Dear Guest Sergio,

It is essential to see a doctor as high blood pressure left untreated is "a silent killer" and can give rise to strokes, heart and other problems.

Much of the advice given above is sound. Losing weight, regular (but not heavy) exercise, low salt diet, foods rich in potassium (e.g. bananas) and low fat intake are all important.

Round about a year ago I began to suffer from horrendous headaches which no painkillers would relieve. Suspecting HBP, I went to my doctor and was astonished and appalled (and not a little frightened) to find that it had risen to about 205/140 (i.e. well into the "red zone"). I was immediately put on medication which worked moderately well and my doctor referred me to a cardiologist who carried out a whole battery of heart and respiratory tests. Nothing basically wrong with my heart other than it wasn't relaxing sufficiently between beats, respiratory function well above average for my age and cholesterol only a little above normal.

The cardiologist diagnosed "essential hypertension" (which is what most cases, but not all, of HTP are) changed my medication to Cozaar Plus (Losartan) (an angiotensin inhibitor with a mild antidiuretic added) plus Amlor (which I believe is a calcium pathway inhibitor and which synergises the e3ffects of the Losartan).

In the time I have been on the medication my BP has fallen to a relative normal average of about 132/80 and I feel generally fine. I have also taken up meditation (mentioned on a previous thread) and the cardiologist thinks this is a very good idea. I also have to lose some more weight.

In my case, the onset of the HBP coincided with a period of very high stress at work and the medics think this is certainly a contributory factor. My job remains stressful and part of my strategy now is finding ways of handling that stress. Meditation is part of it (I will often shut the door and take a 10 minute quick mediatation based on breathing), saying no is another and expressing my feelings in a constructive manner is another. I don't really care what the boss thinks about it as I would rather be alive than sacked!

Last, but not least, I am making sure I spend plenty of time enjoying my music which is my greatest love and, again, the medics think this is important.

Coming back to my original point, by all means follow the good advice expressed by others in this thread but DO see your doctor as well. There are other causes to HBP than "essential hypertension" (which basically means the cause is not obvious) and it is essential to get a proper diagnosis.

Hope this is of help.

Best regards,

mooman