I did a search on hypertension on this site so it seems like I'm am not alone here and there is quite a resource to draw from. So perhaps I can get some idea what I am looking at with my situation.
I'm only 34, started swimming again nearly a year ago. Partly because I new I had high blood pressure, but mostly I started swimming for overall health and fitness benifits. Since then I have lost roughly 30 pounds. At 6'2" I now weigh about 200 pounds. I would expect that all this work would have some impact on my blood pressure. Especially since I rarely drink, and my diet isn't terrible. I generally eat healthy meals. But the sad truth is that it hasn't changed. Nearly a year ago my BP was 140 over 100. This week... The same. Absolutely no change!!! As a result, my doctor put me on Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor. So naturally I concerned about a few things.
1. Does this mean I will be taking BP medication for the rest of my life?
2. How will this impact my swimming/ability to train? is there a better medication that I should ask about so there are not adverse effects?
3. Do I need to start taking things easier in the pool?
4. Since I have a family history of hypertension does this mean there is really nothing I can do aside from medication?
5. Anything else I need to be concerned about?
Thanks in advance for any advice or helpful comments.
Kevin
Parents
Former Member
The response to lifestyle modification is measured in months, not weeks. I'm sorry to trot out a tired old saying, but "Slow and steady wins the race". You do not want to reduce your sodium to zero; this would not be healthy, nor would it be appealing!
Figuring out the sodium content of foods is a challenge. The best way to get the information you need would be to have a consultation with a dietician. There are charts and tables around that estimate the sodium content of a variety of whole foods, but I'm sorry I can't steer you to them. A dietician would be a very valuable resource. My suggestion would be to do a food diary for several days before you see one.
The response to lifestyle modification is measured in months, not weeks. I'm sorry to trot out a tired old saying, but "Slow and steady wins the race". You do not want to reduce your sodium to zero; this would not be healthy, nor would it be appealing!
Figuring out the sodium content of foods is a challenge. The best way to get the information you need would be to have a consultation with a dietician. There are charts and tables around that estimate the sodium content of a variety of whole foods, but I'm sorry I can't steer you to them. A dietician would be a very valuable resource. My suggestion would be to do a food diary for several days before you see one.
