hello doctor,

I am 39 yrs old and do not have any health complications. During my visit to the doc for fever and nausea, the doctor found increased heart rate and BP around 160/90. Since I had a condition of fever and used some meds for it, she said it was not alarming. In the subsequent checkup the same repeated, and doctor said it was that I am anxious when doctor checks me. My family has a history of hypertension and my father had a stroke..I feel this might be one reason for my anxiety.

After a week my BP was suddenly high at 180/120, and it was found during a random check. So I was asked to be monitored in ER and doctor observed me for 2-3 hrs. My ECG was normal. The BP came down to 154/95 when I was discharged and dctor suggested Metaprolol 25 mg one per day. I am taking it for a week now. 

I am concerned now. My BP levels during the week was coming down. Around 140/90...but today (after a week) it again went to 160/110 in the morning. I am taking less sodium and have started treadmill excercise for around 30 min daily. I weigh around 145 pounds and my height is 5.3. I am quite concerned about it.

My questions are

- When is the value thought to be too critical? when should I get alarmed

- I heard like pottasium rich foods can bring down sodium levels so I try to take prunes, banana and garlic daily. WIll these help

- Do you have any other advise?

- Is there something else I need to check- Like is high BP a sign of somethg..

Please advise