Seamus

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Adjusting to high blood pressure and high cholesterol

After having a formerly active lifestyle, Seamus had to learn how to adapt his lifestyle after learning he had high blood pressure. By changing his diet and learning to relax, he has managed to get it under control.

I am a graduate of Victoria University in Wellington, and my hobbies include art, music, swimming, camping, vegetarianism, reading thrillers and stamp collecting!

Last year, at the age of 51, I was diagnosed by my doctor with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

My systolic blood pressure (top number) has been in the 140s for at least 10 years, so it wasn’t a huge shock, but I knew I needed to do something.

I used to eat a lot of processed and salty foods such as cakes, sweets and chocolate.

Body feeling better on the right fuel

I didn’t receive any real guidance from the health system or support from my doctor on what changes to make to my lifestyle.

Instead, I read up on how to lower my blood pressure and cholesterol from leaflets and books.

I have now cut down on processed foods and I do yoga every day to reduce my stress and anxiety levels.

I also go swimming every week, which seems to help a lot. Finally, I keep a blood pressure monitor at home to constantly manage my blood pressure and this has been very helpful.

Persevering with lifestyle changes

It’s not been easy to adapt to these changes, especially not doing too much strenuous exercise. I used to do a lot of weightlifting and exercising in the gym when I was a teenager, but now I don’t do anything like that.

I’ve been taking things a lot easier and doing my best to relax and eat healthily.

Sometimes, I still experience dizziness and light-headedness, which could be due to migraines, but can be worrying. I also occasionally have palpitations and headaches, but I’ve learned to manage these by listening to relaxing music in the evenings.

Advice for others

I would recommend that other people get to know their limits, and not push themselves too much!  As soon as you get adverse symptoms, try to relax through listening to music or doing yoga!