pregnant. Prior to being pregnant my bp was always 110/60 or thereabouts. During my 8th month I developed PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension). My bp would go up to 140/90 or sometimes a bit above that if I was sitting, as soon as I layed down it would drop. I ended up on bedrest for the rest of my pregnancy.

At my postpartum my bp seemed to have returned to normal, as is usual for PIH. But off and on I've checked it over the last year and it seems to be high...130s over 80s, sometimes 140s over 90s. I know I should go to a dr, but am wondering if there are things I can be doing in the meantime.

I used to workout all the time, at least until I got put on bedrest over a year ago. After the baby I've found it harder to do. But I'm willing to get back in the game...I know I need to. Are there better workouts than others? I love tae bo, roller blading, precor at the gym. I know I need to eat much healthier, too. Any foods help to lower bp? I would really prefer to lower my bp thru diet and exercise if it is at all possible, as opposed to going on meds.

TIA!

 

[peg2001]

Yes, diet and exercise can lower your blood pressure. A couple years ago, my dad's doctor wanted to put him on bp medicine and my dad asked if he could have 6 months to try diet and exercise first. He cut back on his vices (sweets, mostly) and started walking. In 6 months, his doctor agreed that he didn't need the meds.

Peggy

 

[Kitty 34]

My DH did especially by doing a lot of exercising. Unfortunetly, he's slacked off a bit and back to having high blood pressure so it's an ongoing thing!!

 

[inky dinky doo]

I'm so glad I saw your note! It reminded me that I really should check my blood pressure. It's been high for years. In fact, it's been a struggle -- even with two medications -- to get it down to the mid-140s/90s. BUT . . .

I've been eating low carb and treadmilling since January 21 of this year, and I've been thinking I ought to check my blood pressure, again, to see how I'm doing. Your message spurred me on. I finally got my electronic cuff out of the closet and guess what!! My blood pressure just measured 117/69 . . . unheard of numbers for me.

So, yes!!!! Diet and exercize does work! I'm living proof that it does!

Pat

206 days and counting . . . again!