Sometimes High in the AM

  I'm a 50 year old male and am a runner.  I run 3-4 times a week at least 5 to 8 miles.
  I have been fighting high blood pressure for 6 years now.  I rarely eat red meat and
  have chicken only occasionally as it seems to raise my BP to unacceptable levels. My diet is
  primarily vegetarian and I am very cautious of my salt intake.  I am 6'1" 155 lbas
  and from all outward appearances, should be very healthy.  I don't smoke and I drink
  no more than two beers several times per week.  Just had my cholestrol checked and it was 172.
  My BP in the morning if I have had any meat (not fish) will sometimes be as high as 150/98
  for the first hour when I rise and will gradually lower to the 120's over 70's to low 80's
  Is this a serious problem? And what can I do to lower the morning readings if necessary?
  Thanks

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Dear Terry,
The recommended salt intake for those with hypertension(HTN) is less than two grams ofr 2000 milligrams per day.
Unfortunately some patients still have HTN even after their salt intake and weight has been reduced.  Since the causes
of HTN are not completely understood, but we do know of the long term consequences of untreated HTN, at present physicians should
be treating high blood pressure aggressively with medications when all else fails.  If you are not on a medication to lower your blood
pressure you probably should be and have regular follow-up with an internist or family phyisician.   HTN is only a serious problem when it goes
undetected or untreated.  I commend you on your valiant efforts to reduce your risk for heart disease (regular exercise, control of blood pressure, low fat diet,
and no smoking.)  As of for your cholesterol which is under 200, I would still want to know your LDL or low density lipoprotein fraction of that 200 value, as this is
currently what we believe has the greatest impact on potential for coronary artery disease ( an LDL less than 100 is desireable.)  Good Luck and keep running.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s).