BP
tao • 17 Mar 2023 •
Now that I am over 50 and plunging towards being a decrepit old man, I received an automated alert from my local doctor, asking me to submit 3 blood pressure readings. Based on the results, they will decide if I need any further investigation or not.
Receiving this text was enough to put my blood pressure up and my mind spiralling into dark thoughts.
I know that my readings will be high, with everything work wise that is going on and how I have been feeling at the moment. I feel down and tense all the time, quick to anger (privately) and rely on a bad diet of biscuits and cups of tea too much.
If I were to score myself, I would say my overall health is probably a 45/100. I definitely suffer from mental health issues, don’t exercise regularly enough at the moment, could do with losing a few pounds and need to concentrate more on having a balanced diet. Fruit? WTF is that, give me a biscuit instead! And no, Brandon… not that kind of biscuit.
Luckily, we do have a blood pressure machine at home after my wife had a recent scary reading, so I can pick my moment to do the tests, which need to be taken at the same time, 3 minutes apart. Maybe I will do some yoga first, meditate for 10 minutes and then strap it on.
Only joking. It’s probably best I take a realistic reading and submit it, unless it is sky high for some reason. I would do the Yoga and take it again.
But I am suspecting to be called into the doctors for a follow-up anyway, seeing as I never go. The last time I saw him, he tested my blood pressure and told me it shouldn’t be so high for someone who is a runner. But I was anxious and don’t really get on with my doctor after he chuckled when I told him I was suffering from depression. How to make someone feel even more pathetic 101.
However, it could be a wake up call if the readings are bad. I wish I was a bit more like Brandon or Tim Ferris, taking readings, doing treatments, seeking advice and looking after myself more. It all feels like too much effort.
Maybe 15 years ago, my mantra was “Look like shit, feel like shit”. Perhaps it hasn’t changed in those 15 years, I have just internalised it now and stopped saying it out loud to myself. But I went running last night and easily managed 4.5k without too much effort, so I can’t be that unwell, can I?
Comments
- I’m with you–biscuits (and cookies) over fruit seven days a week! 2) I am honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Tim Ferriss. 3) Heart disease is the #1 killer worldwide, and high BP is certainly connected to it. You’ll feel better when your BP is normalized, and many cheap and effective drugs can help until you’re ready to identify and fix the root cause(s). I had gotten so used to high BP that I didn’t realize what normal feels like.
I predict that your doctor is going to tell you to do things that you already know you should be doing.
Managing 4.5k without much effort does indicate some good level of fitness! Not many can do that I must say
