What can I do about my pre-hypertension?

I have consistently for the past 6 months checked my blood pressure and despite lowering my sodium intake and exercising more it has not moved at all. I continue to exercise daily and avoid salty foods as best I can and see no change. I know the effects of hypertension are serious and should be treated but information on pre-hypertension is not distinct in what should be done. My brother follows a very strict healthy diet (very low salt and lots of fruits and vegetables), exercises more than me (he rides his bike to work about 4 miles one way), and despite being taller than me and weighing less (5鈥?1鈥?and 150 pounds, I鈥檓 5鈥?鈥?155 pounds) he has a B.P. that鈥檚 about the same (falls in the range considered pre-hypertension). Are we destined to be on B.P. Medication or is there something reasonable that can be incorporated into our lives to help control our B.P. It seems to me that medication will be the eventually outcome but I鈥檓 still holding onto the hope of controlling my B.P. on my own.

You're on the right track by lowering your sodium intake and exercising, but another major factor that can lead to hypertension is excessive stress. If you are a workaholic or are trying to juggle too many responsibilities all at once, the stress level can trigger it. Cut some of your less important responsibilities out of your life and take the time to relax. My mom was genetically at risk of getting hypertension, but it did not trigger until she was trying to get her degree, raise me, go through a divorce, and make an hour and a half commute to her night shift job. It has been 7 years, and she still has to take Norvasc for it. Stress is a major factor in hypertension, trust me, you may benefit from slowing down a little.

Nothing to worry you are doing well, just avoid stress, obesity, and physical, eat neat and clean. This is a simple solution to your problem.

Sorry, but unfortunately heredity is the major underlying factor in many hypertension cases. Sometimes you can do everything right and still have hypertension. But don't give up and do nothing because then, evil wins. Keep doing your best to control it but don't rule out medication. The alternative is much worse.