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.
Tags: aloe vera, aloe vera juice, aoe vera lotion, Diet & Exercise, health store, MiscSpring Forest Qigong
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010
Q: Are you aware of a system called Spring Forest Qigong by Master Lin? Does it really help improve health etc?
A: I am not personally familiar with this system. From their website they appear to offer a combination of exercise and meditation. I cannot comment on whether this is better for you than more standard exercise and meditation practices.
Tags: Diet & Exercise, exercise, health, master lin, meditation, meditation practices, Misc, spring forest qigongMental exertion and BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010
Q: With diligence, I’ve been able to bring my blood pressure into the normal range but it spikes when I mentally exert myself and the rise is usually accompanied by a headache. Yesterday when the headache began, the monitor read a systolic pressure of 154, whereas the previous reading had been 126. What can I do to prevent this rise in blood pressure?
A: Your blood pressure does not appear to be in good control. I am not quite sure what you mean by “mental exertion”. Normal problem solving should not result in high blood pressure and a headache. Talk to your doctor.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, headache, high blood pressure, mental exertion, MiscChanges in BP treatment recommendations
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 12 2010
Q: Quite a few years ago (about 25-30) blood pressure was considered normal at an approximation of your age plus 100; ie. you are 60 so your blood pressure would be approximately 160/80. When and why did they (WHO?) decide that the blood pressure of an 18 year old and a 60 year old should be identical?
A: Medical science does not stand still. We now know more about the relationship between blood pressure and the risk for heart attack and stroke. Current recommendations for treatment are based on The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). For more information about the government organization and medical scientists behind this report, click here.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, detection evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure, heart, heart attack, high blood pressure, hypertension, JNC7, joint national committee, Misc, stroke, treatment, treatment of high blood pressure, treatment recommendationsExperimental carotid stimulator for HBP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 12 2010
Q: I have drug resistant HBP and take several meds which work more or less with plenty of side effects. I have heard about a device similar to a pacemaker which attaches to the carotid artery, I believe, and which experimentally at least, is supposed to be quite effective with zero drugs! What can you tell me about its availability, effectiveness, etc.?
A: For a discussion of a case where a carotid sinus stimulator was used in a patient with uncontrolled high blood pressure click here.
The device known as the Rheos is still being studied and will likely be expensive. For a news release about the product click here.
FDA review process of drugs
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 14 2009
Q: I have always been pre-hypertensive. At age 48 I agreed to go on some BP meds to appease my life insurance company in order to lower my premium: Lotrel 5-20. I had a stroke 4 months later. Why is it that it takes a Freedom of Information request to find out the real adverse side effects of these dangerous drugs?
A: If you have been following the news, you understand that studies showing positive outcomes are the ones that get reported. Negative results aren’t always presented by the manufacturer. The FDA review process determines if benefits of a drug seem to outweigh the risks. Serious side effects may not be publicly discovered until many people have been taking the drug for a long period of time. A recent example of this is the association of the arthritis drug Vioxx and heart disease. To learn more about the FDA review process click here.
Tags: adverse side effects, bp, dangerous drugs, FDA, freedom of information, freedom of information request, hypertensive, lotrel, Misc, side effect, Taking BP Meds, vioxx, vioxx and heart diseaseEffect of high altitude on blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: I recently moved from about 100 feet above sea level to 6500 feet above. Will this affect my blood pressure?
A: Until your body adjusts to a higher altitude by increasing blood oxygen carrying capacity, your heart will have to work harder. This can temporarily affect your blood pressure. High altitude is usually defined as starting at 8000 feet above sea level. At 6500 feet, this will be less of a problem.
Tags: blood oxygen, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high altitude, MiscThe 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.
Tags: blood fats, heart attack, high blood pressure, lower blood pressure, lowering blood pressure, Medical Conditions, medication, Misc, statinsBenefits and risks of low dose aspirin
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: Quite lately, I heard a doctor on Fox news extra indicate that the continued use of low dose aspirin to mitigate cardiovascular risks, has been researched and found to be pose some complications. He advised that the use be discontinued. I had to stop the use of low dose Aspirin. What do you think?
A: Low dose aspirin can cause serious bleeding. The risk of a serious bleed needs to be weighed against your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Not everyone has a high enough risk of a heart attack or stroke to make it worth the risk of serious bleeding from aspirin. In addition, recent studies have shown that some people don’t get any benefit from taking aspirin. You should make the decision about taking or not taking aspirin with the help of your doctor.
Tags: aspirin, cardiovascular, heart attack, Heart Health, Heart Health, low dose aspirin, Misc, strokeTreating uncontrolled high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: My BP is high: 200+/-10 over 120+/- 10 I have tried all the meds made and have been checked for every known cause with no results. They cause drug induced gout/other problems. I have been to a number of clinics with no result. Will this machine [Resperate] work for me?
A: RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that the higher the blood pressure, the better the reduction expected. It should help you control your pressure. However, your blood pressure is so high you might still require medication to be in good control. Discuss a trial with your doctor.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, gout, high blood pressure, hypertension, lower blood pressure, medication, Misc, RESPeRATE, uncontrolled high blood pressure
