I never thought I would have to worry about my blood pressure; I'm very young and from what I can tell, in good shape. I never had it checked until yesterday. The results shocked me; I got 156 in systolic blood pressure, which really is very high.

Now because I've never had it checked before, or even really thought about it, I was wondering whether anybody here knows anything about blood pressure and what it could mean for me. Anybody have any ideas on what I could do to lower it? Or are there any illnesses I am particularly vulnerable to?

I'd appreciate anyone shedding some light on the matter, because it's really got me thinking.

I'd say consult your doctor about it, that is pretty high, esp if you are young and in good shape.

Untreated high blood pressure can destroy your kidneys, give you a stroke, or bring on a heart attack. I suggest you see your physician ASAP.

I think there's a number of things you can do dietary-wise that might help. My mum has high blood pressure and she has to lessen her salt and saturated fats. Especially salt I think. Tsk tsk, Alex, what have I told you about eating healthy [img]graemlins/idontagreeatall.gif[/img] ;)

Drink more booze. ;) Seriously, doctors and scientists are becoming more and more convinced of the benefits of alcohol's blood-thinning properties.

Inprove your diet, cut out food which you feel dramatically increase salt in your blood (ie crisps, or 'chips' to Americans :rolleyes: ). Get exercise, but not so much that you drive yourself into the ground. Also, try to eat less fatty foods.
There is truth in Timber's claim. Red wine is one of the best drinks.
Of course, this is just from my limited knowledge of high blood pressure, so you will definately want to consult a doctor on this.

In that case i must be a very very healthy person. :D

Actually the most recent studies show that any alchol will give the same results. The key is moderation. So a beer a day is just as good as a glass of wine a day. Though I think a glass of wine would have less carbs and calories then a regular beer.

Actually the most recent studies show that any alchol will give the same results. The key is moderation. So a beer a day is just as good as a glass of wine a day. Though I think a glass of wine would have less carbs and calories then a regular beer.</font>[/QUOTE]This could mean very good diets in the future :D

Yes, and alcohol improves you VHL cholesterol, the "good" one. Mine is very high. ;) Sodium restriciomn may or may not help, exercise definitely does.

I used to suffer from low blood pressure, ran to see a doctor a couple of times because of it. It went off by itself. But since the normal is 120 and you have 156, a visit at doctors... wait a minute, didn´t the doctor say anything?

I got it checked in a machine with a grip thing that closes around your arm. I was with two friends. I think they had something like 125 and 135. And thanks for replying, everyone. Especially TL ;)

Well, much to my chagrin, I've found out:
1. You are right on the carbs - beer/bad - Michelob now makes a 4g carb beer called Ultra. I haven't tried it, but I hear it's okay.
2. The other big calorie content booze are Red Wine and.... Whiskey [img]graemlins/verysad.gif[/img]

Arledrian, it's possible that the machine you used is innaccurate, but a trip to the clinic is still advisable. I wouldn't worry too much until you get it checked out by a professional, you can seek advice then.

Attalus and Rokenn gave you some good advice Arledrian. I strongly suggest you take that advice. Are you experiencing back pains? If you are tell that to the doctor immediately.

Some other things. There´s no harm to eat salt if you´ve got functional kidneys. They will keep the sodium concentraiton stable for you.

That would be red wine only. Not beer or stronger beverages. ;) Alcohol (moderate consuption), generally speaking, can reduce risk of heart disease, gastrointestinal inflammation and cancer. Since beer is a popular topic I´ll just mention it´s a great appetite enhancer. ;)

That would be red wine only. Not beer or stronger beverages. ;) Alcohol (moderate consuption), generally speaking, can reduce risk of heart disease, gastrointestinal inflammation and cancer. Since beer is a popular topic I´ll just mention it´s a great appetite enhancer. ;) </font>[/QUOTE]Well, I hate the odds of going head-to-head with a doctor on a medical issue, but the news story I saw the other night on TV said that doctors now think this applies to any alcohol, including hard alcohol. And, what this news story recommended was 1-2 drinks per night.

I may be wrong - but so is the news.

Well I must say I fail to see how alcohol prevents clotting. Red wine inhibits a certain enzyme which converts fatty acids to platelet activating factors. Alcohol do no such thing since it does not contain the needed acetyle group. Hmm maybe it dilutes the blood. They recommended 1-2 drinks per night?!? [img]graemlins/wow.gif[/img] I know the Russinas claim that a shot of alchool prevents heart disease and artherosclerosis, and so far no one has proven them wrong. ;)

I have three beers left in my fridge. Will that do me for tonight?

Arledrian,

I'm 43 years old and I've had extremely high blood pressure (often hitting over 200 systolic) for the past 15 or so years. Even with medication, my doctors and I have had great difficulty in keeping it down until recently (I was what you'd call a "difficult" case [img]smile.gif[/img] ). I believe that your 156 systolic is considered high borderline, although I might be wrong. At any rate, you should see a doctor about it. You've already been given some excellent advice - cut back on the salt and cholesterol. Stress can also lead to high blood pressure. Do you snore? If so, you might possibly suffer from sleep apnea and this can also raise blood pressure.