Why can't I get my BP down? Need answers from my doc at my annual check up in a few weeks. I welcome comments/suggestion

[CTyankee]

on the questions I am asking her. My blood pressure is always elevated at the doctor's office and I know this as I approach my annual physical next month. Here are my questions (and any additions you may think are helpful). I AM NOT ASKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.

1. How do I restrict salt in my diet if I already 1) avoid adding salt, 2) read labels on prepared foods to get the lowest possible sodium amount 3) good salt substitutes?

2. As per physical exercise (which I know has bearing on BP), how can I increase it with arthritis in my lower back?

What do other folks here at DU who have high BP handle your questions effectively with your health care provider?

[Ocelot II]

1. Doctors know that a lot of people have elevated BP during medical exams

(I do) and take it into consideration. Maybe you could get a blood pressure cuff and do your own readings just to see if being at the doctor's office is what's causing it. Also, salt isn't always the main cause of high BP - it's good to cut down on it but there are other factors. If it continues there are a lot of effective medications like beta blockers. Ask for a referral to a physical therapist for suggestions for exercises you can do despite the arthritis.

[Native]

14. That was my first thought too.

[CTyankee]

19. I had physical therapy for my back and my therapist prescribed excercises I could do each morning in bed before I rise.

They are gentle stretching exercises. I like them and feel better after I do them. But I spend too much time at my desktop computer writing and that's a challenge.

[onecaliberal]

2. No boxes or cans. Only fresh food with no salt: add fish to your diet.

[CTyankee]

16. Here is my quandary with that. I make certain dishes with low sodium but requires prep work. I can't stand on my feet

for very long due to the arthritis . I CAN, and DO, slice up some fresh veggies and fruits to add to our daily meals. They are naturally low in sodium so they are good. Hubby wants meat so I cook some chicken coated with low sodium, seasoned bread crumbs. I also make sausage and peppers but I fear the sausage itself adds sodium back in. It's very tasty but I have yet to find low sodium Italian sausage.
We also have fresh salmon, seasoned with low sodium Teriiyaki sauce and chopped scallions, which I bake in the oven.

[onecaliberal]

24. The seasonings and spreads are very high in sodium.

I use olive oil and Avacado oil. Dash and fresh herbs and spices. I also make homemade salsa with fresh tomato, chili, bell pepper, onion, garlic. That ads flavor and you can use veggies you like. Zucchini is great. Broccoli is great. Fresh food is the way.

[hlthe2b]

3. You may have intermittent elevations in BP-- a so-called "white coat syndrome"...

This is not uncommon--nor is it a "made up" thing. The stress of going to a doctor's appointment and all the sounds, smells, concerns or fears or simply a intimidation from being in that setting can cause spikes in blood pressure.

If your BP is spiking elsewhere then you will need to look at other factors (including diet, medications, etc), but regardless, stress reduction efforts--whether meditation, deep breathing, or mind-focusing to put yourself in a different setting, all can be used to address this. There are apps that can be used to evaluate the biofeedback loops and which you can use to train yourself to put mind over body--to lower heart rate, and blood pressure, and deepen respirations.

[CTyankee]

12. I tried meditation which involved telling myself to breathe and to quieting myself down. I can easily do that again.

I know it can't hurt (except that I get anxious and tell myself "you're not doing it right!&quot . Maybe I can try it again...thanks for the reminder!

[NJCher]

32. I've been doing this for decades

and it's so low I don't have to take anything.

You can simply listen to music for an hour and get the same effect, as long as you stay focused on the music. I listen to classical, and crossovers like TonyAnn. Matteo Myderwyk is my fave.

[mitch96]

38. Meditation is the hardest "simple" thing I've ever done. I've meditated for over 50 years and "monkey mind" still

gets me. I use a mantra that came with the Transcendental Meditation course I took. It's ok for your mind to wander and just go back to the mantra or breath or what ever you use.
As for BP for me it was getting my BMI down. Lose weight. I also use Potassium Chloride not Sodium chloride. You can buy it at food stores and the commercial name is "NO SALT". It's expensive and if you go on amazon and put in food grade Potassium Chloride it's way cheaper. I started with a 50/50 blend and then about 90% Pot Chloride and regular iodized salt. Stay away from processed foods. Loaded with salt and fat...sugars too..
Can you walk? Walking is a great way to get some exercise. Start slow and work your way up.
Have you tried topical NSAID'S for you back? When mine acts up it's a great relief but not all the time..

m

[CTyankee]

40. I can easily solve my back problem by spending less time sitting at my desk top computer, but I am a writer and involved

in an idea for my 3rd book about art history from different angles. This work gives me utter joy and it is a passion for me. So I have to balance that and my back health and it is difficult to do.

[mitch96]

41. I forgot to mention I also use an "inversion table". I basically hang from my ankles. Not 90 but more like 45

I'm doing ok in the back department and have not used it for a few months. I'll never get rid of that thing.
It's traction for your back. Gives it a good stretch. I go to 45º and take a nap for about 20 min.
Or meditate...
m

[Native]

15. Ever since covid, my BP is always through the roof when I go to a doctor's office.

And it never used to be that way. I just feel like I'm walking into a hornet's nest. Until this year I'd never had covid, and the first time I got it was after going to three different doctors in one week, all routine.

[nitpicked]

4. When my weight plummeted

My BP eventually followed, and they yanked me off the BP medication.

[CTyankee]

6. I could use some weight loss! Right now, that is not a problem.

[surfered]

5. Get a good BP monitor (with arm cuff) and test yourself during a quiet time in afternoons.

Record your readings and give them to your doctor at your appointment.

[CTyankee]

7. I had one but I would get anxiety just putting it on (I also had difficulty using it as prescribed and worried that my

klutziness was adding to my stress, which increases bp and so on...

[surfered]

11. Do you have a partner who can do that for you? It would help your doctor to have this data.

[Native]

17. Start using it regularly so you'll eventually feel more comfortable using it. And

after you put it on, still still and quietly for about 5 minutes...just close your eyes, do some breathing exercises, and go to your happy place. Eventually, you'll be able to calm yourself down more quickly. That's what worked for me.

[bucolic_frolic]

8. Ask about other minerals that influence blood pressure.

sodium/potassium balance for example. I recall eating no sodium cooked serials - Wheatena - that has some potassium content, as well as bananas and raisins.

[CTyankee]

33. Yes, we get Progresso's low sodium soups when available at my store. I eat half of a banana daily cuz I like them on my

cereal. I like Craisins a lot (cranberries).

[LisaM]

9. I always ask them to take my BP twice.

I used to have a dentist who always took my BP the second I walked in. First, there is natural nervousness before any appointment, and second, I always walked there, which involved a bit of an uphill climb. The second reading was always lower (and, I think, more accurate).

[MichMan]

10. Even though I have been controlling it for years with medication, mine can show higher than usual at the doctor office

I have found that if they take it when I first enter the exam room, it will usually read higher. I ask them to check it a little later and it usually comes down. They also have an automatic machine that they hook up to me and leave the room. It automatically inflates and deflates the cuff and takes three consecutive readings. I believe they average them.

Your posture and how you are sitting can make a big difference as well

[marybourg]

13. I found that some high salt foods just need to be axed from the diet:

sausages, canned beans, canned soups, nearly all processed food with tomato ( although I do use Silver Palate low sodium as a base for my meat sauce). Once you’ve removed these worst offenders, thorough vetting of other foods to see if a low sodium alternative exists, eg. ketchup, bread. pizza. I dropped my BP back to normal by doing this, although I was unable to lose any weight. As a substitute for salt I use an herb mix, generously.

[Native]

20. Remember the good old days when doctors would actually make lifestyle and diet suggestions

Before going the drug route?

[CTyankee]

21. There are low sodium soups in a can which I get regularly and keep in stock. We have it often for lunch. I use no

sodium, herbed bread crumbs which is good for coating chicken breasts and baking in the oven.

[marybourg]

25. They're still very high in sodium for food low in protein. In my opinion.

Make sure you do some calculations of honest portion size x sodium reported per manufacturer’s idea of a portion.

[CTyankee]

42. I have to weigh all these things in my mind at an age where I simply cannot do what I used to do

which is stand in my kitchen and chop up vegetables and prep them for a deliciious home made soup. Or do other meals requiring a lot of standing. I'm 85, whether I like it or not. And I have arthritis in my lower spine. That's a reality. Thank god for low sodium soups and other low sodium foods that require minimum prep time.

My kids want us to go into assisted living but we love our house and don't want to leave it.

[marybourg]

44. Understood. I'm your age. I 've simplified my meals greatly.

No meals requiring more than a coupla minutes of prep.And I have only myself to take care of now, so have no guilt about simplification. But did cut out all high sodium foods; as long as I was simplifying, I simplified a little further.

Re A.L.: Tough decisions often need to be made in our old ages.A tough decision made now may prevent an even tougher decision from having to be made later. Good luck however you choose to go.

[MotownPgh]

48. I sit and chop!!

[CTyankee]

49. Sadly, I have a small kitchen. I cannot sit and chop. I wish I could.

[Diamond_Dog]

23. Yes we are label readers in the grocery store.

I can’t believe the sodium they put in bread! Even the high fiber expensive organic stuff that you think is good for you.

[Deep State Witch]

18. Stop Reading DU

Let's face it, we're all going to be depressed/have our BP and heart rate raised for the next four years.

[Diamond_Dog]

22. I take beet root extract

It seems to help keep my BP down a little bit in addition to my medication.

And if you take BP medication, don’t eat grapefruit!

[Lulu KC]

26. Lots of water and chewable l-theanine

I have l-theanine 100 mg chewable tablets. I chew two if I feel anxious and it also helps with peripheral neuropathy and other nerve-related things so before bed is good, too. It's the extract from green tea without the caffeine. I tried the green tea, decaffeinated, capsules but those did nothing.

I hope this isn't medical advice, since you didn't want that, but it works for me at stressful moments.

(I am at about 1/8 of the BP meds I used to be on and should be able to eliminate those by my next appointment due to weight loss.)

[Botany]

27. Stuff

B.P. Medicines work

Work with your doctor and a physical trainer to figure out exercises that you can do.
Walking, a stationary bike, free weights, swimming and or pool exercises. Avoid smoking,
keep the weight off, find things that give you joy, and make sure to pick your parents well
because genetics are important. Avoid dating Margot Robbie …. If you are a man.

Do not count on the internet for good medical advice too.

Also avoid high fructose corn syrup if you can.

[Nigrum Cattus]

28. Many things will help

https://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/health-issues/high-blood-pressure
The link above is to a hypnosis MP3. it can help with "white coat syndrome"
2) Very little booze
3) I have arthritis in my spine/hip and lift wights 4 days a week, very important
take some NSAIDS before you go to the gym
4) BP meds are next - there are dozens and you may have to try different ones
5) 3/4 of people over 65 have High BP because your arteries get stiff with age
no changing that
6) Reduce stress
7) Go to the Mayo clinic & the Cleveland clinic sites they will have more info
Best of luck

[CTyankee]

43. Thanks for the tips. We have a gym nearby and I used to go several times a week. I should start again.

My standard workouts with a staff person assisting me helped a lot. I think with my insurance it was $20 a shot.

[Nigrum Cattus]

45. There is no substitute for Diet & Exercise

In the beginning you'll be little sore, but that's a good thing.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974
You might meet someone in the gym that can be your workout buddy

[CTyankee]

46. You have to wait your turn if you want assisted workouts, like I do. There's limited staff and limited seats for waiting

I like the guys who take me through my paces. They look like they could be my grandsons and they are very polite and helpful.

[Nigrum Cattus]

47. Patience is a virtue

“Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind that you have to convince.”

[Tadams01KC]

29. Breathe deep

I try to take several deep breaths before they check my blood pressure.
I still get sky high readings at the doc. But he has me bring in a journal I keep of the readings I get at home showing more reasonable numbers. Once a week I log my BP readings at home. He even copied my notes into his file.

[Big Blue Marble]

30. New research is showing that isometric exercises are most effective

in lowering your BP. Wall squats are the best, also planks work. Additionally,
there is a device that uses isometric grip strength to effectively reduce BP. It is called
a Zona. It takes less than 12 minutes a day, five days a week to start seeing
reductions.


There are suppllements which have been well researched with clinical data. The
best is Aged Garlic Extract by Kyolic and it's available on Amazon. Others that
may help are listed here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-lower-blood-pressure#12-Melatonin

If your blood pressure goes up at the doctor's, but is normal at home, that is at least,
partly a vagal réponse to stress causing your arteries to contract. Breathing techniques
can help relax and bring you back to.parasympathic state.

Also, be sure, the nurse is properly administering the check. You should be sitting quietly having emptied your bladder and resting for 15 minutes. Your arm needs to flat on table and at the level
of your heart. The nurse should not be in conversation with you.

[crimycarny]

31. My BP is always very high in doctor's office

When they take my BP in the doctor's office it's ridiculously high, like 160+/90+. When I take it at home, it is almost below 120/80. I've been a runner for over 40 years, my pulse is usually in the low 50's to even in the 40's. I have never had high blood pressure in my life but I always have high blood pressure when in the doctor's office.

I'd get a blood pressure cuff for home and take your blood pressure periodically to get a true measure of your blood pressure. Make sure you wait about 5 minutes after sitting down before taking it, even at home. And make sure your arm is at the same level as your heart when taking it.

(NOTE: I take pictures on my phone of my home blood pressure readings to show my doctor)

[Elessar Zappa]

34. Ask them if a diuretic might help.

It’s often the first BP med people go on and can control BP with no further meds. It will make you pee more though.

[SARose]

35. How are your kidney numbers?

Specifically BUN, creatinine EGFR numbers?

I was referred to a nephrologist because my blood pressure was uncontrolled with 3 bp meds. He changed 2 of my bp meds and I am now controlled at 126/70. I am a 74 yr old woman. Good luck!

[CTyankee]

36. I don't know. Perhaps he/she will order that for me. It's fine cuz my clinic where I get those is nearby

[SARose]

37. Great!

I had too much calcium in my blood due to a benign tumor which is why I was originally referred to a nephrologist. He took over my bp meds and told me folks with uncontrolled bp should ask for a nephrologist referral. Glad I went. Good luck.👍

[Thunderbeast]

39. Water Aerobics!

Great cardio workout. Low stress on joints. Strengthening muscles around joints (especially knees) may reduce pain from arthritis.

Ten years ago, I was walking with a cane and getting regular cortisone shots in both knees. After a few weeks visiting the pool, those symptoms have virtually disappeared.

It has also helped regulate BP and blood sugar.

Motion is lotion!