I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure in 1972 in a life insurance exam.

Despite living a "clean" life . . . including running a marathon . . . my blood pressure continued to spike.

Ten years ago I had a heart attack symptoms and called the EMTs. My heart stopped and luckily I was in an ambulance and was revived. They said I had 100% blockage and put in a stent.

I'm now 70 and take a double handful of pills a day. My blood pressure this month has been at a high of 167/89 and a low of 130/80 (yesterday).

I live a stressful life that I hope will finally wind down.

Weight loss helps. Less stress helps. Different parents would help the most. Both of mine died of heart attacks at 83, so I don't even have a trade-in.

If your body has to have an ailment . . . which it does . . . heart disease is a great one to have. The symptoms are almost non-existent and the time you'll likely spend in a nursing home is far below average.

I try to eat Mediterranean and especially avoid foods that start with Chhhh. Chips, Chocolate, Cheese. I do eat chili but use ground turkey.

When I feel horribly stressed I either play with my grandchildren, which helps the most, or pet my dog. Unfortunately my dog is fifteen and now is a source of stress because his time is short.

I have an excellent cardiologist who says that everyone should have 120/80 despite their age. This has changed over the years. At one time doctors said we should try to stay under 140/90. I guess they found out the benefits of a lower BP are quite apparent. My problem is the drugs I'm taking will damage my kidneys if the dose is increased.

Good luck. Listen to your doctor. Do your own research.

Jill