Losing Weight For Better Blood Pressure

[Saphire]

I went for a physical two weeks ago and brought with me a record of my blood pressure that I have been taking at home. It is borderline high, the average being 136/88. My doctor is very proactive and told me that if I lost 10 pounds, she is almost sure it will come down to the normal range. So she said to me, "lose 10 pounds in ten weeks, and then come back, and we will take it from there". We both want to avoid medication, and she is confident this will do it. Has anyone else lost weight for better blood pressure?

I told her that December is a lost month for me because I do so much cooking/entertaining, and could she please give me some extra time. She laughed and scheduled a return in mid January. So now I have a doctor's order to lose weight. It feels a little different this time, losing weight for my health and not just to look better.

Today I weighed 168. My goal is to be in the mid 150's in about 12 weeks. Sounds very possible, but I have been struggling to reach the 150's for some time. Yet I am determined to get my blood pressure down and not take medication. Wish me luck!

 

[VernRDH]

I do wish you luck. However, sometimes even weight loss cannot help with blood pressure.

I lost 50 lbs in 2007. I have more or less maintained that, but still have another 50 to go. I have been on HBP meds for 10 years. I thought that once I dropped the weight, I could get off the meds. WRONG! Dr. told me that due to genetics (my moms BP was 200/100 ON MEDS) I would probably never get off the meds. That was a bummer for me. I really thought that the weight would drive my pressure down.

So I do really hope that in your case it does the trick, I hate for someone to have to take meds like I do (I do take only 1 pill, and it is very low dose).

Good Luck!!

 

[lisah0711]

I have to agree with VernRDH. Losing weight will definately help you but it won't necessarily help with your BP.

I had high BP when I was 18 and a skinny little thing but, like you, resisted medication. Ten years later, I still had high BP. I continued to resist the medication but my doctor said to me "well, you have the disease, you just have to decide whether you are going to treat it." That did it for me. I have taken BP meds for almost 20 years. They change over time because your body adjusts. My BP is controlled now.

Great if you can control your BP by changing your weight, but if not, don't be afraid to take care of yourself and get some medication. Most of the common ones are on the $4 for 30 day WalMart list that most pharmacies will match. Every day that you have high BP is a day that your body is being damaged and weakened.

If you would like some support while you lose the weight, please join us on the BL challenge thread -- it's never too late to join!

Good luck!

 

[GSD4ME]

Well, my question would be, is the high blood pressure a new development? If so, it could be because of the extra weight. I know my blood pressure was much better when I lost a bunch of weight about 5 years ago. Unfortunately, it found me - LOL! - and I am now on blood presure medication. My doctor, like yours, feels that my blood pressure should come down into normal limits once I lose weight. Honestly, it's about eating healthier, too, so that should help with the weight loss as well.

In the past 7 weeks or so, I've lost 17 pounds, so I'm on my way - only 73 more pounds to go. However, I do imagine my blood pressure medicine will need to be adjusted at some point in the (hopefully) not too distant future as I continue to lose weight.

I know you can lose the weight!! Remember, you are worth it and you deserve to be the healthiest you that you can be!!

 

[tinkamom]

My BP returned to normal after losing 17 lbs!

Two years ago my doctor told me my BP was borderline high, 180/70 and if it didn't go down he would put me on meds. I didn't want to go on meds so I lost the weight! I guess you can say the doctor scared the weight off of me!

I did WW and walked every night after dinner. I really think the walking was important for both the weight loss and the BP drop.

Unfortunately, once my BP was back to normal I went back to my old ways and regained the weight. Now I have to start over.

Good luck to you! I'm sure you could do it!

 

[BilltM]

If your doctor is telling you weight loss will help your BP then follow the Dr's advice. As some have mentioned sometimes high BP is beyond weight-loss.

In my situation I've always had fairly "normal" BP. I went to the Dr last year and my BP was 150/90 . I started walking, worked on my diet, worked on the coffee & alcohol, and jumped in on the BL challenge here. I just donated blood last Saturday and my BP was 108/80 and I lost ~30 lbs since last February.

I can be done! Here are some guidelines. your mileage may vary

Lifestyle changes
•Don't smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco product.
•Lose weight if you're overweight.
•Exercise regularly.
•Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in fat.
•Limit your sodium, alcohol and caffeine intake.
•Try relaxation techniques or biofeedback