The role of Statins (medication)

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009

Q: Do Statins play a role in lowering blood pressure?

A: Statins are prescribed to lower blood fats. They help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Although they are not considered a treatment for high blood pressure, recent studies have shown they also lower blood pressure.

Is high cholesterol really a problem?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009

Q: All kinds of Cholesterol Pills give me side effects — muscle ache, bone ache, stomach ache, head ache, and my mind gets blurry. I have tried all and cooperate with the doctor, until I can no longer tolerate. From last year to August I did not take anything but I felt good. But the cholesterol went up. I read from Dr Whitaker, that the cholesterol thing is just a crazy non-founded phenomena since the liver produces the cholesterol and our body needs it. Is this true?

A: It is true your body makes cholesterol and cholesterol performs needed transport functions in the body. However, too much cholesterol is not good. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise and eating foods high in fiber can help lower your cholesterol. To learn more about cholesterol lowering lifestyle changes go to: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=523

Link between hypertension and asthma?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009

Q: Has any link been shown between hypertension and allergies or asthma? What effect do asthma drugs have on blood pressure? (especially rescue inhalers such as albuterol?)

A: It is suspected that there is a link between high blood pressure and allergic diseases. Rescue medicines such as albuterol can temporarily elevate blood pressure. For more information about specific types of blood pressure medicine and asthma click here.

Leg numbness when running

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009

Q: I’m 64 years old, a long time runner and fit. My BP tends to elevate only under stress. I’m taking 40 mg per day (one tablet) of Lotensin. I experience “heavy legs” and aches when running. I also have numbness in my toes. Could the medication be causing these symptoms?

A: You need to see your doctor. The source of your problems may be that your legs don’t get enough blood when you are running. This should be evaluated.

Hesitant to treat drug side effect with drug

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009

Q: I have young onset Parkinson’s disease and went from having problems with low bp to problems with high bp. Through trial and error we figured out that one of the meds I take is causing the high bp (wellbutrin, but nothing else works). My Dr wants to treat it with bp meds, but I am hesitant to add any other meds to treat a side effect. My bp is 135/95 average for 4 months now. When is bp high enough to need to treat and if it is caused by meds do you have to treat it or are there any other options available?

A: Your blood pressure is at a level where it needs to be treated. Since you are not interested in taking more medication, you should talk to your doctor about a trial with the RESPeRATE. It has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without side effects.

Untreated hypertension and eye swelling

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009

Q: I had untreated hypertension that caused swelling in the blood vessels leading to the optic nerve in my right eye. This has caused gray areas in my field of vision. A neuro ophthalmologist put me on steroids 60mg/per day for three weeks. The blood pressure is well under control now. In your opinion is there a chance that my vision may improve?

A: Yes, there is a chance your vision may improve. Hopefully the steroids will decrease the swelling and the injured eye cells will be able to recover. Recovery can be slow so be patient and carefully follow your doctors’ instructions.

Treating atrial fibrillation

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009

Q: Has anyone ever given any feedback about the effects of using Resperate for someone with Atrial Fibrillation? I have recently developed it and wondered if use of the Resperate might have a favorable effect. I use it daily, sometimes twice a day.

A: The RESPeRATE is not a treatment for atrial fibrillation. If your heart beat isn’t staying controlled, go see your doctor. Over time, it can become harder to control atrial fibrillation. Drugs often need to be increased or changed. Sometimes surgical ablation is recommended. To learn more about this common problem, click here.

Please Note: Do not use RESPeRATE without consulting your physician if you suffer or have suffered in the past from: Active ischemic heart disease/unstable angina, bradycardia, severe congestive heart failure, chronic atrial fibrillation, stroke resulting in permanent impairment, chronic renal failure, severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema, major organ failure, sleep paralysis, have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant.

Change in well-being

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009

Q: I have been on high blood pressure meds for about three years. The last couple weeks I have no energy and I get exhausted doing small things. My blood pressure has been really low compared to what it usually has been about 102/52/ Any suggestions?

A: Since you aren’t feeling well, it would be a good idea to see your doctor. Make sure you are taking your medicine properly and that you were given the correct drug by the pharmacy. Pills can look similar yet be different.

Connection between BP, cholesterol and blood sugar

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009

Q: What is the connection between high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and high blood pressure and high blood sugar level? Do the drugs for high blood pressure control cause diabetes?

A: Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure all increase the risk for developing a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining normal weight will help prevent all three. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure do not cause diabetes but may increase the risk of developing the condition.

Relationship between hypertension and bradycardia

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 14 2009

Q: How can a person have hypertension and bradycardia at the same time and what does this mean?

A: High blood pressure and a slow heart beat, bradycardia, are two different problems that may or may not be related. A side effect of certain drugs is a slow heart beat. Damage to the heart from uncontrolled high blood pressure and other conditions may result in a slow heart beat. To understand the source of your bradycardia, you need to talk to your doctor.