Newly-wed to Hypertention

[MightyCheew]

I haven't officially gone to a doctor....but when I am at the store, I check my blood pressure twice..and everytime I check it, it seems high. It ranges from 145 to 150....and it says that it's prehypertention. But I just moved out and I don't have insurance of my own yet. My job doesn't offer it until I have worked here for a period of time...so, I have really bad eating habits...and I don't work out as much as I used to. So, I am wondering if I should try to make time to work out more. I drink 4 bottles of water a day...so I think I am good as far as being hydrated goes. What else can I do since I cannot go to a doctor without paying an arm and a leg....

Thanks!

[MightyCheew]

thanks! i don't like greasy food. lol actually the other day, it was really funny. i haven't had a greast hamburger in like...7 months...so i was craving one! i stopped and got one, and after i ate it, my skinfelt sooo nasty, and i could actually feel the grease pumping in my body lol it was soo sick i felt like i was inflating.

cutting those out is easy. haha

it's mainly the stress that causes my high blood pressure. i get stressed very easily. recently i had a lot on my plate lol...so i think i just need an escape...cos i freak out alot and im always high strung...im kind of a neat freak i think i might have ocd or something haha.

jk...

so anyway, thank you everyone for your kindness and advice!! im just hoping i can teach myself how to calm the hell down lol..

i blame my dad soley for my blood pressure...first off he is italian, and he has always been high strung lol so i take after him. =P lol

[Yvette BG]

Good that you're cutting back on the greasy burgers! Like Jon said, exercise/physical activity is very important.  

Also, if you're taking in a lot of caffeine, slowly cut it down--Caffeine raises blood pressure for some people. So can alcohol, pot, cocaine, etc. as can foods with trans fats (like donuts, rich desserts, etc.)  

Things that can help--Having low fat or fat-free yogurt or milk (rather than whole milk; less fat plus the calcium is good for your blood pressure), eating more fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, and drinking decaffeinated green tea. Stay away from drinking a lot of soda-- Keep drinking your water, which is a good thing.

For more natural potassium in your diet, also make sure you're drinking fruit juice once a day (like orange juice or grape juice; you can even get the calcium-added kind.) Remember that tomato juice and V-8 are high in salt, so try the low sodium V-8 juice, which is also an excellent source of potassium.  

If you get uptight and have a lot of stress, try to take more deep breaths. Breathing properly can actually help blood pressure. Good luck!

[erijon]

Jim is right, you can't trust the drug store/supermarket blood pressure machines, they just are not accurate. In order to get a diagnosis of high blood pressure, your doctor will need three consecutive readings during three different visits of over 140/90.

Until you can see your doctor, exercise is the fastest way to reduce your blood pressure. 30 mins per day of  moderate activity will show some results very quickly. Just make sure to stop if you have any symptoms and get a doctor's approval to start again. Also, what you eat really doesn't have too much of an effect on your blood pressure other than foods high in salt that can cause your fluid volume to increase which will increase your blood pressure. Just something else to look at.

I don't think Larry meant anything by his comment, but see a doctor when you are able. I for one appreciate your principles!

Good luck,

Jon

[MightyCheew]

...Ok, wow. You don't have to be a jerk. I'm not DUMB! I just cannot afford to go see a doctor right this second! In a couple of months, I can. And I refuse to be another BUM on medicaid, especially those buttholes who go around driving Escalades, and complain that their 5 kids don't get the medical care they need...it's called responsibility, and I have plenty of it without being criticized by a complete stranger.
Thanks.

[MightyCheew]

Hey, thanks for the comment. I check it everywhere though. CVS, WalMart, even here at work. I work at a mail service pharmacy...kids don't come in here. I haven't had an actual hamburger in...gosh..months..2 days ago, I really wanted one...so I strolled over to Braum's and had one...I felt the grease thickening in my arteries...I felt like my entire body was filling with fluids...it was awful! I don't normally eat really greasy foods! So, I know I have blood pressure problems. I am Italian, so I'm naturally high-strung. LOL!

[larrylee36]

don't be dumb if you think it concerns your heart get it checked out while you can

[jimgreg]

you cant trust those machines...they get used alot..and you know what kids spill on them..