It's just one little thing, but...

It's amazing how one little thing can change so much. I recently went to the doctor for an annual exam. I figured everything would be normal, it would be a quick visit with an "all clear, have a great day!" ending. Well, it wasn't quite that. When I had my blood pressure taken it was 128/82....not "high", but now classified as "prehypertensive". Then the flood of questions began. The order to have my cholesterol checked. The questions about smoking, drinking, family history....on and on and on. Not what I expected.

At first I was a little shocked and upset. "I run everyday, I've lost 45 lbs, I eat well most of the time. WHY is this happening?!?" I'll admit I was in denial for  just a little bit. "This can't be happening. The nurse HAD to be wrong!" Then on a whim a few days later I sat myself down at one of the blood pressure checking machines at the local grocery store. My readings? 145/90! Yeah, I'll take that one with a grain of salt since it was a machine, but yup...elevated blood pressure is a definite reality for me.

Now I can't say this comes as a total surprise. My dad has been on high blood pressure medication since his early 30s. Both my mom's parents have had heart attacks. My dad's dad died from a stroke due to high blood pressure. I have leaky heart valves and mitral valve prolapse. Yeah, the deck is not necessarily stacked in my favor, but that doesn't mean I need to just give up!! After I calmed down from my realization I started doing LOTS of reading. Right now I am reading on hbp and distance running, yoga, stress, caffeine, weightlifting, weightloss , medications...anything I can think of that is part of my life. 

At this point I am hoping to be able to  control my blood pressure with lifestyle changes. Now that I've got my thoughts a little more in order, there is a part of me that is kind of looking forward to learning more about this "silent killer" and what can be done to prevent, manage, and thrive with hbp. As I learn more I am hoping to be able to share, and hopefully educate and inspire others living with, recently diagnosed or predisposed to high blood pressure.

Right now my plan is to continue running, but add a more consistant yoga routine and meditation to help manage my stress. I'm also going to be modifying my diet to see if that helps. I'm also considering buying a blood pressure monitor that I can use at home. I think it would be a wise investment to be able to keep an eye on my blood pressure to see if my changes are making a difference or if I need to be more aggressive.

I am a fighter. I plan on doing what I can to make the most of my newly found condition. I want to live an active, healthy lifestyle as long as I can. I'll do it whatever it takes. 

Well, I'm about to enjoy a 3 day weekend! I think I'll kick it off with a run ;) Until next time, run lots and live happy!!