Living Your Best Life with Prehypertension (Part One): Prehypertension Defined

"Your blood pressure is a little higher than I'd like to see. What we’re looking at is prehypertension. I’m going to write you a prescription for hydrochlorathiazide. Take one everyday with orange juice and see me again in six months.”

My doctor continued to talk, defining my newly diagnosed prehypertension. He expressed how my salt intake effects my blood pressure and how It would be in my best interest to change my diet and start exercising. I was terrified because I knew  high blood pressure was serious business.

“Both of my parents are taking medication for high blood pressure,” I thought. “Do I now have high blood pressure as well? Do I have to eat bland food everyday? I’ve never even heard of prehypertension, what in the world is it?"

No, I didn't have high blood pressure, but yes, I was aggravated. I knew there would have to be a lifestyle change on my part because of prehypertension, " a precursor to chronic high blood pressure" and this change would wreak havoc on all of my fun, which was nothing more than a bunch of bad eatinghabits I loved to participate in.

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