Skipping meds, weight gain and smoking
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: I am presently taking BP pills (amlodipine 5mg 1x a day). Can I get the same results if I take them every other day due to cost? My bp is not always high although in the past it has been 120/210. To this date I have quit smoking, but now I eat more and have gained more weight. I do exercise at least 3-4 times a week. Does bp medicine make you gain weight?
A: You should always take your blood pressure medicine as it is prescribed. Skipping doses is not smart. If you can’t afford your medicine, talk to your doctor. Perhaps a less expensive drug can be used. Also, drug companies offer assistance programs for people who can’t afford necessary drugs. Most people who quit smoking report weight gain. Your weight gain is most likely related to your smoking cessation, not your blood pressure medication.
Tags: amlodipine, assistance programs, blood pressure medication, bp, gain weight, quit smoking, Smoking, smoking cessation, Taking BP Meds, weight gainRESPeRATE and smoking patches
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 13 2009
Q: Can I use RESPeRATE with the patches? Can I use RESPeRATE if I am a smoker?
A: RESPeRATE can be used with patches used to help stop smoking. Logistically, it would be difficult to be using the RESPeRATE while simultaneously smoking but it could be done. You may find that the soothing effect of the RESPeRATE reduces your stress while you quit smoking. Stopping use of nicotine containing products is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Tags: nicotine, patches, quit smoking, RESPeRATE, Smoking, SmokingChewing tobacco raise blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 10 2007
Q: Does chewing tobacco or licorice raise your blood pressure?
A: Chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, and snuff are all nicotine containing products. The nicotine in the tobacco causes blood vessels to constrict and temporarily increases blood pressure. Blood pressure goes back down once the body has metabolized the nicotine. Artificial or anise flavored licorice candy does not elevate blood pressure. However, candy made from actual licorice root can cause an increase in blood pressure if the substance glycyrrhizin hasn’t been removed. For more information about licorice and other herbs, visit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering website to research herbs here.
Tags: blood pressure, herbs, licorice root, nicotine, SmokingDoes quitting smoking lower blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 07 2007
Q: Does quitting smoking lower blood pressure?
A: Smoking does not cause high blood pressure so quitting doesn’t affect your blood pressure. The nicotine in tobacco products causes blood vessels to constrict and will temporarily increase your blood pressure. The metabolism of nicotine is relatively short but varies from individual to individual based on age, gender, race, and food intake. Taking your blood pressure about two hours after smoking will probably show your normal levels. However, smoking increases your risk for heart disease, a leading cause of death. The risk of having a heart attack is reduced after one year of not smoking.
Tags: Blood vessels, heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure, leading cause of death, Smoking, tobacco productsResperate use and emphysema
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 07 2007
Q: Can people suffering from emphysema safely use the RESPeRATE?
A: A classic treatment prescribed for Emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is breath training. It is believed that breath training decreases the air trapping associated with emphysema and COPD, and increases respiratory muscle function. Although the RESPeRATE was developed to lower blood pressure, it achieves this goal by using breath training.
Tags: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, copd, emphysema, lower blood pressure, RESPeRATE, respiratory muscle function, Smoking
