Its pretty easy to use.

Robert is right. You can be healthy at your age and even with Type II eighty or so years is not unlikely.

The end is near? Bullshit. I’m reminded every day that not only do I still have a pulse, but the string of normal reading reassures me that I’m in good health and that the end is, very likely, far from near.

Every once in a while I’ve spotted a trend, once toward higher readings, and once toward lower readings. I was able to tell my cardiologist about the trend, and he simply adjusted my meds to bring the readings back into line.

Lately, I’ve developed a chronic cough which is supposed to be a side-effect of one of my blood pressure drugs. So I’ve dropped that particular drug, fosinopril, on my own initiative; and I’m closely monitoring my bp to make sure I’m still OK. And so far I am. 126/85 is actually a bit high for me, but nowhere near dangerously so. Owning a bp monitor makes me better able to take care of myself, relying on doctors as occasional medical consultants.

Chill, dude. You’ve just entered the phase of life in which you’re obliged to pay more attention to your health. You’ll be fine.