High blood pressure-what can I do?

[Cath278]

Dear Dr. I recently discovered that I have high blood pressure, (last week.) I went to my Dr. with an earache and a terrible headache and eye pain. My pressure was 200/144. He started me on medication, but didnt say if I should be taking it easy?
I an 49yrs woman, smoker, not overweight and also have IIH/PTC. My pressure today is 155/111. Better?
I am in the middle of redecorating the house . I am tired but can do the work.
My question is, should I? Is it dangerous until such time as my pressure is better?
Thank you, Cath278

[kenkeith]

It may be dangerous with high blood pressure to be smoking. If you get tired with very little exertion that could also be an indication of something more serious.

Smoking injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. So even though it does not cause high blood pressure, smoking is bad for anyone, especially those with high blood pressure.

The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster, which temporarily raises your blood pressure. To temporarily increase an already high bp could cause serious injury to your heart and possibly a stroke.  If your IIH/PTC may be the underlying cause for your headaches.

If your redecorating involves chemical fumes, there may be some risk involved.