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Hi, I Have Recently Undertaken A Diet And Exercise Program

Posted on Mon, 17 Jun 2019

Question: Hi, I have recently undertaken a diet and exercise program and have started keeping an eye on my BP. My average over 5 days is 143/88 currently. (systolic has been as low as 131 and as high as 157 - the high readings are always the first test but are included in the averages ) I am a 33 year old male with normal cholesterol and normal blood sugar.
Do I need to see a doctor or shall I monitor with exercise and diet and revisit if it doesn't drop over the next month or so?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Changing lifestyle can help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

The blood pressure values that you are having are elevated values and classify you as a person that suffers from high blood pressure.
The first thing to do is to loose weight with diet and exercise.
Continue a low carbohydrates and low fat diet and a regular exercising regimen. Monitor the blood pressure.
If it doesn't improve a bit in a month probably antihypertensive drugs are needed.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

thank you for your response. I do stress when it comes to medical problems and it causes my first readings to always be high (Tonight my first reading was 151/88, then second and third were 134/87 and 136/87). when working out my blood pressure averages should I include or exclude the first result? From googling some people say to exclude it but the answer isn't definitive.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The second one counts

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
When you go to doctor for measuring blood pressure you should rest and relax for at least 10 minutes before measuring it.
If the first reading is high and after 10 minutes it is lower you should take count only of second one and exclude first reading.
You can also measure the blood pressure at home by yourself in order to exclude the white coat effect.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (10 hours later)

thanks however at home my first reading is high too. for example tonight I got 147/89 then 136/89 and 135/87 . do I count the first one or just average the next two when doing it at home? I am quite anxious about my results so this may contribute to a high reading? Lastly, would you aim to be below 140/90 on average or lower than that?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Count the second value.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I think you should count the second value.
The anxiety about the results may increase the value. I think you should aim for 129-89 mmhg or below.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Best regards.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj