i am 51 and my blood pressure is 138 over 88?

Question

i think this is good my doctor wants me to take tablets. is he right????

Answer 1

I am 52 . I had bloodpressure that was 138/111. I was on Tenormin 50 mg. for high blood pressure. I changed my diet. Stopped eating and drinking so many sugary drinks and candies. Stopped drinking caffine all together. Ate a lot more nuts for snacks instead of a candy bars or brownies. I changed my bloodpressure from the 138/111 down to 124/74. Plus I lowered my cholesterol from 238 down to 166. You can change any thing with diet. I know I did. I managed to get off all of my medications by changing my diet.

Answer 2

In the bad old days then this reading would be considered OK and by and large it is but nowadays the Medical Profession have reviewed their take on High Blood Pressure / Hypertension levels and now have this new level called "Pre Hypertension". This covers the borderline cases where they feel that the BP levels may be creeping up and they want to try and prevent it from developing into full blown High Blood Pressure with all of the attendant problems etc.

The new philosophy has the following levels. If your Systolic reading (the first number) is less than 120 and the Diastolic number (the second) is less than 80 then you are OK. If your levels are 120-139/80-89 then you are in the pre hypertension region. If your levels are 140-159/90-99 then you are in the Stage 1 Hypertension levels and if your readings are are 160+/100+ then you have Stage 2 Hypertension.

Doctors are much more cautious nowadays and rightly so. Sounds to me as if your Doc is being very responsible and take his advice. Check out as much as you can before you start on Meds though as it helps to make sure the medication on offer works for you with minimal side effects.

My initial HBP was 216/160 when I was diagnosed and now it is down to 115/75 so treatment works but so do Lifestyle changes, more exercise and cut down on any drinking and stop smoking if you smoke!

Answer 3

No, he's wrong. As long as your blood pressure is monitored either by yourself or the doctor no pills are necessary. Mine is 140 over 86 and I go in once a month to have it measured, so far no pills. Today she just told me to cut out the salt and I have started exercising again which also will help bring it down. Last month it was 154 over 88 and she still doesn't believe in giving me pills. Sometimes a bit of stress can get your pressure up for a short while. My husband has white coat syndrome, when he is at the doctor's office it is always 10-15 points higher then when he measures at home. If you have the money buy yourself a home kit, it's easy and keep track of it on a daily basis and when you go next time to your doctor take the paper with you.

Answer 4

As we age, our blood vessels gets less elastic and can contribute to high blood pressure. 138/88 is not terribly bad, in fact, it is considered "Stage I" Hypertension, which is the lowest category. Generally, diet (salt restriction, low sat fats, lots of fruits and vegetables that contain fiber) and excercise are accepted means of controlling this stage and are effective when patients are compliant. If diet and excercise have failed, a presciption is not a bad idea, especially if it is just once a day. You doctor can help you choose a medicine that is right for you, as different populations of people generally respond better to some categories of blood pressure pills.

Answer 5

Doctors have become more concerned with lowering blood pressure and have lowered the bar for what is acceptable. Your blood pressure is not good it is borderline high.
If you don't want to take the medication that is your decision and you will be responsible for whatever the outcome is.
Why would you take the advice of someone on Yahoo answers over your physician's?
One other thing, Bud is wrong. It is the upper number that is most important

Answer 6

Your doctor is more than likely being cautious. The AMA has now stated that blood pressure with the top number being higher than 120 is considered high. Yours is 138, which puts you in this catagory.
Good luck and good health to you.

Answer 7

140/90 is generally considered the point at which you MUST start BP meds. Yours is virtually there. You should be glad your dr. is proactive on this as high blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart disease, kidney failure, and all other sorts of problems. You should get started on the meds, then, if your blood pressure drops as you eat healthfully, cut oiut salt, and lose weight, you can reduce or eliminate your need for BP meds. But take them in the meantime just to be sure. I have seen patients in nursing homes your age who have had debilitating strokes. Take care.

Answer 8

It's high, but not disasterously so.

For reference, I am 50, and mine averages 100/70. I was around your number, and slightly higher, a couple of years ago. I lost 70 lbs on my doctor's orders, and that drove the pressure way down to the good zone.

Answer 9

I think it's good also. Why not ask your doc why he's recommending tablets. There could be an additional reason unconnected to your blood pressure.

Answer 10

before taking medication, try non-pharmacological methods like weight reduction, salt reduction and exercise. if the blood pressure is still high, then consider taking medication.if the pressure goes over 160, then you have no choice but to take medication