Had my yearly check-up yesterday, doc wasn't happy with my BP at 136/88. Was able to talk him into letting me try a few things before we do meds. I do exercise 4-5 times a week but I can definitely stand to eat better and lose a few pounds. Any tips for lowering BP?

relax and lose some stress, so don't fish

Exactly what you said, diet and exercise. If your getting older, one simple cheap pill a day may be worth doing. Mine was much higher then that when they found it a few years ago, now it’s on the money every time it’s checked

It's OK if you can catch and not just fish.

Try taking your own BP. Buy one of those Omron blood pressure monitors. Mine often runs a little high at the Docs office, cause I'm wondering what is next on their agenda. Will my blood pressure be high? Will my cholesterol be high? Do I have the Chiner Flu? What is that gizmo on the desk? Why am I sitting on butcher paper? What tiime is it? Who is that nurse, she looks pretty hot? Look, I can see down her top some. What is going on in the next room? How much do my clothes add to my weight?

Exercise primarily, drink plenty of water and eat better

Also remember, genetics play a part in blood pressure. My dad had high blood pressure all his life and struggled with it. I have had it for years and finally, after exercising and dieting religiously, I went on blood pressure meds and it has been under control since. I stil eat right and exercise, but I no longer stress about it. I was concerned about the damage high blood pressure does to your other organs while you try to keep it under control. Everyone is different and this at least worked for me.

136 is a touch high, but that is not bad.

No added salt.

Hook up with Junes neighbor. It will either lower your BP or kill ya.

Used to be, your readings were within "normal" guidelines. See the attached link:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases...ure/in-depth/blood-pressure/art-20050982

Several of the links at the bottom of the above might be enlightening for you.

Note:
I have one of the ~$50 arm cuff electronic BP indicators at home and I test myself every morning. I read 135/88 on it. I go to the PCP every 90 days and the physician's assistant does my BP with the electronic thing she rolls in to check my vitals. She gets a reading somewhere around 130/85 +/- .
Then the Dr. comes in and after the verbal consult I sit on the "bed", do some relaxing and he does BP with the stethoscope and the cuff and the rotary dial on the wall.
BP is then 120/72 "Perfect" he says.

Don't trust the electronic thingamabobs, make the Dr. use the tried and true sphygmomanometer and take the reading after you've calmed down . . . . .

P.S. I take 2.5mg of lisinopril daily for about 2.5 yrs now. I'm 72 and weigh 275. Last year I got down to 247 but then had a stent put in a vein that feeds blood to my heart. Still trying to lose weight but it's tough.

When I go to the doctor, mine's like 150 over 110. I have white coat syndrome.

Losartan will help.

I second the home BP monitor, they are cheap and accurate, just make sure the cuff is placed properly on your arm.

Very surprised your Doctor would even consider medication before monitoring your BP for a two week period and checking it several times each day.