Variability of BP readings
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: My readings vary a lot, ranging from the healthy zone of 115/76 all the way up to 150/95. Many of my readings are in the 136/86 zone +/- In addition to being a Resperate user for several years, I am also newly taking a betablocker to help control my blood pressure. What is the significance of having such a wide range of readings?
A: Blood pressure is not constant. It varies with activities and natural body rhythms. However, when you repeatedly have elevated readings, it shows your blood pressure is not in good control. I assume this is why you were started on medication.
Tags: betablocker, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, hypertension, Measuring Your BP, medication, RESPeRATEEffect 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, MiscMeasuring BP at doctor’s office
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: Is there a reason why most doctors’ offices use a digital device to measure blood pressure rather than the manual type? When I was younger the nurse would hold your arm to heart level and take your pressure, now they just put the cuff on and press the button with the arm hanging which gives me higher numbers. Does it matter where the arm is placed?
A: I do not know what type of equipment is the most frequently used to monitor blood pressure in the office setting. However, it is important that blood pressure be taken properly to get an accurate reading. Many articles have suggested that blood pressure is frequently not measured correctly, even in a doctor’s office. The American Heart Association position is that the upper arm should be supported at the level of the heart. You should discuss your experience with your doctor. You will be doing the practice a great service.
Tags: blood pressure, bp, heart level, measuring blood pressure, Measuring Your BPPotassium supplementation
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I have been following the DASH diet. I’m finding it impossible to reach the K goal of 4.5 to 6.5 gm. especially limiting calories to 1200-1600 daily. Any suggestions? I’m eating foods listed highest in K daily. Would K supplements be recommended? What dosage?
A: Adequate potassium intake is felt to have a positive effect on blood pressure. Potassium supplements can be found in most grocery stores. Ask your doctor for a recommendation as there is no official guideline on supplementation.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, potassium, potassium supplement, potassium supplementation, Supplements, SupplementsFrustrated with high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I’m an active 46 yr old African man. I’ve had high BP since I was a teenager, but I’ve also been active all my life doing sports. I have been running 3 miles every other day. Despite all these efforts I’ve been making (including the medications), my blood pressure is still high. I had a check up with my Dr last week, and my cholesterol has also elevated a bit. I’m frustrated, and don’t know what else to do!
A: Ask your doctor about using the RESPeRATE. This device has been proven in clinical studies to lower blood pressure. It is simple to use and has no side effects. Talk to your doctor about diet. Perhaps increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and lowering your salt intake would be beneficial.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, cholesterol, fresh fruits and vegetables, high blood pressure, hypertension, RESPeRATE, salt intakeLifestyle changes to lower BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I have high blood pressure and my doctor wants to have lab work done and put me on medication to lower it! My blood pressure is 170/80. I weight 249 and am doing everything that I can to lower it by eating right, losing weight, and lowering my salt intake. However it isn’t lowering it as fast as they need it too. What else can I do before I’m on medication?
A: You did not mention exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure. You also could discuss trying the RESPeRATE with your doctor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, Diet & Exercise, high blood pressure, hypertension, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, losing weight, lower blood pressure, RESPeRATEIs sea salt healthy?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: Everywhere we hear and read that deep sea salt is safe and won’t hurt the blood pressure. Is that true? Is it really safe?
A: Sea salt is still salt and will affect your blood pressure if you are salt sensitive. Sea salt contains additional minerals and elements not found in standard iodized table salt that add flavor. Most of us eat far more salt than we need so cutting back is universally recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, healthy, high blood pressure, salt, sea salt, table saltNeed a second opinion
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: My doctor has me on 6 different bp meds-Hyzaar 100-12.5/1 day, Spironolactone 25mg/1 day, Benazepril hcl 10mg/1 day, HCTZ 25mg/1 day, Carvedilol 12.5 mg/1 tab 2x day, Clonidine HCl 0.1 mg/1 tab 2x day. I feel this is very excessive. In the last year I’ve been to the ER 3x because my bp was in stroke zone. I also take an extra Clonidine & Carvedilol periodically when my bp spikes during the night. Can you help me with any advice?
A: You are taking many medicines but your blood pressure isn’t in control. Assuming you are following your doctor’s instructions, a second opinion could be helpful. Health Grades can help you locate a doctor in your area. Click here.
Tags: benazepril, benazepril HCL, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, carvedilol, Clonidine, hypertension, hyzaar, second opinion, spironolactoneTreating high diastolic pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: Only my diastolic (lower number) is high. What drives the diastolic pressure and what lifestyle changes can be made to lower it?
A: For good information explaining blood pressure, click here. Diastolic pressure is the measurement of blood pressure between heart beats. Life style changes that are recommended include, regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a normal weight, and stopping tobacco use.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high diastolic pressure, hypertension, Isolated Hypertension, life style changes, lifestyle changes, tobacco useHow to lower pulse pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: I’m 71 years old and have a high pulse pressure (in the 60s and sometime 70s) which I understand indicates that my arteries are getting stiff. Is there any way to achieve lower pulse pressure?
A: Getting your blood pressure into good control will help lower your “pulse pressure” (the difference between the maximum and minimum blood pressures produced during one heartbeat). In addition, a regular aerobic exercise program will help. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling and household chores like sweeping and mopping the floor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, arteries, blood pressure, blood pressures, Diet & Exercise, Heart Health, lower pulse pressure, pulse pressure
