High blood pressure- what do I do?

[3cupsoftea]

Hi
I've checked my blood pressure quite a few times over the last few weeks (FIL home kit- did it first time just for fun as we were all looking at our numbers) and it keeps coming up as high blood pressure. About 145/90.
Should I make a GP appt or just try to lose a bit of weight and eat healthier first? I'm 35 and a size 18. Don't want to waste their time and also don't really like popping up there.
Thanks

[BIWI]

It's just tipping into the high end - why not keep monitoring it for the next couple of weeks, (on a daily basis) whilst making some dietary changes? Losing weight and taking up exercise will both help you.

But it wouldn't be wasting your time to go and see the GP. High blood pressure is something to be concerned about.

This information might help you

[MissSmiley]

My husband had similar BP. He was put on meds for it. Then he lost a couple if stone and it came down to normal. I think it improved after losing 1 stone.
I would go and see GP and make effort to lose some weight if possible.

[Willdoitinaminute]

Check that it is a resting BP so take it after you have been sat down for a while not straight after running up the stairs. I would agree with previous poster, take it daily over a couple of weeks, make a record and then see your GP if it is consistently high. It may be worth having your glucose level tested. Most chemists offer this service but make sure you have fasted before having it done ie in the morning before you eat or drink anything.

[Northernlurker]

The readings you've been getting are higher than they should be but nor scary so yes perfectly reasonable to lose a bit of weight and cut down on salt. See if that impacts. If you're struggling to see an improvement by those means then go and see the GP.

[grimbletart]

It might be better to have a 24 hour monitor rather than isolated takings to give an accurate picture.

[mzzzf]

Deffo keep a diary of it, but make sure to test at the same time/place/position/arm each time. A couple of things to consider 1. Is the cuff the right size? I have big arms and need a large cuff to get an accurate reading, a very tight one will make it seem high! And 2. You need to be still and quiet for at least 5 mins before measuring.

If you're not currently exceeding, it s a great way to lower your BP. Moderate exercise can lower your BP for up to 12hrs, a 15min walk in the morning and another in the evening is used by lots of cardiac patients to help manage their own health.

[IndigoBarbie]

See gp but in the meantime look up magnesium deficiency as this can lead to high blood pressure (from what I've read)

[pinkfrocks]

It is quite high for someone of your age- they like the lower figure to be under 80 now.
(The 'old' max of 120/80 has been revised)

How much exercise are you doing?
You need to get your weight down and you'll speed that up and help your BP if you start doing 30 mins brisk walking every day.

[3cupsoftea]

Thanks so much everyone. Still on the fence about GP, might just nip in and have it "professionally" tested and then go from there. Xx

[pinkfrocks]

they are likely to let you borrow a monitor and then you check it for a week or tow. a single reading is meaningless.