Hi ,

First of all, I’m sorry to hear this. A diagnosis of high blood pressure can be quite alarming. Let me explain to you a few reasons why blood pressure can be elevated. I also have a few questions for you that might help us to help you.

Here are some reasons why blood pressure can be elevated:

Insulin resistance/diabetes
High blood pressure can be caused by insulin resistance. Measuring fasting insulin can provide us insight into how insulin sensitive you are. In my (and most) countries this isn’t a traditional test done by doctors or cardiologists, but in my opinion, this test is much more accurate.

A fasting blood glucose measurement can be done easily at home. In ‘the general tips’ (click here to get there) we explain how to use one and evaluate ideal blood glucose numbers.

Bernadette also made a video (click here) with other testing options to find out how efficient your blood sugar regulation is.

Insulin resistance can cause neuropathic symptoms (the tingling sensation) and high cholesterol.

Endothylial disfunction
Arteries can get damaged. Cholesterol build up as a way to fix the damaged holes in the arteries can cause elevations in blood pressure as well. Did you cardiologist do a calcium score screening?

Thyroid hormones
Hypothyroidism can lead also lead to elevated cholesterol and neuropathic symptoms. Hypothyroidism or a slow thyroid can cause quite a few other symptoms as well like: feeling cold, unexplained weight gain, losing hair, depression, constipation, etc. (And we have a great video for that as well! Just click here)

Did your doctor test your thyroid so you could rule out this cause of high blood pressure? If not, you should test your thyroid. In this video bernadette explains what thyroid tests are important. I recommend you watch this video as well!

Stress
Blood pressure elevations can be caused by elevated stress hormones as well. Stress hormones can off course be elevated by emotional stress (relationship/money/friends/lonelyness/unresolved anger/feelings of guilt, etc), but also physical stress (a go go go-do do do lifestyle, lack of sleep, aggressive workouts, chronic pain, simmering infections) or chemical stress (smoking, drinking, inhaled polution, unhealthy food & drug use). Stress can also lead to insulin resistance and a low thyroid (learn more here).

Estrogen & Progesterone
You mentioned you are in menopauze. Changes in estrogen & progesteon both can influence thyroid function (click here to learn more). Estrogen also keeps blood pressure down because it has vasodilative effects, while progesterone can has diuretic effects. If you believe you experience more symptoms of estrogen dominance/disbalance, blood pressure can be influenced as well. Long term exposure to high estrogen can lead to high blood pressure as well. With estrogen disbalance it can go both ways. High estrogen (for your age) can also lead to high copper, a mineral that can activate the fight-or-flight nervous system.

Lowering blood pressure
• Magnesium can help lowering blood pressure. I would recommend magnesium glycinate as a supplement. 
• Potassium is also key for having a normal blood pressure. Focus on potassium rich foods like tomatoes, avocado’s, spinach, broccoli, leavy greans, banana’s, etc). A magnesium deficiency can also lead to a potassium deficiency.
• Having a good sleep hydiene is also important. Melatonine, the sleep hormone, also regulates blood pressure.
• Exersize – especially cardio – is a powerful tool to lower blood pressure as well.
• Liquids: drink plenty of water, avoid drinking stimulants like coffee, thee, energy drinks and sometimes kumbucha can contain (added) caffeine as well.
• Avoid high glycemic foods like: sugar and foods made of grain flour (including tapioca flour)
• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Include the omega 3s EPA and DHA. These work on 2 fronts. They can help lower inflammation and make your blood more liquid. I often advise my clients between 2000-4000 mg of EPA+DHA per day divided in 2 dosages a day with a fat containing meal. Curcumin has also anti-inflammatory properties. Look for a supplement in the Meriva form (click here for an example)
• Eat a diet lower in saturated fats. The main role of cholesterol is transporting lipids. Lowering fat intake can help you lower your cholesterol.
• Try to avoid stress – focus on drinking calming teas 

I mainly focused on the blood pressure/cholesterol part here. I was wondering were in the chest you feel your pain. Is it above the ribs – in the muscles? Is it deeper? Can you describe the pain? Is it very localised or more like an area? Is the pain like a sharp stab or a dull ache? Does it feel like it burns? Does the pain radiate to other areas like the arm or neck?

Could you also describe to us the pains you feel in your lower back/abs. Is this the same pain? Or are these 2 different pains you feel?

And what was the opinion of your doctor? About your blood pressure/cholesterol & about the pains in your lower back/ab and chest?

Let us know so we can help you in the best way possible!