It’s true folks, working out has improved my blood pressure!

For those of you who don’t have access to my medical records, well, I have high blood pressure. I have dealt with this condition since I was a young man. I still remember as a child when my doctor would tell my mom, “Please don’t use so much salt when you cook. Your son’s blood pressure is too high now.”

I guess in my case, it is hereditary. As I got older, it became more of a problem. Add to that some weight gain, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits, and I ended up in the hospital more than once. Not a great experience. Eventually, I had no choice but to start taking blood pressure medication. My doctor said it was only a matter of time and that, given how high my blood pressure was, I really needed it to avoid serious issues like a stroke. Definitely concerning!

Fast forward a few years after starting the medication.

Over the past year, I have gone from nearly 275 pounds to just under 200 pounds! My eating habits have changed drastically, and so have my body composition and overall health.

A few months ago, I started feeling very dizzy. While walking, I’d lose my balance and sometimes feel like I was about to lose consciousness. It was a really scary feeling. I knew I needed to see my doctor, so I scheduled a visit.

The first thing the nurse and doctor noticed was how low my heart rate was. They expressed concern and started figuring out why this was happening. The doctor said a low heart rate could definitely cause dizziness and fainting. After some discussion, we realized that the dosage of my blood pressure medicine might be too high for my current health.

“You’re much healthier now. Maybe you don’t need as much medication.”

So, we lowered the dosage by 50 percent. I went from 100mg to 50mg. After confirming I could safely cut the tablets in half, I doubled the number of pills I had by splitting them myself. Not only did I lower the dosage, but I also stretched my medication supply and saved some money!

I went back to the doctor a month later, and she said my blood pressure was where it should be, and my heart rate looked better too. So, ladies and gentlemen, getting healthier can help reduce your need for medication. I’d love to stop taking it altogether, but given my history with high blood pressure, it’s not likely. Though I’m still optimistic.