Blood Pressure As A Heart Health Indicator: Before and After

The last time I had my blood pressure taken was October 2011. I was fit, running 20-25 miles a week, cycling, swimming, and playing sand volleyball every Friday night. I was at a healthy weight and was eating pretty well, from what I remember. My blood pressure was in the 120/80 range, which is a healthy, normal blood pressure for someone that eats well and lives an active lifestyle.

This past week, I went in again for an annual check up and was floored--my blood pressure is now 94/60. From looking at this chart it shows that I have reached the greatest attainable levels of heart health possible without being dead. I always thought that 120/80 was perfect--this is what my physicians have always told me ("Whatever you are doing is great. Keep it up the good work."). My blood pressure has always been around 120/80, even as my health has improved over the years and as I have gotten older. This time, my physician was speechless.

I have been a runner for 6 years and have really focused on maintaining a level of fitness that has kept me challenged. Along with my usual activities, I also participate in snorkeling/diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, chasing kids, and the occasional shenanigans. And as mentioned, I have maintained a fairly healthy diet for these past 6 years and would hardly have any reason for my blood pressure to be any higher than 120/80 (and it hasn't, but it also hasn't been any lower). What is it that has improved my heart health so dramatically?

If my level of fitness has remained consistent for all these years, there is really only one other factor that could contribute to enhanced heart health in such a short period of time--my improved diet over these last 12 months. I now consume a total and complete plant-based diet. The truth here is that exercise is undoubtedly not the only thing that controls heart health. It contributes a great deal, and it will certainly put your cardiovascular health at a good level--this is great news for all of you trying to get healthy! But who ever heard of blood pressure dropping so dramatically in a mere year (maybe if you've seen this documentary, you can certainly add evidence to the possibility).

Adopting a vegan diet isn't for everyone. Many can argue that they need certain food items in their diet to maintain performance or sanity in our very rich (oleaginous) culture. People should do what they see is fit for their own health needs. Some of us can agree that our addictions to food have turned into a runaway train that keeps moving further away from the necessary core functions of our own bodies in terms of optimal performance. But not everyone is concerned with efficiency, and not everyone who becomes vegetarian or vegan does so for these purposes. Those that may not agree with these two lifestyles argue that they shouldn't have to live such a life of "deprivation" when such amazing foods exist. Culinary delicacies are both intrinsic and subjective. It is important to acknowledge how fortunate we are to have this many options (many people in the world do not). But in our defense, how many of us have said we were deprived? Have you never had vegan cheesecake? We live with great satisfaction, creativity, and true vigor; a life close to the Earth (perhaps only speaking for myself).

The fact remains that many "regular" eaters have such poor nutrition (many on the cusp of malnutrition), that it is silly for these types of people to attest that one diet is healthier than the next. It really is essential to human health to eat a balanced diet that is low in fat, high in nutrients, and (in my opinion) sustainable. But again, not all agree and many chose to live shorter lives than be deprived of heart-unhealthy foods--even though it is these food choices and lack of activity that can lead to such a short-lived demise.

I live this lifestyle for my own benefits. Fitness-wise, I feel prime. As an athlete that never wants to reach my performance peak, this lifestyle has already proven worthy of such satisfaction. Additionally, the good I am doing for the environment is equally monumental and suits my core beliefs that we should be conscious in our decisions to support companies that believe in the same principles.

I am also doing everything in my power to prolong a family history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. I am faced with these concerns everyday as I watch my own family struggle with the effects these diseases have had on pocketbooks and our collaborative morale. I want to overcome this idea that these outcomes are inevitable by living a life of prevention through healthy choice.

The drab truth is that many of us face futures, or are already facing the realities of chronic illness that stem from environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. The evidence exists that diets rich in nutrient dense foods reverse many chronic illnesses and save lives. If disease prevention and longevity are the aspirations to prosperity it is apparent that a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise is essential.

The proof is in the non-dairy pudding. Activity clearly plays a pivotal role in lowering your blood pressure and achieving good heart health. What you stick in your mouth is sure to take your aspirations towards healthy prosperity an even greater leap forward. How awesome is that?

It is important to note that blood pressure of 120/80, or within this range is normal and HEALTHY. A range in the "low-normal" can be a warning sign for some, especially those that do not participate in an active lifestyle. This article is not advocating that blood pressure levels of 94/60 should be a goal for anyone. It merely is showing that a vegan diet in combination with an active lifestyle can decrease blood pressure to healthy levels. What is healthy for some, may not be healthy for others and it is important to have your blood pressure monitored, along with a physical examination by a certified physician regularly--especially if you are beginning a new regimen that may lead to dramatic changes or are currently taking any medications for a pre-existing condition. Always consult a health professional and use common sense before placing your health in harm's way.

A vegan diet can deprive one of essential vitamins and minerals if not properly educated in the nutrients needed to maintain normal chemical functions within the human body. It is important to take a multi-vitamin at the very least, but more useful to obtain these essential vitamins and minerals through the consumption of proper foods. Contact a health professional for the right diet suitable in maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle that is specific to your needs.