<s>[INST] i am 54 yoa, 5'8" and in good health. I increased my exercise program to include 3 miles of cardio/day and have lost down to 150 from 185 since last march. My blood pressure was about 140/82 ish when i started the cardio addition. Since then my doctor has checked my bp and we found it to be about 108/62 about two months ago. The last couple of days, i've had friends in the heath care profession to check me and it's back up to 140/82 again. I don't get it. What do you think I should do?!?! [/INST] Hello, Rising blood pressure with age occurs due to hardening of blood vessels called as arteriosclerosis. Exercise and healthy lifestyle has a role to play but to certain extent and eventually needs medicine. You should continue to have a healthy lifestyle like avoiding fatty, oily and high calorie diet. Have low salt diet and monitor blood pressure regularly thrice a day for one week then once or twice a week. If BP is persistently more than 140/90 mmHg, then you should be on medicines for it. Avoid smoking and alcohol if any. There shouldn't be abdominal fat deposition or obesity. Get your lipid profile and sugars tested once. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts. Take Care Regards Dr. Sagar Makode, Cardiologist </s>