The blood pressure issue is what I call "insidious"-- it is the silent killer, but not directly. It's like a back injury. The back injury sets in early and you don't feel any pain. When you finally do, the damage is done.
Take the meds for a while and keep it in check while you are getting back in shape. 5-10 milligrams of Lisinopril really doesnt have that many intolerable side effects and it will easily get you down to normal 129/70. High blood pressure left unchecked takes its toll on all the other vital organs.
10 milligrams is not considered a large dose, and you only take it once a day. You also have to consider the time when you test BP. You are usually relaxed. Point being: when you are stressed, it is much much higher, and when you are out of shape, it takes much longer to come down to normal or "high-normal"
If you are juicing, you are almost defeating the purpose. Juice automatically increases your blood pressure. Either way though, you would do better to get on meds and keep it in check, even if it's only for a short time.
No, I am not a doctor, but I've had my share of personal experience and the experiences of my clients. Cholesterol is another bitch, but much harder to control. If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, the statin drugs will have to be taken indefinitely.
Genetics play a huge role in cholesterol levels. If you take in less dietary cholesterol, your body will just manufacture more blood serum cholesterol. The body wants all things equal. Homeostasis. If you have high cholesterol, the drugs will be the most effective.
Unfortunate that the diet and healthy exercise can't do anything truly significant.
