Health

CTyankee

(65,282 posts) Fri Dec 6, 2024, 12:09 PM Dec 6

Why can't I get my BP down? Need answers from my doc at my annual check up in a few weeks. I welcome comments/suggestion [View all]

on the questions I am asking her. My blood pressure is always elevated at the doctor's office and I know this as I approach my annual physical next month. Here are my questions (and any additions you may think are helpful). I AM NOT ASKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.

1. How do I restrict salt in my diet if I already 1) avoid adding salt, 2) read labels on prepared foods to get the lowest possible sodium amount 3) good salt substitutes?

2. As per physical exercise (which I know has bearing on BP), how can I increase it with arthritis in my lower back?

What do other folks here at DU who have high BP handle your questions effectively with your health care provider?

49 replies

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Why can't I get my BP down? Need answers from my doc at my annual check up in a few weeks. I welcome comments/suggestion [View all] CTyankee Dec 6 OP

Doctors know that a lot of people have elevated BP during medical exams Ocelot II Dec 6 #1

That was my first thought too. Native Dec 6 #14

I had physical therapy for my back and my therapist prescribed excercises I could do each morning in bed before I rise. CTyankee Dec 6 #19

No boxes or cans. Only fresh food with no salt: add fish to your diet. onecaliberal Dec 6 #2

Here is my quandary with that. I make certain dishes with low sodium but requires prep work. I can't stand on my feet CTyankee Dec 6 #16

The seasonings and spreads are very high in sodium. onecaliberal Dec 6 #24

You may have intermittent elevations in BP-- a so-called "white coat syndrome"... hlthe2b Dec 6 #3

I tried meditation which involved telling myself to breathe and to quieting myself down. I can easily do that again. CTyankee Dec 6 #12

I've been doing this for decades NJCher Dec 6 #32

Meditation is the hardest "simple" thing I've ever done. I've meditated for over 50 years and "monkey mind" still mitch96 Dec 6 #38

I can easily solve my back problem by spending less time sitting at my desk top computer, but I am a writer and involved CTyankee Dec 6 #40

I forgot to mention I also use an "inversion table". I basically hang from my ankles. Not 90 but more like 45 mitch96 Dec 6 #41

Ever since covid, my BP is always through the roof when I go to a doctor's office. Native Dec 6 #15

When my weight plummeted nitpicked Dec 6 #4

I could use some weight loss! Right now, that is not a problem. CTyankee Dec 6 #6

Get a good BP monitor (with arm cuff) and test yourself during a quiet time in afternoons. surfered Dec 6 #5

I had one but I would get anxiety just putting it on (I also had difficulty using it as prescribed and worried that my CTyankee Dec 6 #7

Do you have a partner who can do that for you? It would help your doctor to have this data. surfered Dec 6 #11

Start using it regularly so you'll eventually feel more comfortable using it. And Native Dec 6 #17

Ask about other minerals that influence blood pressure. bucolic_frolic Dec 6 #8

Yes, we get Progresso's low sodium soups when available at my store. I eat half of a banana daily cuz I like them on my CTyankee Dec 6 #33

I always ask them to take my BP twice. LisaM Dec 6 #9

Even though I have been controlling it for years with medication, mine can show higher than usual at the doctor office MichMan Dec 6 #10

I found that some high salt foods just need to be axed from the diet: marybourg Dec 6 #13

Remember the good old days when doctors would actually make lifestyle and diet suggestions Native Dec 6 #20

There are low sodium soups in a can which I get regularly and keep in stock. We have it often for lunch. I use no CTyankee Dec 6 #21

They're still very high in sodium for food low in protein. In my opinion. marybourg Dec 6 #25

I have to weigh all these things in my mind at an age where I simply cannot do what I used to do CTyankee Dec 7 #42

Understood. I'm your age. I 've simplified my meals greatly. marybourg Dec 7 #44

I sit and chop!! MotownPgh Dec 8 #48

Sadly, I have a small kitchen. I cannot sit and chop. I wish I could. CTyankee Dec 8 #49

Yes we are label readers in the grocery store. Diamond_Dog Dec 6 #23

Stop Reading DU Deep State Witch Dec 6 #18

I take beet root extract Diamond_Dog Dec 6 #22

Lots of water and chewable l-theanine Lulu KC Dec 6 #26

Stuff Botany Dec 6 #27

Many things will help Nigrum Cattus Dec 6 #28

Thanks for the tips. We have a gym nearby and I used to go several times a week. I should start again. CTyankee Dec 7 #43

There is no substitute for Diet & Exercise Nigrum Cattus Dec 7 #45

You have to wait your turn if you want assisted workouts, like I do. There's limited staff and limited seats for waiting CTyankee Dec 7 #46

Patience is a virtue Nigrum Cattus Dec 7 #47

Breathe deep Tadams01KC Dec 6 #29

New research is showing that isometric exercises are most effective Big Blue Marble Dec 6 #30

My BP is always very high in doctor's office crimycarny Dec 6 #31

Ask them if a diuretic might help. Elessar Zappa Dec 6 #34

How are your kidney numbers? SARose Dec 6 #35

I don't know. Perhaps he/she will order that for me. It's fine cuz my clinic where I get those is nearby CTyankee Dec 6 #36

Great! SARose Dec 6 #37

Water Aerobics! Thunderbeast Dec 6 #39