Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

how long to wait for lifestyle changes to kick in?

Unfortunately I have elevated BP and have been trying to remedy it by lifestyle/diet changes.  I started on Jan 1 of his year and now (Feb 18) have had some progress.  

My BP Jan 1 was 136/100.  The top number vacillated between 136 and 150 and the bottom was fairly consistent between 100-102.

Today, my BP was 121/82 but it still vacillates, the top number goes as low as 117 and as high as 140.  The bottom number has more consistently come down and mostly reads in the mid 80s to low 80s but I can an occasional one off reading in the low 90s.

It's been only 6 weeks so far and I know I have a lot more work to do but just wondering if this is consistent progress expected with diet/lifestyle change or if my BP isn't responding as well to these changes.  I'm not on meds right now but was thinking of waiting until the 90 day mark then deciding.

Also, what is the best way to record BP, I was thinking 4 readings 1 minute apart then average of the 3 best out of 4.

Thoughts?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
thanks, I will re-evaluate after 90 days (until end of March) and then consider medication.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
That sounds like a great plan. Let me know how it goes!
973741 tn?1342342773
Gosh, it has not been that long and you ARE seeing an effect already it seems like. Give yourself 3 to 6 months. Your bp is still in the hypertension range. I hovered there myself for a very long time and finally my doctor convinced me to begin medication. I do respond to lowering my weight with lower blood pressure but it is hard for me to maintain that. I have genetic or familial hypertension. Definitely wait until 90 days to see where you are at. What lifestyle changes have you made?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hypertension Community

Top Healthy Living Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
14 super-healthy foods that are worth the hype
Small changes make a big impact with these easy ways to cut hundreds of calories a day.
Forget the fountain of youth – try flossing instead! Here are 11 surprising ways to live longer.
From STD tests to mammograms, find out which screening tests you need - and when to get them.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.