Blood Pressure

One of my many MANY rationalizations for myself for being my size was "well, I'm healthy - so it can't be that bad right?"... Well little did I know that when Elaine came over for our first meeting she was bringing a blood pressure machine. I think we even ran it twice to be certain and both times it came up 120/96. At first I didn't think it was too bad... I mean 96 is pretty close to 80 right? Her words that shook me were "it's not quite bad enough for me to have to legally report you to a doctor." Hit me like a ton of bricks!!! If that doesn't destroy a perfectly solid rationalization I don't know what will!! YIKES. Here is a little breakdown I stole from google so you know what this all means.

"Normal blood pressure is thus usually said to be 120/80 (systolic/diastolic) or less, measured in millimeters of mercury (abbreviated as mm Hg). What do blood pressure numbers indicate? The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is beating. The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. The systolic pressure is always stated first and the diastolic pressure second. For example: 122/76 (122 over 76); systolic = 122, diastolic = 76. Blood pressure of less than 140 over 90 is considered a normal reading for adults. A systolic pressure of 130 to 139 or a diastolic pressure of 85 to 89 needs to be watched carefully. A blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140 (systolic) over 90 (diastolic) is considered elevated (high)."

SO basically I was in Stage 1 Hypertension. Which is full on, very serious - not to be fucked around with, High Blood Pressure. To me high blood pressure was reserved for 70 year old men! I'm 32!!! Definitely should NOT be a concern of mine for many many years to come.... actually it shouldn't be a concern EVER.

A couple of weeks ago Elaine came back with said Blood pressure machine.... we sat down and gave 'er the old college try... 120/78. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did it!!! By only altering my eating habits, and getting some exercise I lowered my very own blood pressure to a safe and healthy and down right normal level. Talk about an accomplishment! That's SO HUGE!!! So if you're out there, maybe thinking the same things I was... it wouldn't hurt to maybe see a doctor once and get a professional opinion... or even just try out that blood pressure machine at the pharmacy counter... then at least you can tick off that one thing. And hey! - if it does come up on the high side... YOU KNOW THE ANSWER!!!!! You know how to fix it!! Just another lovely bi product of choosing a healthier lifestyle.



T