Welcome to Dr. Rowena's Q&A about High Blood Pressure

Coffee lovers and BP

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010

Q: Would you recommend that a coffee addict with moderate hypertension (140/105) switch to decaffeinated coffee or try to quit altogether? He is on amlodipine and moduretic. He loves his morning coffee (Nestle) and tea.

A: As a coffee lover, I roast my own beans, this is a tough question. It really depends on how much caffeine you are consuming. Two cups a day, 200-300 mg of caffeine, is okay. If you get a headache when you don’t have your morning coffee, you are drinking too much. To figure out the amount of caffeine you are drinking, click here.

Drinking and BP

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010

Q: I drink 32oz. of dark red wine a night. My blood pressure is about 130/95 without meds. Is that okay?

A: I am more worried about your drinking habits than your pre-hypertension. Your blood pressure is in the range where you should start making lifestyle changes to get it into better control. You are drinking over an average sized bottle of wine a night. This is not healthy. I suggest you discuss this with your doctor.

Glaucoma and BP

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010

Q: What are the causes of and treatments for glaucoma and does high blood pressure have an effect on high pressure in the eyes?

A: Glaucoma occurs when the pressure of the fluid in your eye becomes too high. Left untreated, this can cause blindness because of damage to the optic nerve. High pressure in your eye is different from high blood pressure. You can have high blood pressure and not get glaucoma. Left untreated, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the eye resulting in loss of vision. To learn more about the different types of glaucoma and treatment, click here.

Amlodipine and constipation

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010

Q: I have been taking 5 mg of Amlodipine daily for about one year. My blood pressure has been good since I started taking it, but I have noticed that I get constipated with this medication and I was wondering if there is another kind of medication in the same group of meds that would not have that side effect.

A: Amlodipine is a type of drug known as a calcium channel blocker. Constipation is a frequent complaint with this type of medication. Since you are doing well on Amlodipine, you might want to try increasing the fiber in your diet. A couple of prunes a day can make a difference.

Aloe Vera for health?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010

Q: Is aloe vera good? If so, what for? I see it sold as a juice in health stores. Is it good to drink everyday or is everyday too much?

A: Aloe vera is not a product I recommend for oral use. In lotion or gel form, many people find it soothing to the skin. For more information click here.

Control of Type 2 diabetes

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010

Q: My wife has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is taking medication for this condition. Is it a given that type 2 will lead to type 1? Can type 1 be reversed with diet, weight loss, and exercise?

A: Some people with late onset or Type 2 diabetes will eventually require insulin to control their disease. This does not happen to everyone, especially not those who lose weight, start exercising and watch what they eat. Usually people who need insulin to start with, Type 1 or insulin dependent diabetics, will not be able to control their diabetes with diet, weight loss and exercise.

Doctor wants BP lower

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010

Q: I am a 74 year old woman with lifetime asthma. My bp runs at 120-133 /67-70. My doctor wants it lower. I cannot function with a lower bp. I have tried it. I am sluggish, dizzy. Should I ask her for another drug brand? What should I do?

A: I do not know why your doctor wants your blood pressure to be lower. Your current blood pressure is in an acceptable range. Your blood pressure meets the treatment goal of less than 140/90 for people without diabetes or kidney disease. You are also very close to the goal of 130/ 80 for people with either of those conditions. You certainly should mention your dizziness to your doctor and further discuss your treatment plan. Click here for hypertension guidelines.

Accuracy of manual vs. automatice BP monitors

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010

Q: Are manual Blood Pressure Monitors, the type that you pump up by hand, any more accurate than the automatic BP Monitors that have an electric pump? Is there a noticable difference in BP readings with these two types of BP monitors or do they have about the same accuracy?

A: Used correctly, both types of monitors give accurate blood pressure measurements. Automatic blood pressure monitors leave less room for user error. However the gold standard for blood pressure taking is the mercury sphygmomanometer, a manual device. To read the current national guideline for taking blood pressure measurements click here.

Can yoga cure bp?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010

Q: Can yoga cure high BP without taking medicine?

A: Regular exercise, such as yoga, can help control blood pressure. Depending on how high the blood pressure, drugs may also be needed. Neither a regular exercise program nor medication is a cure for high blood pressure. Once you stop either one, high blood pressure will return.

Homeopathic remedies and ethyl alcohol

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010

Q: My blood pressure is all over the place; any time of day it goes up and down in a matter of minutes from early AM to late PM. I am taking homeopathic remedies with Ethyl alcohol. I am wondering if it can have an effect on my blood pressure?

A: Ethyl Alcohol is the same alcohol found in cocktails, beer, and wine. Heavy alcohol use has been associated with getting high blood pressure. Your homeopathic remedies are not controlling your blood pressure. Rather than worrying about what component of the remedy is the problem, it would be smarter to see your doctor and ask about other treatment options to get your blood pressure under control.