I had a sudden onset of high blood pressure this past month. I don’t know if this is related, but I had sinus surgery less than a week ago. I was really surprised that the condition came on so quickly, because I’m only 34 and I’ve always had low-normal blood pressure, but I do have some risk factors (overweight, inactive, high sodium diet). So…
Here’s what I’m doing:
taking blood pressure medication
not adding much salt to my diet
trying not to get stressed out easily
monitoring my blood pressure at home
I know that I need to lose weight, exercise more, try to find low sodium foods, and avoid caffeine. Do you have any additional suggestions? Anything I need to be aware of when grocery shopping (low sodium products)?
By the way, this is so new to me, I didn’t even know if I’m correct in placing this in the heart disease category.
PS: Sorry, I noticed someone just asked this a few minutes ago. Any answers, though, are greatly appreciated! 
Any suggestions for salt substitutes? I love herbs and seasonings, especially mexican-style seasonings, but I’ve never had to worry about the sodium content.
Tai chi chuan is an effective and easy way to not only work on getting more active, but it also is proven to help in decreasing blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, thus allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently with less effort. look into it.
weight management, quit smoking, limit alcohol, limit salt, add exercise, don’t use products that have “partially hydrogenated ……….” in the ingredients as this is very bad for not only blood pressure, but cholesterol, and overall heart health.
There are several sites that can be helpful to educate you about your condition & how to best manage it. One thing, is remember that whatever you decide to start doing make sure that it is something that you can keep doing. B/c this is a life style change – something that isn’t temporary. Once you incorporate diet changes, exercise, etc, into your daily routine, there’s a high probability that you’ll no longer need medication. (& that’s the ultimate goal, to get off the medication & manage your blood pressure without medications, b/c of the side effects.)
GOOD Luck!
OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION -LIKE SINUS and PAIN MEDICATION CAN SOMETIMES ELEVATE Bp.
Two things that you must do is to quit using any salt at all and you must bring your weight into accepted norms. The heart has to work harder to supply blood to all areas of an obese body. Living without is not difficult, I did so many years ago and I don’t miss it. Previously prepared food contains all the salt that a body needs.
I am sure your sinus innfection is playing a role. I would wait till your infection is gone and recheck your blood pressure at least 3 times in a relaxed way. But to loose weight and diminsh salt is very clever. Enjoy your life, reax and exercise and eat healthy. There are many causes for high blood pressure and infections is one like, stress, not relaxed enough, not eating well, to much sodium, too much coffee and sodas, not enough water intake, hormonal imbalance, illnesses….you mention it. When you take your blood pressure;, Sit still, relax for 5 minutes and do not talk. Visualize that your blood pressure is low. Nervousness before your blood pressure is taken will influence your blood pressure which is called white coat syndrome.
Yesterday I did a test with a 49 old gentleman, he had an infection in his lip, was stressed out because his wife is very sick, has bills to pay…etc. He had the same question so I took his blood pressure 155/98 too high. I asked him to relax and lay down for 5 minutes and no talk. I repeated the blood pressure again it was 144/89. I did EFT on him, Emotional Freedom Technique. Which takes me a minute? Simple easy acupressure points with affirmations. His blood pressure, still having his infection, came down in 2 ½ minutes to 136/73. He was so relieved and grateful. So funny you ask this question now. See source for more recipes on high blood pressure and enjoy your life, learn EFT, to get a better life and you can save on trips to doctors, psychiatrist, counselors etc. Good luck.
To maintain your BP,lose weight,become active and lower your sodium intake.You seem to be aware you are eating too much salt so should be easy for you to reduce salt intake gradually. I suggest you start by removing salt from your dinner table and refrain from eating salty snack foods, then concentrate on cooking without salt and using spices or lemon juice to flavor your food at the table.Also, please be aware salt substitutes for most part are mad with chemicals that usually have same effect as salt on BP.
Good luck and good health.