High blood pressure

[Isabella40]

I’m 51 and been on blood pressure tablets for a few years now. I’m a little overweight. Been for annual check and been asked to monitor blood pressure for a week as it was high when at the surgery. Not surprised as a few things I’m having to deal with at home and work causing a bit of stress plus I’m starting to have menopausal symptoms. Not feeling great at the moment so I need to get myself sorted. The health care assistant wasn’t concerned especially when chatting as she asked if parents have high blood pressure. My dad has for years so she said it’s heriditary first time a medic has confirmed this.
Going to review my health style as ideally dont want to increase medication. Anyone else with experience of high blood pressure and suggestions what can help? Thanks in advance.

My dh has high bp and runs in his family. He is on medication and trys to follow healthy diet. But one thing that we do notice makes a big difference is drinking plenty of water each day .
He was told be a few doctors it really helps with bp.

Thank you that’s one thing I don’t drink enough of. I try to but will make more of an effort to see if it helps

Exercise more, cut down on alcohol and eat more fruit and veg, with less meats/processed food.

A health care assistant is definitely not a medic! She’s given you poor advice. Familial high blood pressure MIGHT be the reason yours is high, but also it might not. She should have said that.

I have people in my family with high BP, and mine was up enough to need medication too. I managed to lose excess weight and change my style of eating to a more Mediterranean style diet, and I was able to come off the meds again. Also, maybe the stress in your life is part of the cause? Could you start to address that? I find that if my BP goes up, using a ten minute headsspace app meditation brings it right down.