I currently have a list of 64 different suggestions (non-drug) to lower blood pressure. As part of this blog, I want to work my way through the list and give you my impressions and thoughts on this list.
My list was composed roughly in the order that I found them. Many of these points have the potential, on average, to lower blood pressure by 2 to 5 points. My idea here is that although each one might have a small effect, combination of 7 or more of them may allow for substantial reductions in blood pressure.
I tried to include only items on the list for which at least one scientific study has found evidence of an improvement in blood pressure. The advantage of having many suggested possibilities to lower blood pressure is that it provides variety in the approach. If one set of possibilities doesn’t work, you can try others.
I once read that a medical researcher suspected that there were up to about 20 different causes of high blood pressure. If so, then it isn’t surprising that some drugs and some treatments don’t work for all folks.
Each non-drug way to lower blood presure will be posted individually — so keep tuned!
Collin Carbno is an IT specialist in process improvement and methodology. He completed his bachelor degree in Mathematics and Physics in 1974, and Master’s in theoretical physics in 1977.
He has been employed for nearly 30 years in a variety of IT and process work at Saskatchewan Telecommunications. For the last two years he has also been member of a health care non-profit think thank (Medicare Decisions by Consensus) studying health care Issues in Canada and the world.
Collin’s professional work is implementing social media in our environment. So, he is deeply into blogs, announcement lists, discussion groups, wiki and the like.
(4 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5)
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I would be interested in reading your 54 suggestions. I am especially looking for a way to overcome white-coat syndrome, as are so many other people.
Delores,
The ‘White Coat’ issue is a fascinating one. I have read the correct way to take your blood pressure at home is to take it the first time, discard that reading, then average the next two readings. In essence, we (hypertensives) get ‘White Coat’ syndrome when facing our own meters, alone! The recommendation is to insist on at least 5 minutes alone to calm yourself in the doctor’s office prior to having your bp taken. I am practicing at home, doing some calming exercises (like visualizing softly falling snow) prior to taking my own pressure. Learning to be calm about the results of the test is probably the key. It is little more than a stress response with a name!
Hi Lindy, The fact is – I don’t get “white coat syndrome” when taking my own blood pressure at home. At home I can get a reading of 118/68. In the doctor’s office it jumps to 130 or higher. I have tried changing my thoughts, taking deep breaths, etc. I am searching like Diogenes for the “answer”.
I do not think it is possible to overcome white coat syndrome as you have to attend dotors anyway.
Get youself a blood pressure monitor for home use take it at the same time each day preferably in 1st hour after getting up.
You will find it is usually lower at home.
Doctor will then add 10 points to sys. and dias. readings when you visit the clinic.
I am taking all kinds of things to lower my blood pressure. I walk 30 to 40 minutes a day, I exercise I try to watch what I eat, it is 178/85 and variations of that number most all the time. I want to get it to balance I don’t know what else to do.
Unless your bp was a typo, Jim, a visit to your doctor is in order. A 178 systolic reading is much too high. But variations are normal, in general, even in people who are not hypertensive. But you need to insist that your doctor look more closely at your bp and perhaps heart issues. It isn’t healthy to sustain those levels. We have to be our own advocates, get educated on our disorder and then insist on the proper care from our medical professionals.
I have problems with my pituitary gland and also my thyroid gland. The level for my pituitary gland was high at 187 and I was put in medication. Could this be a reason to have my blood pressure high.
Thank you.
I exercise at least 4 days each week, and remain very active other days. I watch salt intake and diet, and eat bananas and dates–both good sources of potassium. I do strength training at least once a week, and try deep-breathing exercises. Still my blood pressure is high. I have a home monitoring kit but I’m not using it.
Sounds like you’re a health nut like me. On top of all those other things, I also started using the Resperate device over two years ago. I use it every day and take it with me in my carryon when on a vacation. It works! I will never be without it.
ah the dreaded white coat. I take nice deep breaths and try to focus on a painting in the office. My primary doctor’s office has a VERY pleasant nurse who is so cheery and talks your ear off! That helps pose as a distraction instead of worrying about what my reading will be.
I tried focusing on a painting; it didn’t work for me. Besides, I read somewhere that if you join in a conversation while your pressure is being taken, it will rise.
I count backwards from 100 in my head. I also do the same thing when I get any sort of injection or have a blood drawn – seems to help because of the distraction. One time my doctor came in with a Hawaiian shirt on (Instead of his regular lab coat) and my pressure was almost 20 points lower!
I am enjoying the information as it is being posted. To start I am trying to introduce ones that I feel I can maintain if they work and monitoring if they seem to work before adding a new item.
ME – the experiment!
your info has helped me with my research paper that i doing so thank you
Does anyone know if thinning or loss of hair is a side effect of HBP medication please? I am asking this question on behalf of my husband who is getting worried about it now. Thank you.