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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Methods To Control Blood Pressure

I'm 54 and never had high blood psi before. I'm 300lbs, exercise every day, on lithium, eat some fast food and process food, no stress in my life,retired so how can this possibly be that all of a sudden I have HBP. Besides medicine what is the best way to lower it
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 17 Jun 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 17 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
High blood pressure is a part of aging and even the fittest, healthiest and most relaxed people in the world can develop it. The American Heart Association DASH diet (low salt, low fat, lots of vegetables whole grains and legumes) has been proven to lower cholesterol as has weight loss in general. Exercise is great - 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity (sweat a little, puff a little but still able to carry on a conversation). Walking, cycling, basketball, swimming are all good options - whatever you do, it should be enjoyable. A glass of wine a day will also decrease your blood pressure, but any more than that may raise it. Obviously quitting smoking (if you do is a must). Coffee on the other hand has not been shown to raise blood pressure. "Stress" is very hard to quantify. But being relaxed usually makes us happy so its worth aiming for this!! Dieticians and family ohysicians are experts in helping people change their lifestyle. If all this doesn't work within around 6-12 months, you may be wise to consider blood pressure medication.
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Suggest Methods To Control Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a part of aging and even the fittest, healthiest and most relaxed people in the world can develop it. The American Heart Association DASH diet (low salt, low fat, lots of vegetables whole grains and legumes) has been proven to lower cholesterol as has weight loss in general. Exercise is great - 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity (sweat a little, puff a little but still able to carry on a conversation). Walking, cycling, basketball, swimming are all good options - whatever you do, it should be enjoyable. A glass of wine a day will also decrease your blood pressure, but any more than that may raise it. Obviously quitting smoking (if you do is a must). Coffee on the other hand has not been shown to raise blood pressure. Stress is very hard to quantify. But being relaxed usually makes us happy so its worth aiming for this!! Dieticians and family ohysicians are experts in helping people change their lifestyle. If all this doesn t work within around 6-12 months, you may be wise to consider blood pressure medication.