[vladslav]

I'm in the same boat as you. My diet is mainly Mediterranean, and blood tests show no abnormalities (I do it 1-2 times yearly). I don't exercise but score 250-400 Heart Points weekly by walking or intense hiking. I firmly believe that stress is a primary factor in hypertension. If you are an anxious person, maybe even more so. Another factor to blame can be loneliness; still hoping for credible research that shows any correlation.

Unfortunately, I don't see a path to eat, meditate or exercise out of it if you in the good shape already. But controlling sodium intake can help to offset some numbers. To control it, I take medications and must continue taking them permanently.

[vlod]

I have a feeling you're probably right about stress and HT.

I strongly believe everyone needs to lift weights. For me it helps with stress. It's a great way to funnel all the days work BS out of your body.

I feel super energized and at the top of the world, even after a quick 20 minute session.

As people get older and they lose muscle/bone density they have a habit of falling down and breaking things, so it's never to late to start. That's my main long term concern.

[vladslav]

Exercising helps, no doubt. I see it as good stress, controlled stress that trains your body to deal with bad stress. There are other ways too. I get the same level of excitement when I take cold showers.

My back prevents me from lifting weights again. But I'm happy for those who can and do it.