Reducing Resting Heart Rate And Blood Presssure

[beema]

I have just turned 50 years old and have had a very stressful time at work over the past two years. I am a manager in a company which has been experiencing difficulties. I have been in overdrive working ridiculous hours etc. mainly sitting down working on PC. and dealing with stressful staffing situations (making redundancies /hearing grievances etc.) I have let my physical activity level drop to about 2 x 20 mins aerobic sessions per week from much more than this. My weight is still ok (BMI= 24) and I have kept up healthy eating, I dont smoke and drink moderately (red wine).
The enourmous amount of stress/pressure and lack of excercise has resulted my BP to now be 140/90 ! and my resting heart rate 80- 93 ! Previously my BP has never been an issue and my resting heart rate was very good.
I have now left my job and have a new one to go to. I am desperately trying to improve these statistics. I am 'power' walking 30-60 mins every day or doing Zumba for 45-60 mins. I feel really fit when excercising and my heart rate reduces quite quickly after excercise but only down to its 80+ bpm. Also I am meditating twice a day .Can anyone tell me how long it will take to get myself back to normal. I am so shocked that things have deteriorated so much in such a shortish amount of time.

[bednobs]

have you been to the GP? it may not necessarily be the stress - could be cholesterol etc at your age

[flipnflap]

consult the cardio physio at your local hospital, if not your GP.

[backtalk]

I have always had problems with high blood pressure. I recently started doing some yoga routines. It seems to have calmed me down, and my blood pressure is now normal. Sometimes I think even the soothing yoga music helps to reduce it.