31 Jul 2012
Posted by Jay Ell Vaughn 
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By: JayEll Vaughn (@CurlzNPumpz/@BlackGirlsRun)
When the doctor asked me, what is your diet/exercise regiment? I replied “I work out 3-4 days a week with hard cardio, diet is okay, and I feel great!” Well my blood pressure numbers did not reflect this. On Monday, my blood pressure was 148/98. I automatically attributed it to the anxiety of being in a doctor’s office to kick off my work week and no food in my belly. Not so worried, right? Well, later that day my oral surgeon happened to take my blood pressure during a consultation meeting (mind you, its 3 p.m. later in the day), and my blood pressure reading was 146/109. Hmmmm, why are my numbers still so high?
So, in the back of my mind, I was a bit worried. Never had my blood pressure been so high in my life. So, I said I would monitor it for the next few days before checking in with my primary care physician. On Wednesday, I went to the local pharmacy to check my numbers at their portable machine. YIKES! 166/112! I think my heart stopped!
I immediately made an appointment with my primary care physician the following day because now I was a bit scared as to why my numbers were so high.
So after this small nightmare, I know I need to KNOW MY NUMBERS. Yes, I am just 25 years old, but you are never too young to be conscious of your health. My doctor said, “No, you may not feel the effects now of having high bp, but in 10 years its going to be harder on your body, and harder for you to bounce back.”
According to the American Heart Association:
The doctor has given me a month to get on a healthy diet and exercise regiment. He says I am supposed to be lean!! I have to lose some weight! So, on August 28th I will update you on my progress! 10 lbs is my goal this month.
To learn more about Understanding your Numbers, click here.
P.S. Falling in love sucks!
Trying to preserve the sexy,
JayEll
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15 Comments
JayEll, I commend you on being proactive. As you know hypertension is very common in African Americans and many fail to take heed of the signs…with me being one of them. I was diagnosed w/high blood pressure about 2 years ago. I kept getting headaches and my vision was blurred at times (which are signs)…I figured it was from working on the computer for so long. A running buddy of mine enouraged me to get checked and sure enough it was my blood pressure. I was so against taking meds…I DO NOT LIKE TAKING PILLS AT ALL (besides vitamins of course). My doctor said I could try dropping pounds but it would not guarantee my blood pressure would go down and stay down because high blood pressure is very active in my family (both my Mom & Dad had it). I lost weight, symptoms ceased but a few months later the signs were back and after lots of talks (more like scoldings) from family and friends…I am now of bp pills (low dosage). And, I feel better knowing I am taking care of my health and could be around…actively around for My Boys!
I support you in your plight and if ever you want to talk about it…hit me up!!! #TeamHypertensionBusters
Thanks Francine! The odd thing about it is that I feel totally fine. Neither one of my parents have a history of high blood pressure. I am actively watching it. My bp yest was 142/89, so still a bit high, but I have been making a conscious effort to cut out salt and increase water intake. I appreciate your support!
I agree, falling inlove does suck! Lol!
Thanks for this post. I signed up for BGR prior to an appointment. Got my results and immediately hit the pavement. Your email is confirmation that I am on the right track and will have a network behind me…. The ladies are phenomenal…..
JayEll, Thank you for share, this is some need to knoe info…..Prayfully you will stick to your goal….Cherae
Thanks Cherae! Trust me I will!
JayEll, Thank you for your post, this is offering a lifeline to many in the BGR family. Ladies this is valuable information. Your top number can go beyond 200 before you feel any symptoms (critical range) as my sister did. Know your numbers and monitor regularly.
Thanks Kathy!
I joined BGR to try and lose weight inorder to get my blood pressure under control.. and it was higher than yours… I have not gone on my 1st run yet but I will start soon…
We look forward to you joining us!
Hi JayEll – thanks for the reminder to know your numbers. I’m confused by your case though. Why did the doctor recommend diet and exercise if that’s what you’re clearly already doing?
My diet is not the best, and I need to lose weight. I have gained about 20 lbs in the last 4 years….
High BP runs in my family. I have not 1 but 2 automatic blood pressure cuffs at home and regularly check my BP at least once daily and at different times. BP levels fluctuate during the day and can change. Diabetics have blood sugar monitors since you can’t tell what your blood sugar is without checking. Hypertension is no different. My advice? Pick a an automatic cuff at the drugstore, Target, Walmart etc. and keep a log of your pressures to take to your doc on your next appointment. I’m a kidney doctor ( nephrologist ) and that’s what I recommend to my patients. To truly get an accurate BP in the office new studies suggest obtaining as many as 5 readings and averaging the numbers. Hypertension isn’t called the silent killer for nothing. if you’re confused what model is best have the pharmacist help you out. By all means avoid a wrist model as they can be quite inaccurate. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks so much!
Nice article! Great post about Know Your Numbers! Two things I like about the post, one it is straight forward and two it does not attempt to promote anyone’s position particularly. Great job JayEll_Vaughn.