Just a quick one from me today, today is Stroke Prevention Day, and this year’s focus is on high blood pressure. It’s the biggest risk factor for stroke, playing a part in about half of all strokes.
We have a dedicated webpage on Stroke Prevention Day, which includes information on high blood pressure, why it matters, and steps you can take to manage it.
But we’d also love to hear from you, what have you found helpful for keeping your blood pressure in check? Whether it’s lifestyle changes, daily habits, or something that’s worked for you personally, your experiences might really help others on their recovery journey.
That’s me !! Mine was 269 / 198 . That was no fun. I have since learnt how to keep it in check ( 130 / 80 ). This Summer I look forward to seeing it drop even further.
Here’s number 1) Eat Celery while breathing through your nose ( to produce Nitric Oxide (NO) which is our primary vasodilator )
bon appetit, Roland
ps. if you don’t like celery substitute with garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. Studies suggest that garlic can lower blood pressure by:
Reducing inflammation: Garlic has anti-inflammatory effects that support heart health.
Lowering cholesterol: It can reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), which is linked to high blood pressure.
Acting as a natural ACE inhibitor: Similar to some blood pressure medications, garlic can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which helps regulate blood pressure.
Celery contains phthalides, compounds that help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. It may reduce blood pressure by:
Acting as a vasodilator: Phthalides help arteries relax, making it easier for blood to flow.
Acting as a natural diuretic: Celery has a high water content and contains potassium, which helps balance sodium levels and remove excess fluid from the body.
Reducing stress hormones: Some research suggests that celery may lower stress-related hormone levels, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
My BP has always been on the low side if anything. Often registering readings or around 99/50 ish. GP doesn’t seem concerned so not really fone anything about it.
You’re very welcome to some of it. Your high BP was extremely high. Did you have any symptoms of high BP before your stroke or was it a silent problem?
I knew it was high, and was on meds for 15 years. The meds (4 different batches) failed to contain it because I would build up a resistance to any drug given over time. Cascade effect. My BP probably has just gone up thinking about it !!! R
I went for my yearly check-up at the surgery on Wednesday and for the first time in my life I had high blood pressure! There seems to be no reason for it. I have been given a blood pressure monitor to use for 4 days, to see if it regulates itself, but the timing couldn’t be worse, as I’m flying out to the far east on Monday afternoon. No pressure then!
I spoke to my GP about it this afternoon. He doesn’t seem overly worried and will speak to me again on Monday before I go. I had visions of them telling me not to go, but he said if worse comes to worst he can prescribe a very low dose medication to bring the blood pressure down.
…and that’s where Grounding can help so much. Our bodies are bio-electrical (think of every heartbeat which is controlled by electrical impulses generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, often called the heart’s natural pacemaker. These impulses cause the heart muscles to contract, pumping blood through the body. The electrical signal then moves through the atrioventricular (AV) node and down specialized pathways, coordinating the heartbeat.)
Every electrical appliance in our house is grounded (to prevent malfunction, shocks, even fire) except one ; US … hence we eventually malfunction unless grounded !!
Sorry to hear of your high blood pressure @MinnieB hopefully it’s reassuring that the GP doesn’t seem too worried and I hope you can get some nice relaxation time on your holiday.
The link I shared for Stroke Prevention Day may be helpful for you to have a read of.
Thanks for the link. My stroke couldn’t have been predicted and no cause was ever found. The high blood pressure came as a surprise as well, because my BP has always been low. Also:-
I exercise regularly
I have a low sodium diet (I have used lo salt for about 30 years)
I eat fresh fruit and veg daily
I don’t smoke
I am not overweight
I drink well within the alcohol limit
The high BP was picked up on my annual check up at my local surgery (but they didn’t pick up on anything unusual prior to my stroke 11 years ago).
Some things happen without being predicted. Just bad luck I guess!
