Following the sad news of March51 having a stroke last week I decided to do something I've put off for a long while, I had my blood pressure taken, the reading was a real shock....
210/117
The bird in the chemist that took it was a bit of a stunner and I thought perhaps it was her low cut bra and black stockined thighs that had set my pulses racing but when she took it again a few minutes later it was the same...
She said I ought to go see the quack IMMEDIATELY as I was a walking stroke waiting to happen...
The doc gave me a right bollocking and immediately put me on tablets ,which I'll have to take for life (or death), and gave me some firm instructions to radically alter my lifestyle like not over boozing, stop eating all the shite foods, more vigorous exercise other than COD4, lose weight (BMI 29)....
I know there are a few old farts on here too and I'm not suggesting you live the same over indulgent Northern lifestyle as me but having your Blood Pressure taken only takes a few seconds and can go a long way to waking you up to the nasty consequences of what a stroke can do to you...
I've worked with many a stroke victim and I really don't want one...
There are no physical symptoms to warn you so having your blood pressure taken regularly is really important...
So, if you are over 50 go get it done, you know it makes sense...
Blood Pressure Information... 
Comments
But seriously, I am on blood pressure medication as well.
Get it done.
But seriously, I am on blood pressure medication as well.
Get it done.[/quote]
Me too, to add to the cholestrol medication which is supposed to increase the blood in my cholestrol.
Take care of yourselves, and don't wait for a wake up call to do it for you. (Physician/Can-Addick, heal thyself!)
Obviously you would have to take it nice easy because of my age, say 5 miles in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
This would help me get a little fitter for the half marathon in september.
Thanks for your concerns. ; )
On average, i have high blood pressure, but at the lower end of the scale. I asked not to be medicated, just yet, but to have a month to make a few changes. So I'm due another 24 hour reading next week. I'm not sure I've made enough changes though. I eat well, have tried to cut out the beer and the crisps, which is my particular weakness. My big problem though is work stress. That's harder to solve! Im not sure i've learnt any new coping skills. It's likely they are going to want to put me o the meeds unfortunately.
Thing is, i can feel when my blood pressure soars. I'm more aware of it now. Its hard to control it though.
Good on you for be bringing this up in this way. Its something worth discussing.
I have had to review things quite radically, and do things at a less intense pace, eat differently, and try and control my diet, which is proving the hardest to do. But a couple of weeks ago I started with the long walks with the dog everyday, and been in the garden this last two weeks building a new raised verandah!. Gonna start swimming in the next two weeks, and yes even the dreaded jogging which I always loathed even when I was fit. I have a long way to go but I am glad I have changed my lifestyle, really it is not an option is it!
Funnily enough, the doctors warn me about eating too much green leafy vegetables. It's just as dangerous for me as drinking too much. :-)
Fair play to you, and best of luck with the changes you're making.
Woh Redzed, that is high mate, I suffer from high BP and my last reading was 190/110 which caused a bit of a panic at my docs because I am already on medication.
Get yourself sorted mate and work on getting your numbers down, as you say high BP is known as the "silent killer" because there are no symptoms.
Good luck
Lol.
My father had a stroke late in life.
they say 1/4 of a disparin a day will reduce the chance of a stroke.
This advice made me feel that I was not immortal and that Im now in the age bracket when sudden death/illness is just lurking around the corner.
Although my response was "give me a bit of time to make those life changes", I don't think it will be too long now until Im pill popping on a daily basis.
So you kids out there.....Look after yourself real and prowpah....cos it wont be too long before you start to hear the doctor advising you of the same!
Solidgone
the last 3 years she seemed to be getting better, although pretty frail, however last Thursday she suffered another massive stroke and sadly passed away on Saturday morning (age 77).
At least she got to see the first 3 years of my daughters life.
On a serious note, strokes have affected my family and friends quite badly so wise words from Zed, something like your BP can open your eyes to more serious problems that could be on the horizon and if it can act as a catalyst to change your lifestyle for the better, even in a small way, then it's worth doing and getting it done.
Anything over 140 or 90 is too hight.
Sister Irving says it the diastolic (the lower, resting figure) that you need to worry about.