BP: How do I get the top number down?

LayMiz · 05-19-2009, 08:30 AM

The bottom number is good, most of the time in the 70s. My top number is still in the 130's. Is exercise the answer?

Leo41 · 05-19-2009, 01:57 PM

Why do you think 130s is too high? The more significant number is the lower one, and 70s is ideal. It would be nice to be in the 120s, but I find my own BP runs between the 120s and 130s at different times of the day, and none of my doctors sees any problem with that.

Diet (i.e., losing weight if you're overweight) and exercise are the standard recommendations for lowering blood pressure.

Purple Crayon · 05-20-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo41

Why do you think 130s is too high? The more significant number is the lower one, and 70s is ideal. It would be nice to be in the 120s, but I find my own BP runs between the 120s and 130s at different times of the day, and none of my doctors sees any problem with that.

Diet (i.e., losing weight if you're overweight) and exercise are the standard recommendations for lowering blood pressure.

I was just at my Dr. last week and asked him why my top number is not tracking down with my bottom number. He said the bottom number usually has less variation. The top number reacts more to environmental factors like stress. He also said that they used to think the top number was the most important. Now they say neither number is more important than the other. Both are important.

LayMiz · 05-22-2009, 10:52 AM

Oh, that's interesting that both numbers are important. I have really cut sodium, and I eat less, fasting once as week for about 30 hrs straight, which I think is what has helped with the bottom number. I have read that grape seed and pomgranate extracts help lower the top number. So I think I will try that as well as exercise.

I am not sure 130s are so high, but the doc put me on meds because I was 140/90. I don't like the way I feel with the meds, so I'm trying to lower bp naturally so that I can tell that to the doc that I did it with diet and exercise. I have lost about 10 lbs since I last saw the doc. So my goal is to be 120/80 without meds the next time he checks me. Over the weekend when I am home most of the time, I get quite a few 130-120/70s readings but during the week it's usually 140/84 even tho my life is not too stressful. But I love being at home, that must make the difference.

Another interesting note, I was telling my DH about a co-worker that was making me mad. I took my BP after talking about it and the reading was sky-high!!! WOW!! That was an eye-opener. I've decided to "let it go" with the anger and change to saying to myself "ha ha, there she goes again." Being angry is just hurting me!!

Leo41 · 05-22-2009, 01:18 PM

I agree that 140/90 is too high, but did he put you on meds based on ONE reading in his office? I ask because my BP is always higher at my primary doctor's office where the tech takes it typically right after weighing me (talk about stress:-). Interestingly, my endo takes it himself at the END of our very cordial visit (he's a sweetie), and my BP is always 120/70 with him!

The high BP during a doctor's visit is well known (why my endo takes it the way he does), so most doctors will not go straight to meds based on a single reading in the office. In addition, there are studies that show that women do well with a diuretic to reduce BP (because of our hormonal tendency to retain water), and my doctor always begins women on a diuretic before taking the more extreme measure of BP meds. You might ask your doctor about that.

I think you're wise to try to get off meds and reduce your BP, and, as you've noticed, stress increases it. Do you do any aerobic exercise? That's supposed to help in reducing BP and stress.

LayMiz · 05-22-2009, 02:27 PM

Yes, doc put me on medication after one reading, however, I did report to him that it was high at the dentist office and there's a family history. I am wondering about him because he did not suggest blood work to check cholesterol or anything else. I am almost 56 and need to lose about 50 lbs so he probably just figured I was a good candidate for meds. But taking the meds for just a few days had me running around to find a natural way to lower BP. I went from feeling GREAT to feeling BAAAAD! Duh, lose weight and exercise, I know that but this was my wake up call!!! I also looked at sodium and thought I was okay until I really looked. Diet soda, canned veggies, processed meats, etc are OUT now--cut out most processed food about 5 yrs ago. In just a couple of weeks I've gotten the bottom number down to lower than 85 usually and in the 70s when I am at home on the weekends. My exercise is sporadic, but I'm getting there. An interesting note: when I fast my bp is 130/80 sometimes less, and my pulse is sometimes in the 60s!! I take no meds. I'm menopausal, so that's hard on the bp.

Leo41 · 05-23-2009, 09:53 AM

LayMiz-

I'm 67, and my BP went up with menopause--it was typically low before that. My primary wanted me taking the diuretic every day, even though I kept telling him that it was only high in HIS office. I bought a wrist BP machine for myself (they're not expensive) and calibrated it with his on a visit to insure accuracy. I noticed that my BP is often LOW when home or at highest 120/75, so I'm not concerned.

In fact, my BP runs in the 130/80 range at my cardiologist, and he told me that he ignores that because there's always at least a 10-point variation at a doctor's office in his experience. I told him that the diuretic often made my BP too low, and he told me to stop using it except if I felt very bloated (I told my primary this, and he accepted it because it was coming from another MD:-)

You might consider getting a wrist monitor for yourself if you don't already have one so that you can monitor your own BP and perhaps report to your doctor what it normally is when you're not in his office.

Purple Crayon · 05-23-2009, 01:13 PM

My advice,

Monitor your blood pressure at home. Or many drug stores have a machine to check it for free. And if you donate blood, get the Red Cross to note your BP on your donation card. This seems to carry more weight with doctors than home testing.

You may be feeling blah on the meds because your body is used to the higher pressure and you may have to get used to what a lower pressure feels like.

You may also be feeling blah on the meds because they aren't the right ones for you.

I went through a few before we found one that was effective at lowering my BP without causing side effects I didn't like such as feeling wiped out or having a dry cough.

Work with your Dr. As I've lost weight mine has lowered my meds and taken me off one entirely.

Good Luck!

NurseMonkee · 05-26-2009, 02:51 AM

You shouldn't have been put on meds after only 1 reading. I am surprised that your doctor gave you a prescription. Get yourself a home monitor and keep a record. You could just be experiencing white coat syndrome. That happens to me, often, actually.

Anyhow, what worked for me is atkins, but more importantly, exercise. I noticed when I started to do 30 minutes, my bp started dropping fast. I no longer needed meds.

Casey999 · 05-27-2009, 10:09 AM

I'm fighting with my doctor over meds he put me on for BP. He put me on Beta Blockers and I absolutely hate them. I want off. He got scared one day when I came in because my BP was 197/90 (normally it was 120/80). He put me on one and my BP came down immediately but my pulse rate dropped to 50!!!

Anyone have any idea how you can know when your BP has returned to normal so you can wean yourself off the meds? My doc said I can never get off them.

qbert · 05-27-2009, 06:03 PM

I thought 140 was borderline. I don't know 140 over 90 doesn't seem that high, I could easily have that due to white coat syndrome. I have hit 140 - even low carbing I still see it jump up in the 130's once in a while.

LayMiz · 05-28-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey999

I'm fighting with my doctor over meds he put me on for BP. He put me on Beta Blockers and I absolutely hate them. I want off. He got scared one day when I came in because my BP was 197/90 (normally it was 120/80). He put me on one and my BP came down immediately but my pulse rate dropped to 50!!!

Anyone have any idea how you can know when your BP has returned to normal so you can wean yourself off the meds? My doc said I can never get off them.

The meds do work fast but the side effects are awful! Sounds like you have the same problem as me with a doc that put you on meds after one reading. Get a home BP monitor as everyone here suggests, mine costs $60 at Walmart (it's not a wrist one tho, I didn't see that kind). Monitor at home. Look at your sodium in diets sodas, canned veggies and tuna and processed meats. I bought some himalyan pink salt as someone on these boards suggested. I've lost 10 lbs since that doctor appointment 2 mos. ago and I've started walking. I consistently have about average 130/80.

Redeemed · 05-28-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbert

I thought 140 was borderline. I don't know 140 over 90 doesn't seem that high, I could easily have that due to white coat syndrome. I have hit 140 - even low carbing I still see it jump up in the 130's once in a while.

I agree. The last time I went to the doctor, my BP was 138/85 without meds. My doc said she could live with that if I could. At home my BP is lower. I find that Taurine keeps my BP down both upper and lower.

Leo41 · 05-28-2009, 01:19 PM

I just thought I'd add something interesting about BP and doctors. Have you noticed that in most doctors' offices, the nurse will take your blood pressure right after she weighs you? Talk about elevating the pressure!

My endo (whom I love) takes the pressure himself at the END of our visit, after we've been chatting pleasantly for a few minutes--and I never run high in his office. My BP is always about the same as it is when I take it at home.

Redeemed · 05-28-2009, 01:52 PM

I always ask for a large adult cuff. I usually have to educate the nurse taking my blood pressure that the tighter the cuff, the higher the blood pressure reading will be - the looser the cuff the lower the reading. Being overweight, it's hard finding the perfect fit when it comes to BP cuffs. I went to see my doc once because I knew my BP was unusually high for me. The nurse took my BP and said sweetly, "120/80." I knew she just made that number up. I asked the doctor to re-check; and my bp was around 160/110. Now, why would the nurse say 120/80? I don't get that kind of "nursing".

LayMiz · 05-28-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redeemed

I always ask for a large adult cuff. I usually have to educate the nurse taking my blood pressure that the tighter the cuff, the higher the blood pressure reading will be - the looser the cuff the lower the reading. Being overweight, it's hard finding the perfect fit when it comes to BP cuffs. I went to see my doc once because I knew my BP was unusually high for me. The nurse took my BP and said sweetly, "120/80." I knew she just made that number up. I asked the doctor to re-check; and my bp was around 160/110. Now, why would the nurse say 120/80? I don't get that kind of "nursing".

Oh my!!

I think also if they depend on hearing it thru the stethoscope, it makes it harder to hear that beat. Don't you think? That's what my doctor's office was using not a digital readout.

Redeemed · 05-28-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LayMiz

Oh my!!

I think also if they depend on hearing it thru the stethoscope, it makes it harder to hear that beat. Don't you think? That's what my doctor's office was using not a digital readout.

Yes. I have a heartbeat that is very difficult to hear with a steth. - The last time I went to the doc, they used a digital machine - probably too many incidents like the one I mentioned - with nurses just pulling numbers out of thin air.

SuSUN · 06-10-2009, 10:03 PM

It is the spread between the numbers that reveals the condition of your cardiovascular system.

Please see below:-

Peripheral pulse pressure is the difference of the systolic blood pressure minus the diastolic blood pressure. You want to keep the pulse pressure under 60. A high pulse pressure is a measure of stiffness of the arteries. A high pulse pressure is a risk factor for heart disease.

Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure increase continuously throughout adult life and the prevalence of arterial hypertension rises accordingly, reaching 53-78% among those aged 65-74 years. Estimates of the prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly range from 34-65%, with more women than men affected. It has been shown that within all age groups a difference in usual systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or a difference in usual diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg is associated with an approximately 2-fold difference in the risk of dying from stroke or ischemic heart disease.

Pulse Pressure Under 50 Best: The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is a powerful independent predictor of cardiovascular disease over age 65. Systolic blood pressure rises with age due to stiffening of the arteries, while diastolic BP often remains constant or declines. A study followed 2,152 older adults with no evidence of heart problems. After ten years, 328 had had a heart attack or had died from heart disease, 224 had developed heart failure, and a total of 1,046 had died. For every 10–mm Hg increase in pulse pressure, the participants’ heart-disease risk increased by 12%, their risk of heart failure increased by 14%, and their mortality risk was raised by 6%. The data were adjusted for a number of variables, including smoking and other cardiac risk factors. Pulse pressure was most strongly linked to subsequent heart risk in the 600 participants who did not have any diagnosis of hypertension and who weren’t taking antihypertensives. They had a nearly 50% increase in CHD risk per 10–mm Hg increase in pulse pressure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000;36:130-8.

Hope this helps,

Susan

jezzie · 06-12-2009, 07:10 AM

Thanks so much Susan

I knew the systolic was the 'more important' for me but not about the subtraction part.
I'm usually about ... 117/76 ..... so I guess I'm in good shape ( BP wise.

)

toni1954 · 06-17-2009, 12:08 PM

there is a lot of good information here , thanks , I have high b/p and I know if I could just lose some wt it would help....

LadonnaD · 07-07-2009, 02:50 AM

Toni, me, too. I am curious what type of home monitors you all use and would recommend?

Maybe my dr was not so freaked out about my bp as I was, because my pulse rate was also high?... Thanks for that info, SuSun.

Mine is always high now when I'm at a drs, and it didn't used to be before. Trouble is, each dr. I only see once, so they don't see the collective results!! I had to ask this dr. what I could do to get it down. Uggggggggh.

Do you all think diet sodas are really bad? They say low sodium... ?

05-19-2009, 08:30 AM	#1
LayMiz MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,980 Gallery: LayMiz WOE: Atkins Start Date: Feb. 23, 2004	BP: How do I get the top number down? The bottom number is good, most of the time in the 70s. My top number is still in the 130's. Is exercise the answer?

05-23-2009, 01:13 PM	#8
Purple Crayon Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 782 Gallery: Purple Crayon WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2003	My advice, Monitor your blood pressure at home. Or many drug stores have a machine to check it for free. And if you donate blood, get the Red Cross to note your BP on your donation card. This seems to carry more weight with doctors than home testing. You may be feeling blah on the meds because your body is used to the higher pressure and you may have to get used to what a lower pressure feels like. You may also be feeling blah on the meds because they aren't the right ones for you. I went through a few before we found one that was effective at lowering my BP without causing side effects I didn't like such as feeling wiped out or having a dry cough. Work with your Dr. As I've lost weight mine has lowered my meds and taken me off one entirely. Good Luck! __________________ Fat is a physical characteristic, not a personality trait, not a character flaw.

05-28-2009, 01:52 PM	#15
Redeemed MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Beautiful Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes Posts: 1,396 Gallery: Redeemed WOE: JUDDD Start Date: 11/7/09	I always ask for a large adult cuff. I usually have to educate the nurse taking my blood pressure that the tighter the cuff, the higher the blood pressure reading will be - the looser the cuff the lower the reading. Being overweight, it's hard finding the perfect fit when it comes to BP cuffs. I went to see my doc once because I knew my BP was unusually high for me. The nurse took my BP and said sweetly, "120/80." I knew she just made that number up. I asked the doctor to re-check; and my bp was around 160/110. Now, why would the nurse say 120/80? I don't get that kind of "nursing". __________________ "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it, and they are saved." Psalm 18:10

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05-19-2009, 01:57 PM	#2
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	Why do you think 130s is too high? The more significant number is the lower one, and 70s is ideal. It would be nice to be in the 120s, but I find my own BP runs between the 120s and 130s at different times of the day, and none of my doctors sees any problem with that. Diet (i.e., losing weight if you're overweight) and exercise are the standard recommendations for lowering blood pressure.

05-22-2009, 10:52 AM	#4
LayMiz MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,980 Gallery: LayMiz WOE: Atkins Start Date: Feb. 23, 2004	Oh, that's interesting that both numbers are important. I have really cut sodium, and I eat less, fasting once as week for about 30 hrs straight, which I think is what has helped with the bottom number. I have read that grape seed and pomgranate extracts help lower the top number. So I think I will try that as well as exercise. I am not sure 130s are so high, but the doc put me on meds because I was 140/90. I don't like the way I feel with the meds, so I'm trying to lower bp naturally so that I can tell that to the doc that I did it with diet and exercise. I have lost about 10 lbs since I last saw the doc. So my goal is to be 120/80 without meds the next time he checks me. Over the weekend when I am home most of the time, I get quite a few 130-120/70s readings but during the week it's usually 140/84 even tho my life is not too stressful. But I love being at home, that must make the difference. Another interesting note, I was telling my DH about a co-worker that was making me mad. I took my BP after talking about it and the reading was sky-high!!! WOW!! That was an eye-opener. I've decided to "let it go" with the anger and change to saying to myself "ha ha, there she goes again." Being angry is just hurting me!!

05-22-2009, 01:18 PM	#5
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	I agree that 140/90 is too high, but did he put you on meds based on ONE reading in his office? I ask because my BP is always higher at my primary doctor's office where the tech takes it typically right after weighing me (talk about stress:-). Interestingly, my endo takes it himself at the END of our very cordial visit (he's a sweetie), and my BP is always 120/70 with him! The high BP during a doctor's visit is well known (why my endo takes it the way he does), so most doctors will not go straight to meds based on a single reading in the office. In addition, there are studies that show that women do well with a diuretic to reduce BP (because of our hormonal tendency to retain water), and my doctor always begins women on a diuretic before taking the more extreme measure of BP meds. You might ask your doctor about that. I think you're wise to try to get off meds and reduce your BP, and, as you've noticed, stress increases it. Do you do any aerobic exercise? That's supposed to help in reducing BP and stress.

05-22-2009, 02:27 PM	#6
LayMiz MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,980 Gallery: LayMiz WOE: Atkins Start Date: Feb. 23, 2004	Yes, doc put me on medication after one reading, however, I did report to him that it was high at the dentist office and there's a family history. I am wondering about him because he did not suggest blood work to check cholesterol or anything else. I am almost 56 and need to lose about 50 lbs so he probably just figured I was a good candidate for meds. But taking the meds for just a few days had me running around to find a natural way to lower BP. I went from feeling GREAT to feeling BAAAAD! Duh, lose weight and exercise, I know that but this was my wake up call!!! I also looked at sodium and thought I was okay until I really looked. Diet soda, canned veggies, processed meats, etc are OUT now--cut out most processed food about 5 yrs ago. In just a couple of weeks I've gotten the bottom number down to lower than 85 usually and in the 70s when I am at home on the weekends. My exercise is sporadic, but I'm getting there. An interesting note: when I fast my bp is 130/80 sometimes less, and my pulse is sometimes in the 60s!! I take no meds. I'm menopausal, so that's hard on the bp.

05-23-2009, 09:53 AM	#7
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	LayMiz- I'm 67, and my BP went up with menopause--it was typically low before that. My primary wanted me taking the diuretic every day, even though I kept telling him that it was only high in HIS office. I bought a wrist BP machine for myself (they're not expensive) and calibrated it with his on a visit to insure accuracy. I noticed that my BP is often LOW when home or at highest 120/75, so I'm not concerned. In fact, my BP runs in the 130/80 range at my cardiologist, and he told me that he ignores that because there's always at least a 10-point variation at a doctor's office in his experience. I told him that the diuretic often made my BP too low, and he told me to stop using it except if I felt very bloated (I told my primary this, and he accepted it because it was coming from another MD:-) You might consider getting a wrist monitor for yourself if you don't already have one so that you can monitor your own BP and perhaps report to your doctor what it normally is when you're not in his office.

05-26-2009, 02:51 AM	#9
NurseMonkee MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2,441 Gallery: NurseMonkee WOE: Low-Carb Start Date: Summer 08	You shouldn't have been put on meds after only 1 reading. I am surprised that your doctor gave you a prescription. Get yourself a home monitor and keep a record. You could just be experiencing white coat syndrome. That happens to me, often, actually. Anyhow, what worked for me is atkins, but more importantly, exercise. I noticed when I started to do 30 minutes, my bp started dropping fast. I no longer needed meds.

05-27-2009, 10:09 AM	#10
Casey999 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 119 Gallery: Casey999 Stats: 243/234.2/150 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 04/26/09	I'm fighting with my doctor over meds he put me on for BP. He put me on Beta Blockers and I absolutely hate them. I want off. He got scared one day when I came in because my BP was 197/90 (normally it was 120/80). He put me on one and my BP came down immediately but my pulse rate dropped to 50!!! Anyone have any idea how you can know when your BP has returned to normal so you can wean yourself off the meds? My doc said I can never get off them.

05-27-2009, 06:03 PM	#11
qbert Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 583 Gallery: qbert WOE: Metabolism Miracle	I thought 140 was borderline. I don't know 140 over 90 doesn't seem that high, I could easily have that due to white coat syndrome. I have hit 140 - even low carbing I still see it jump up in the 130's once in a while.

05-28-2009, 01:19 PM	#14
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	I just thought I'd add something interesting about BP and doctors. Have you noticed that in most doctors' offices, the nurse will take your blood pressure right after she weighs you? Talk about elevating the pressure! My endo (whom I love) takes the pressure himself at the END of our visit, after we've been chatting pleasantly for a few minutes--and I never run high in his office. My BP is always about the same as it is when I take it at home.

06-10-2009, 10:03 PM	#18
SuSUN Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8,811 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: SuSUN Stats: 152/134.4/125 WOE: LC-Moderate - Atkins Start Date: LC since 02/2002	It is the spread between the numbers that reveals the condition of your cardiovascular system. Please see below:- Peripheral pulse pressure is the difference of the systolic blood pressure minus the diastolic blood pressure. You want to keep the pulse pressure under 60. A high pulse pressure is a measure of stiffness of the arteries. A high pulse pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure increase continuously throughout adult life and the prevalence of arterial hypertension rises accordingly, reaching 53-78% among those aged 65-74 years. Estimates of the prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly range from 34-65%, with more women than men affected. It has been shown that within all age groups a difference in usual systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or a difference in usual diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg is associated with an approximately 2-fold difference in the risk of dying from stroke or ischemic heart disease. Pulse Pressure Under 50 Best: The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is a powerful independent predictor of cardiovascular disease over age 65. Systolic blood pressure rises with age due to stiffening of the arteries, while diastolic BP often remains constant or declines. A study followed 2,152 older adults with no evidence of heart problems. After ten years, 328 had had a heart attack or had died from heart disease, 224 had developed heart failure, and a total of 1,046 had died. For every 10–mm Hg increase in pulse pressure, the participants’ heart-disease risk increased by 12%, their risk of heart failure increased by 14%, and their mortality risk was raised by 6%. The data were adjusted for a number of variables, including smoking and other cardiac risk factors. Pulse pressure was most strongly linked to subsequent heart risk in the 600 participants who did not have any diagnosis of hypertension and who weren’t taking antihypertensives. They had a nearly 50% increase in CHD risk per 10–mm Hg increase in pulse pressure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000;36:130-8. Hope this helps, Susan

06-12-2009, 07:10 AM	#19
jezzie Old Wise One Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Hudson River Valley Posts: 39,881 Blog Entries: 78 Gallery: jezzie Stats: choosing to be scale-free; WOE: YOU:on a Diet - Dr. Oz Start Date: 05/22/07 - lightbulb; started YOU at 209.	Thanks so much Susan I knew the systolic was the 'more important' for me but not about the subtraction part. I'm usually about ... 117/76 ..... so I guess I'm in good shape ( BP wise. )

06-17-2009, 12:08 PM	#20
toni1954 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: ny Posts: 106 Gallery: toni1954 Stats: 212/210/120 Start Date: 05/15/05	there is a lot of good information here , thanks , I have high b/p and I know if I could just lose some wt it would help....

07-07-2009, 02:50 AM	#21
LadonnaD Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 142 Blog Entries: 7 Gallery: LadonnaD Stats: 172/153/140...19 down, 13 to go!	Toni, me, too. I am curious what type of home monitors you all use and would recommend? Maybe my dr was not so freaked out about my bp as I was, because my pulse rate was also high?... Thanks for that info, SuSun. Mine is always high now when I'm at a drs, and it didn't used to be before. Trouble is, each dr. I only see once, so they don't see the collective results!! I had to ask this dr. what I could do to get it down. Uggggggggh. Do you all think diet sodas are really bad? They say low sodium... ?