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Gerridoc's avatar

The picture demonstrating the factors that can affect BP measurement is very helpful.

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Em's avatar

I have the exact opposite issue and have symptomatically low BP… however there isn’t much talk or information about it. I find numbers to be helpful to an extent. It helps me not feel like it’s “all in my head” and I love some data. However, I have found there is such thing as too much. Finding a nicer balance with it these days.

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Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

I'd be happy to write about low blood pressure next week! DO you have a specific question I could answer?

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Em's avatar

My questions revolve around things to be aware of/look out for and what to do if you experience those things? Best practices to mitigate symptoms? Thank you for being willing to talk about this!

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Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

Great ! I will post this next week:)

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Bethany's avatar

Me too!

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John's avatar

How I Lost 29.6 Pounds in 30 Days and Reversed My Diabetes with Simple Daily Habits

For years, I struggled with my weight and rising blood sugar levels. I barely recognized myself—physically or emotionally. My energy was gone, my confidence was shot, and my health kept slipping in the wrong direction.

Then one month, I made a decision to try something different.

No crash diets.

No intense workouts.

Just simple, natural daily habits.

Here’s what I did:

Stopped eating after 8 PM

Cut out processed foods

Drank at least 2 liters of water per day

Walked 20–30 minutes every day

Ate more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, chia seeds, and oats

Included lean protein with every meal

Drank a glass of water with apple cider vinegar before meals

Started each morning with a simple metabolism-boosting drink

Focused on 7–8 hours of quality sleep

Took deep-breathing breaks to manage stress and cortisol levels

Limited added sugars and refined carbs

Took magnesium and vitamin D supplements (check with your doctor first)

If you’re feeling stuck too, this short video might be exactly what you need to fasten the process.

Watch it here: copy and paste the URL in Google

(Just replace “[dot]” with a . period in your browser.)

tinyurldotcom/ys5pp7zz

I never imagined it could be this simple

Little by little, I began feeling like myself again—lighter, more energetic, and more in control. The result? I lost 29.6 pounds in just 30 days, and my blood sugar levels began to normalize.

I truly wish I had seen it sooner—it could’ve saved me years of frustration.

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Coastlines by Carol Cobb Brown's avatar

I feel better already; this is so helpful. I give blood regularly, and my blood pressure has been no concern over the years. During my recent Medicare annual well-check, it was notably elevated. It got my attention, and I have been monitoring it regularly. I have a follow-up appointment with my PCP (who did not get worked up at the reading) next month and have been paying extra close attention to all the lifestyle contributors. What upset me was recently visiting my high school friend who is an M.D. She all but yelled at me for not being on prescription drugs. When I tried to say I wanted to see if I could do anything to reduce the number, she said that because I was fit, exercised, and always paid attention, I couldn't do anything to impact the numbers because I was 70! THANK You, Dr. McBride.

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Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

Well, it may be true that your blood pressure warrants medical intervention - despite your healthy habits, but that is not a good reason to yell at you!!!! :)

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Sara Squires's avatar

Performing isometric exercises like planks or wall sits have been show to have a positive impact on high blood pressure along with cardiovascular exercise :)

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Bethany's avatar

My BP is consistently low - anything from 104/64 to 90/60 - and I would love to have some info on how to raise it. I take electrolytes/salt daily. I am generally healthy, beyond being hypothyroid.

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Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

Great - will answer this on Friday!

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mike kirkwood's avatar

Excellent article. It's the most informative I've ever read. I've found driving through downtown and using the freeway to my appointments. raises my BP 10-20 points

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Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

I hear you! :)

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Suzette Ciancio's avatar

Thanks so much for this, Dr. McBride! I really appreciate the common sense and medical advice!

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Stella Ann's avatar

What about “white coat” hypertension. I have consistently great numbers - except at the doctor’s office. I even brought my home blood pressure machine in to be checked and it is spot on.

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Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

It's a thing! Hence the utility of home BP monitors.

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Karen Hutmacher's avatar

I am not fully diagnosed yet. Maybe considering POTS which has side effects of heart.

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Karen Hutmacher's avatar

I am not fully diagnosed yet. Maybe considering POTS which has side effects of heart.

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Karen Hutmacher's avatar

I am not fully diagnosed yet. Maybe considering POTS which has side effects of heart.

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Linda (Evanston IL)'s avatar

Even though I do not watch television at all and limit my news intake to mornings only, I am waking up with panic attacks from current events as early as 3 am. I lay flat on my back and meditate with my breathing exercises. It takes at least 20 minutes to return to a calm state. Then I take my blood pressure. Usually my blood pressure is where it's supposed to be.

The weather has been horrible here but as much as possible I try to walk daily or do pilates. Gardening season will not begin for a few weeks. Reading poetry, nature writing, and other calming books also helps.

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Apr 8
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Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

BP readings are objective; it's the management of BP that is in part lifestyle, in part genetics, in part about underlying health - and everyone has different drivers of their objective BP readings.. does that make sense? :)

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