I had a blood pressure check last week, it was high and I was told that i should check my blood pressure every day for 2 weeks. I do not own a monitor so had to use pharmacy ones. They are too big and tight, but in any case they fluctuate wildly. I have allergies to bad air pollution, take antihistamines with caution, not daily. I may or may not have food allergies still. Hereditary HBP is part of my genetic background, but mom died at age 97. My legs are always swollen at ankle since a child, no one has been able to control that despite diuretics. I take very little salt, or sugar, maintain a healthy lifestyle. exercise daily, eat no processed foods. I know stews is a contributor and no matter what, I have a lot of that. I will be 77 next month mid April. I read antihistamines can cause HBP as well as hidden food allergies (may not have symptoms). I was born in War torn Germany and moved around a lot, emigrated to Canada at 14 and now live in BC which has very high air pollution.