do you require medicine at 130/90 bp - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

rrajj32 · 02-26-2008, 06:30 AM

do you require medicine at 130/90 bp

marantz1935 · 02-26-2008, 08:51 AM

Hi,

I'm new to elevated blood pressure, but here's what I've learned: 120 over 80 is considered optimal (though I've read recently the 115/75 is now considered a better target). Up to 140 over 90 is considered 'high normal'. 140 over 90 or higher, is regarded as HBP. See you doctor anyway.

My GP has asked me to keep mine at 135/85. My cholesterol is also slightly raised.

Marantz.

tamuprof45 · 02-26-2008, 10:20 AM

No you do not. You need to monitor it and do what you can to normalize it. generally a good doctor will give you 6-12 months to bring your BP down. This means all the "usual suspects."

1. Lose weight
2. Stop smoking
3. Cut back drinking
4. Get 30-60 minutes of exercise a day
5. Examine your diet; try the DASH diet
6. restrict sodium
7. Check your sleep pattern for disturbances, apnea, etc.
8. Research possible supplements

Often, but not always, some of the above are enough. If your BP is still at 130/90 or higher after 6-12 months, your doctor will want to start you on low dose meds. You are "pre-hypertensive" and there is a running debate about whether meds are required or not. It depends on how your doctor reads the data. Some doctors believe that if you are over 115/75, you WILL have a stroke or heart attack. Others are more conservative.

tamuprof45

Machaon · 02-26-2008, 12:39 PM

Tamuprof45, good post!

Members should read a post, like yours, prior to asking questions.

Then it would be up to the individual: either chose a healthier lifestyle, or suffer the complications of high blood pressure, and/or the side effects of blood pressure medications.

Vanessa74 · 02-26-2008, 12:53 PM

You are so right Beerzoids,

One of my biggest regrets is 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with borderline HBP - I immediately took the medication I was prescribed without doing ANY research for myself or asking any questions, I just trusted that the Dr. knew best and went on my way. Worst decision I ever made.

I should have tried diet/exercise and changes like that first - and only used medication as a last resort (after extensively researching the medication).

I did not and I live to regret it everyday.

GREAT post Tampruf.

Vanessa