How can I reduce my high blood pressure?

[PomegranatePunch]

Hi, at a recent GP appt (about something else) I had very high BP (200+/100+) so GP suggested I buy a machine for home and test for a week.
I've now done this but it's still fairly high - typically 176/75.

I'd be grateful for any tips on how others have dealt with this.
How is high BP treated by the NHS (tablets? what are they?)? What can I do to help reduce this? I'm assuming I need to lose weight and move around more- what else?

TIA

@mauvish Yep I initially was on an Ace inhibitor and then Amlodopine- all made me feel weird as hell but strangely I could tolerate low dose beta blocker fine and it helped with the headaches too. My BP is now fine- even off the beta blocker .

Doctor did tell me it wasn't first choice but did say that some people tolerate them better but did say the other options were way more effective . I came off it because they were consistently giving me a HR in mid 40s and low 50s

I was actually being sarcastic there because high BP isn't called 'the silent killer' for no reason. I can't believe any doctor would look at 200/100 and say 'just lose weight and go for brisk walks,' and a so called medical professional saying 'look at alternative treatments first' is more than a little worrying. Mine was 185/can't remember and I was signed off for a couple of days and immediately on medication.

@MrsDanversGlidesAgain Yes mine was 185/115 in doctors office- took it again 5 minutes later and was 168/105

Sent me for immediate blood tests and told me to stay at home quietly for 2 days and just potter and put me on medication straight away- but did say to initiate lifestyle changes, lose weight and take readings at home for 10 days and report in

Of course treat it with meds but I said explore other options first such as lifestyle changes

I have not said do not treat you hypertension

'Statins are for treating cholesterol, not high blood pressure.'

@mauvish that's exactly what I've said 3 times on here now.
When a few people recommended statins for high BP 🤦‍♀️

Australia is a #2 country for studying Nursing so 'undeveloped country' comment made be lol

'all made me feel weird as hell but strangely I could tolerate low dose beta blocker fine and it helped with the headaches too. My BP is now fine- even off the beta blocker'

This is what we're seeing with patients here too @Crikeyalmighty

I'm in my late 50s and have familial high blood pressure. It's genetic, there's no other cause. I need three different medications to keep it normal and according to my cardiologist I will be on them for life. I don't have a problem with this, and luckily I have no side effects. It's just something I have to do to be healthy.

Also take your BP at different times of day
Take 3 readings, read a magazine or book for a few minutes after you have attached the cuff, but before starting the reading.
Use the best reading out of 3, each taken quite a few minutes apart.
Try readings in bed on waking also.

I have normalised my once high BP - giving up a stressful job, rush hour commute, carbs/sandwiches/stress eating at the desk etc. Instead natural based diet, slow repetitive exercise with deep breathing (swimming, walking, yoga) and avoiding stress where I can.

I know this is an old thread but I’m looking for help. BO medication is making me feel terrible. This is the third lot I have tried. I just want to stop taking them. I swim three times a week, walk the other days . I am trying to lose weight without much success. My cholesterol is also high and I’m just into the diabetic range so it’s all a disaster. Please give me some advice about ways to reduce all three. I’m trying desperately to do something about all of this. The doctor is useless, doesn’t even know what the side effects of the drugs are!