New Joe on the block - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

joe86 · 06-21-2007, 10:19 AM

Hi, I just want to introduce myself as a new member. I used to have a pretty serious blood pressure problem, despite being fit and otherwise healthy. I've learned to keep it pretty well under control with natural methods. I still struggle with it occassionally but I manage without medications. Obviously it's still an interest and a concern for me which is why I've joined this forum. Maybe I can learn something from others and vice versa.
One thing I find interesting and I wonder if others have this experience: even though I monitor my bp pretty well, I can usually tell it's up without a monitor when my (usually left) eye becomes slightly sensitive to touch.
This may sound alarming but it usually means my bp is up just a little. I do manage to keep it mostly in the normal range and never more than moderately high.
So don't ignore it if you ever feel pressure or sensitivity in your eyes.

bethsheba · 06-21-2007, 03:19 PM

Welcome aboard, Joe! We're looking forward to learning what you've learned to do to keep your bp under control and whatever else you have to share on that topic. Just curious, what kind of pressures did you have? What kind of pressures do you have now? Do you monitor at home?

Some people say they can tell when their bp's up, but few have symptoms. Perhaps more people will be aware of eye pressure or sensitivity in the eyes now that they've heard of your experience.

We'll be looking forward to hearing what you have to say in the upcoming days.

Bsheba

joe86 · 06-22-2007, 04:13 PM

Thanks, Bethsheba. I never had high blood pressure until my mid-40s. Then it started creeping up steadily. I never reached a critical level (depending on how you judge that) but I had average readings of 165/90-95 and sometimes up to 170+ over 100+. That's pretty high and I suppose I should have been on medication. Funny enough, I seem to have reverse white-coat syndrome. My bp is always lower at the doctor's office!

I paid attention to a healthy diet including low sodium and garlic supplements. I also tried dark chocolate. All these helped somewhat but I think my real breakthrough came with breathing and exercise. Now I keep my bp at around 140/80, which isn't bad at all for mid 50s. Once in a while I get a spike for a day or two but it always comes back down. I monitor it at home, especially since it's always low at the doctor's!

acp44 · 06-24-2007, 10:56 AM

It seems the mid 40s are everyone's time for BP to creep up! I guess its good to notice that now rather than in your 60s!

Congrats on getting your BP down sans meds! There are many other things worth trying besides what you are already taking (see previous supplement related posts).

I know there have been some heated posts about this, but more and more I'm convinced doing whatever it takes to keep your arteries healthy, or trying to repair them if damaged/stiffened is the main frontal attack on blood pressure. BP specific supplements should be matched with artery-helping stuff: antioxidents, anti-inflammatories, nuts, Omega 3, etc.

Good luck in your continued fight with BP!

acp