FIRST DAY WITHOUT, I REPEAT, WITHOUT BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE!!!!!
My blood pressure is still running 110-116/60-70 and my pulse rate this morning was 47. This is after cutting my bp medicine in half a few weeks ago. I have been experiencing some light headedness, especially when changing position from sitting to standing etc (? orthostatic hypotension). So, today I stopped taking it (I was only on 1/2 of a pill once a day so I've tapered slowly). I have access to a bp monitor all the time at work and at home too. I will keep a close eye on it and if it gets out of range (over 130/80) I will resume the 1/2 tablet each day. I will also likely see my physician today and will run this by him to make sure its OK.
This is a very exciting time for me. When I got on the medicine I was drinking beer 3-5 days/wk, probably 6-9 beers per night. If I had to guess, this is what is called alcohol induced hypertension. I rarely drink anymore, exercise regularly, eat much better, have lost around 35 pounds and voila, my bp is back to normal.
I just had to share this as this was/is one of my goals for 2009!