Hi all,

I've been suffering recently from really high blood pressure (I mean REALLY high - hypertensive high). It's been high for a bit, but it's not getting better. I've also been suffering with an irregular heartbeat recently - had an ECG and blood tests done - just waiting to go back to the doctors to see what they have to say.

Now I'm guessing the heart beat will be easy enough to fix with bills as will the BP. However, I want to try and bring it down naturally first.

I have been stressed, and do suffer from mild anxiety - not in the social sense, just in the stress sense. I've been to see a doctor who has ruled out depression and I think they're probably right - I don't think I am. However, I can completely accept that I am suffering from stress/anxiety. I've had this BP and heart rate issue for ages, I just ignored it... which was stupid I know, letting my body cane itself for no reason. Anyway, I'm doing something about it by seeing the doc.

My question is, is there anything you can suggest to help bring myself back into a better mindset/state of equilibrium>? I'm not suggesting illegal medicines or anything like that. My diet's good, lots of fish and poultry, lots of veg, a little fruit, some dairy (not a huge amounts), hardly any refined carbs at all, lots of fish oils.

I'm back into my training so I'm exercising at least 3 to 4 days a week, and on days where I don't go to the gym I go for a good fast paced 5mile or so walk (at least twice a week). Apart from this weekend, I hardly drink, and I don't smoke or do drugs (boring I know).

I guess life is a little busy at the moment, and I should learnt to relax, but I don't really know how to. As a result of my BP and stress I'm not able to sleep. I can't remember the last time I got more than 3-4 hrs sleep. If I do sleep more, it's bitty/intermittent sleep.

I'm due back to my doctor tomorrow, but in the mean time I'm keen to hear your thoughts and any ideas or lifestyle changes you have done that have helped you combat such issues.

Thanks for your time/help.

Will

CV work is understandably more effective for lowering BP than lifting weights - so that's one thing you could do.

Booze affects my BP massively. Normally mine is just about bang on 120/80, but after a heavy week on holiday I went to the doctor's for something unrelated and it was up at 150/90 or so. Not cool!

Sleep sounds like the big factor for you. As you're stressed - cortisol levels will already be high, and a lack of sleep will only make that worse. I reckon you need to concentrate on that, mate. There's no doubt that it's possible to function mentally on little sleep after some adjustment, but physically it's not good in the medium/long term.

Sleep, Yoga, Meditation, Camomile Tea, CQ10 and Garlic

No no lack of sleep is definitely not helping! However, it's a bit of a catch 22, as I can't sleep because clearly there's something going on, and because I can't sleep it's not helping reduce the stress!!! It's been months since I've last had a decent night's sleep. I'm desperate for getting my sleep patterns back on track - I did mention that to the docs and she agreed it was important, but as we both discussed it it does seem to be a bit of a catch 22 situation!

I am in the process of increasing CV work - so thanks for confirming that - I just need to start getting used to doing more, whilst I don't like running, I quite like skipping so just going to try to do that 3-4 nights a week now.

I seldom drink, though even if I did, I've been having this problem for a while, it's only because I've had enough that I've been to see the doc (stupid I know). It's starting to affect me now though, probably because I'm aware of it now.

I don't want to take sleeping pills or take drugs if I'm honest - I really want to see if I can bring myself back on track.

Never tried meditation or yoga... it's about finding the time to do it though! I will have to read up on it.

Rhodiola rosea is worth a shot, as is l-theanine. I'm usually bad with stress etc, but this year at uni was the best i've been (it was my final year too!) and these supps undoubtedly helped me. They're relatively cheap too.

Wanking helps. Also posting ass shots on forums.

Work/life balance needs fixing, said it on a previous thread...

Tell me about it. I'm trying to give myself as much "me" time as possible at the moment. As for wanking, haven't had the urge for a while either - hmmmm maybe that says it all! lol!

Well I've just been for a run, 5km in 30 mins... not as fit as I thought I was! Quite enjoyed it actually - will start doing it more. I'll be interested in what the doc has to say too.

Thanks for the advice on RR - is it available in cap form yet?

Work mate, end of...

Can I have the winning lottery numbers then so I don't have to work please?! :p

Train with the pirate!

This weekend for sure mate - I'm doing fuck all - I need a relaxing one!

Come to Southport. EOD.

Shed loads of walking and sprints worked for mine, I'm only 23 and congenitally mine is really high, 155/115 at it's worst! Now I'm back in the normal range, as soon as my bf levels head towards 15% it gets worse as well. I really don't think supplementing with anything to bring it down is a good idea, all these things may just be treating the symptoms and ignoring the cause, for you it might be stress/anxiety related but i believe mine was because I sat around all day and my only exercise was 2-3 hours of weights a week.

Yeah it runs in the family too - I just need to get fitter. However, I need to learn to chill as well. I'm VERY bad at relaxing, I can't let go, can't empty my mind of thoughts. It takes me ages to start to relax on holiday for example.

Will wrote:Can I have the winning lottery numbers then so I don't have to work please?! :p

Same.

Just got to make it be less of an impact on yourself to reduce the stress and then you'll be inclined to try and relax and do other things. Getting on a Mountain Bike and losing yourself in some woodlands or forestry was one of the best ways to clear the head that I know of. You're similar to how I used to be and still can be in that you find it hard to switch off so the more active or demanding the activity, the better it'll help.

Alex wrote:

Will wrote:Can I have the winning lottery numbers then so I don't have to work please?! :p

Same.

Just got to make it be less of an impact on yourself to reduce the stress and then you'll be inclined to try and relax and do other things. Getting on a Mountain Bike and losing yourself in some woodlands or forestry was one of the best ways to clear the head that I know of. You're similar to how I used to be and still can be in that you find it hard to switch off so the more active or demanding the activity, the better it'll help.

Totally agree (surprise surprise), and even better is competing- if I go downhill racing for the weekend then it's literally all I can think of. It seems stressful/nerve-wracking at the time, but in actual fact 48hrs off from thinking about anything except downhill mountain bike racing is remarkably cathartic.

On a similar note I recently tried Bikram yoga for the first time, and loved it- you have to work bloody hard and it takes all your concentration, so the same applies. Also a great counterpoint to lifting weights / hunching over a computer keyboard.

Yeah I really want to get myself a bike - it's easier than running for a start!

hardly a good advertisement for lean or 6sigma

go get some bloods done- could be a simple tweak

julesm wrote:hardly a good advertisement for lean or 6sigma

go get some bloods done- could be a simple tweak

Tell me about it - but having 1/5th of my team made redundant means I've taken on a lot more to do... and I tend to throw myself into my work too much However, if I deliver on my projects I could be saving the company several £100ks so worthwhile, but not worth my health issues I accept.

I have had blood tests done, just waiting for the results.


I really appreciate everybody's candid and honest replies and really am grateful for your help.

Can they test for ghyness then?

will are you there as contractor or perm?

If perm - sod that!

if contractor - ull have to deal with it!

Thats what we get paid for!

Mercenaries!

If the ppl being culled are shit - then its worth it! If there not - escalate but dont take on more than a) you dont get paid for b) that dont dont get appreciated

one thing ive learnt as a contractor - noone got recognised by sailing to close to the wind! ull get binned as soon as so treat them like that

the fuhrer has spoken- mercenary mofo

Not a contractor. Couldn't deal without a steady source of income.

Dude - then you def dont need to play the martyr!

Screw that!!!! Tell them to do one - health is priority

I find cycling has a very positive effect of stress . I like Alex's idea of just taking off in the country .
Even cycling to work helps me