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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Keep Blood Pressure Level Under Control

Yes. 9 days ago I passed my second kidney stone. When my BP was taken it was 159/89. In the past it's been pretty consistent at 133/78 - 141/81. For 9 day now and I've had it checked 3 times it's around 159/85 . My doctor has contacted me on 3 occasions to see if I wanted to start a BP medication or try to do more exercise and lower it naturally. I've opted to walk additional miles every night. Should I be overly concerned of a possible heart attack or stroke. I'm 60 and in relatively very good health. At least I thought I was.
Wed, 3 Dec 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
High blood pressure is a very common problem with age increasing. Approximately 50% of people have essential hypertension (meaning without a primary treatable cause) after the age of 60, so you shouldn't be surprised of these new developments although you are apparently healthy.
High blood pressure is indeed a major risk factor both for heart attack and for stroke. However it's more of a long term risk, related to added stress on blood vessels over the months or years. So if you want to give it one more month to try non medical measures I think it's fine, although I think with those repeated measurements lifestyle changes won't be enough and medication will be eventually started. Don't postpone it anymore though.
What I said though applies to those measures you mentioned meaning under 160/90. If you have higher values or signs like headache, vomiting then I think you should start treatment right away because very high values could go over your body compensation threshold and have immediate repercussions.
Hope things work out for the best.
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How To Keep Blood Pressure Level Under Control

I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. High blood pressure is a very common problem with age increasing. Approximately 50% of people have essential hypertension (meaning without a primary treatable cause) after the age of 60, so you shouldn t be surprised of these new developments although you are apparently healthy. High blood pressure is indeed a major risk factor both for heart attack and for stroke. However it s more of a long term risk, related to added stress on blood vessels over the months or years. So if you want to give it one more month to try non medical measures I think it s fine, although I think with those repeated measurements lifestyle changes won t be enough and medication will be eventually started. Don t postpone it anymore though. What I said though applies to those measures you mentioned meaning under 160/90. If you have higher values or signs like headache, vomiting then I think you should start treatment right away because very high values could go over your body compensation threshold and have immediate repercussions. Hope things work out for the best.