Over the past six months my blood pressure has gone from normal (120/80 give or take a few points) to high (about 155/91) which I just discovered a couple days ago. It had been pretty stable at normal levels for about 2 years prior to that. I’m having a heck of time identifying what has changed that might have caused BP to increase. I’m hoping some T-Nation members might have some suggestions as to what to look for while I wait for my doctor appointment.
This is what I do know has changed…
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I have NOT been taking any thermogenics / stimulants / fat burners for a couple months now, but I did try one bottle of Hot Rox in that period.
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My body composition has not changed significantly in that period, (although it’s pretty poor anyway.) In other words, I’m not getting fatter.
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I have been getting a lot more sun exposure and tanning, and hence a lot more vitamin D.
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Along with the vitamin D, I’ve been taking calcium supplements and getting more dairy products than I have before. Other than that, no changes to the diet. I do tend to eat low carb.
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My HRT has changed from 250mg of test enanthate every other week to 125 mg per week.
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I increased the intensity of my exercise program a lot in the past 3 weeks, adding a lot more energy work and lifting heavier with fewer reps.
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I ran out of both Biotest “M” and ZMA a couple months ago and haven’t taken any of those in a while. (Just got a fresh batch!)
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I can’t think of anything particularly stressful throughout that period.
It seems that most of these changes should lower blood pressure, including the vitamin D and calcium. What am I missing? Could it be something subtle? I’m afraid my GP won’t be able to recommend anything other than to prescribe drugs.