Slight high BP and slight high LDL... How at risk am I?

About a year ago I had some tests done, the doctor told me my cholesterol was slightly high, but just told me to eat more fish and get more exercise, my BP is about 140/90... how worried should I be?  I quit drinking soda and cut my salt intake and started eating more fish and try to take omega 3 fish oils (when I can remember)... I dont get the extra exercise I need right now as I am a first year teacher and barely have enough time to SLEEP much less exercise.  I have some problems with anxiety and my BP goes up when I get upset (whose doesn't?)  How worried should I be about all of this?

[erijon]

Your blood pressure is classified as high blood pressure, with normal being 120/80 and optimal being less than that. Being a first year teacher, I'm guessing you are still on the young side and now is the time to get that under control. the longer it goes on the more damage it can cause and the more difficult it will be to bring down. Exercise and diet is the first place to start, if that doesn't work you should speak to your doctor about medication. I started medication at 47 when my blood pressure was in your range and it brought mine down below normal very quickly, but I also got into exercise and changed my diet.

As far as your cholesterol, it depends on how high it was and what the breakdown is. Normal total cholesterol is under 200. More importantly, your LDL, which is your bad cholesterol, should be under 130 and your HDL, which is your good cholesterol, over 40. You really need to know what these two numbers are. Again, a proper diet will help both numbers and exercise can raise HDL, your good cholesterol.

What you need to remember is that these are two of the risk factors for heart disease so now would be a good time to get them under control.

Good Luck,

Jon