My father deceased at age 38, in what was assumed to be heart attack/aneryism.  Although I don't smoke and have good cholesterol, my blood pressure began spiking up to around 140/84 +/- around age of 37.  As precaution docs put me on Toprol XL. My weight started climbing despite exercise and not eating badly. In addition, had alot of digestive discomfort and liver cysts showed up.

This past year, my younger half-sister, who does smoke, started having black-outs with  SVTs.  She ended up having surgery and taking Toprol.

Assuming that was Dad's problem, since I don't have SVTs and my BP was staying down, I quit with meds and over the course of 4 months dropped 20 lbs. (not trying).  Last time I saw my doctor my BP was good and she said to just keep on top of it.  Unfortunately after 10 months I'm seeing it kick up a bit again and feeling on edge/hyper (monthly). 

I liked the calm feeling I had with Toprol, but really don't need weight and other issues it brought.  Any alternatives or natural solutions I should try?