Hypertension

[dal]

I was just wondering if there was anybody out there who also suffers from hypertension?

I am only 31 but I've been having high blood pressure readings since December. Actually, I had gestational hypertension with my first pregnancy when I was 27 but then my numbers were good even throughout my second pregnancy.

Anyway, I had a physical on Friday and my readings were 140 something/110. Then 140 something/100. Then by the end of the appt. it was down to 136/94.

My doctor said for the next 3 months I should exercise regularly and try to eat healthier. I'm not really overweight (okay well maybe a little bit but I'm not heavy enough that it should cause my BP to be high). My doctor says it has nothing to do with my weight but that I need to live a healthy lifestyle with these numbers. He thinks that will help get it down without me having to go on a pill. So I am trying. It's hard though. But that 110 number scared the crap out of me. :o

My dad has high bp and is on pills but has only been on pills for the last couple of years. Certainly not in his 30s! My grandpa died of a stroke leading to an anuerism. However my doctor is pretty stumped that I would have these high readings at the age of 31 even given my family history.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone else is going through this.

[dbers]

I also had gestational hypertension (actually it didn't kick in until post-partum) was on meds for about 5 weeks, and then back to normal. I haven't had any problems since then (except a few borderline high readings at the doctor's office because I was nervous - it is always normal at home), but I do know that sometimes gestational hypertension can "unmask" chronic hypertension. Or it can mean that you are more likely to develop hypertension later in life.

Anyhow - I'm sorry you are dealing with this - but glad that your doctor is suggesting lifestyle changes before going to meds. The good news is that there are great medications, so if you can't get your numbers down, you have lots of options.

[Katie&Micah]

I have a history of high blood pressure on both sides of my family (mom has been on bp meds since she was 21) so I wasn't really surprised when my dr. put me on bp medication last year. I tried diet and exercise and it didn't really bring my numbers down. Strangely enough my blood pressure has gotten better since I've become pregnant. I think I've become more relaxed/less stressed and that's really helping.

I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I'm 24 and currently not taking any bp meds since I'm pregnant and my numbers have come down, but I fully expect to go back on them after I deliver.