Need to lower BP

[nobodyknowsme]

Hey guys,

I am a 30 yo male...recently just went to doctor who wanted to start me on BP meds because my BP was a little high, namely 130/90. But that has usually been normal for me and it runs in the family.

That was the begnning of February. Since then I've very strictly followed the diet, lost about 14 pounds.
Two weeks ago, after researching and looking up what Dr Atkins said about lowering BP, I started taking: multivitamin, magnesium, CoQ10, Garlic, Calcium, Vitamin C, Omega3-6-9. Last week I started adding potassium rich veggies and extra potassium by adding NoSalt to my meals. Have also been exercising daily.

Today I went to those BP machines in CVS and BP was still high (137/94).
Now I'm concerned. Is there any essential thing that I am missing??? What would you guys recommend? Or do I need more time? The doctor gave me 3 months to see if diet and exercise will make a difference, if not he wants me on meds, which I really don't want to do.

Thanks in advance.

[EverLosing]

My blood pressure was near your norm when I started Atkins in December. I think when I went to the doctor it was about 7 weeks later. Surprisingly, my blood pressure was 90-something over 60-something on that visit. Just hang in there. I don't blame you for not wanting to get on the meds.....once they put you on them, no doc seems to ever want to take you off!

Unfortunately, my doctor was so impressed with my pounds lost and appearance that we didn't even pay attention to my blood pressure during that visit. I've had some really strange issues lately that make me think my BP's now probably too low. So, be careful what you wish for!

I should also point out, I incorporated a lot of exercise with diet to get that result. I truly believe that will get you a faster result than with diet alone. I regularly lift weights, walk and try to include cardio (not enough lately) like a rowing machine or do a jog/walk. It'll take more than diet to see a relatively quick result. I really believe you won't need the meds if you begin exercising regularly along with this WOE.

[sallyseachange]

It could be that you were tense and a little concerned when having your BP taken, which pushed it up. That can happen. It would be worth taking it again or maybe at different times of day.

I'd give it a bit more time before getting worried. Your doctor said three months, so you also have time to give Atkins a chance.

One thing is for sure... Atkins works wonders on BP. I'm sure you'll see results soon. Hang in there.

[nobodyknowsme]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will keep up the hard work and hope for the best.

Does anyone know if those at-home blood pressure monitors are accurate at all?

[EverLosing]

My mother is a registered nurse and she hates them. I, on the other hand, love mine. For me, I find it is accurate.

[daniwcca]

I took my home pressure monitor with me to the dr, to compare results. He said it was a very accurate one. I just got the pharmacy one...

[jimmie 48]

i also have a home bp monitor and it is very accurate with the doctors.

my bp was very high before staring atkins/low carb and i am now in a very good range.

[nobodyknowsme]

Thanks for the input guys. I will keep u posted. *Fingers crossed*

[Peej]

I've never had a blood pressure problem in my life. It has always checked out fine maybe sometimes a little higher than average but mostly great. I started Atkins Feb 28th and within a week, suddenly it was high. I took all of my supplements, exercised more, and it just kept going up and up. I was extremely concerned. I thought I'd have to stop with the diet but I gave it a couple of weeks.

However, the other day, all of a sudden my BP has suddenly dropped to normal levels and is even better than when I started. I thought maybe it was a fluke but it has been consistently around the same for the last few days. I'm not quite sure how to explain this phenomenon except for that maybe it took a while for my body to adjust. I'd stick with it and see what happens. Good luck!