Diagnosing white coat hypertension

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

Q: Each time I take my blood pressure at home it is about 115/63 no more than 128/63. But it is very high at the doctor’s office. She gave me a low dose of high blood pressure medicine. I asked her what my blood pressure would be after I take the medicine and she said 130/80. I didn’t start to take the medicine… why should I take it if my blood pressure is below 130? What would you do?

A: Take your home blood pressure readings to your doctor. You might have what is known as “white coat hypertension”. Your doctor may want to do additional testing, such as 24 hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to be sure you are currently in need of treatment. Newer studies are suggesting that “white coat hypertension”, increases the risk of developing of high blood pressure later in life.

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.

Side effects of antihypertensive medication

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009

Q: I’m looking for a high blood pressure medicine that doesn’t have side effects of coughing or swelling of the feet. Do you know of any?

A: Diuretics are a commonly used type of blood pressure medication that aren’t known for causing swelling or cough. However, sometimes a diuretic is not enough to control blood pressure and other drugs are needed. You should discuss your side effects with your doctor. For a listing of blood pressure drugs and their common side effects, click here.

Afraid of medication

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009

Q: I am supposed to take the blood pressure medicine lotrel, well I haven’t started it yet. I’m kind of scared of medicine. Also I have anxiety, stress, and panic disorder. What are some things that could possibly help me overcome these problems?

A: Talk to your doctor about your problems and concerns. You may need to see a mental health provider. Ask your doctor about the RESPeRATE. It is very soothing to use so it might help with your anxiety in addition to helping lower your blood pressure.

The need to take meds regularly

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

Q: There are days that my BP is at the 160/100 level in a.m. and then 140/90 the rest of the day and other days at 120/80 all day long without any medication. When I take 1/4 of the pill Atacand 16mg, BP comes down to normal (120/80). But then the next day or after a few days the BP is normal (125/80) and I do not know if I should continue to take the pill. These fluctuations confuse me and I do not know what to do. In the last year I have lost 35 lbs from 250 to 215 lbs.

A: You should take your blood pressure medicine as prescribed. When taken on a regular basis, a constant blood level of a drug develops. This prevents peaks and dips of the drug in your body and leads to better control of blood pressure. Because of your excellent weight loss, your doctor might want to adjust your medication. Make an appointment if you haven’t been seen recently.

BP drugs and RESPeRATE

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 09 2009

Q: I am taking blood pressure medicine, Norvasc 5 mg daily once a day and my BP is 138/80. I have purchased Resperate to lower the blood pressure, but have not yet received it. Can I stop taking the Norvasc?

A: Drugs for high blood pressure should only be stopped under the direction of your doctor. Regular use of the RESPeRATE may allow you to stop taking Norvasc but you need to discuss this with your doctor after you have successfully used the device regularly for at least 4 weeks.

Please Note: RESPeRATE users – do not reduce your blood pressure medication without first consulting with your health care professional.

BP not controlled with Tekturna

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

Q: I have been taking blood pressure medicine TEKTURNA 300 mg every night but my pressure is still at 160/90. When I go to the doctors, it is 140/90. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Make sure your doctor is aware of your nightly blood pressure readings. Discuss taking your medicine in the morning and adding use of the RESPeRATE. Regular use of this device can help get blood pressure into control and may prevent the addition of another drug.

Please Note: RESPeRATE users – do not reduce your blood pressure medication without first consulting with your health care professional.

BP medication and diarrhea

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 09 2009

Q: I was on three different blood pressure medicines. Some caused diarrhea. The doctors have no solutions for the side effect so I take Pepto Bismol. I have stopped taking half of my medication to cut back on the side effects. Is there a solution for dealing with diarrhea caused by HBP medication?

A: Without knowing which three medications you are taking, I am unable to make specific recommendations. Generally speaking, changing the time of day a drug is taken can greatly change side effects. In addition, taking certain medications with food, or without food, can make a difference. You need to let your doctor know that you aren’t taking your drugs as prescribed because of side effects. What you are doing could be dangerous to your health. Working with your doctor, perhaps use of the RESPeRATE would allow you to get off the medication that is causing the diarrhea.

Does taking meloxicam interfere with my blood pressure medications?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2008

Q: I take 15 mg Meloxicam daily for chronic knee pain and Lisinopril/HCTZ 20/25 mg for high blood pressure. How should I take these pills since Mobic probably interferes with the action of the BP pills?

A: The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent Meloxicam (Mobic) interferes with the combination diuretic and angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitor medication, Lisinopril/HCTZ, in multiple ways. The end result is less effectiveness of the antihypertensive drug. It probably doesn’t make much difference whether you take your medications together or separated by twelve hours as long as you take them consistently at the same time every day. In this manner, the effectiveness of your blood pressure medicine can be determined and your dose adjusted if needed.

Can the medication vanquish raise blood pressure?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 02 2008

Q: When my husband first starting taking blood pressure medicine it seemed to work but now it is elevated again. Could the drug Vanquish (for headaches) be causing this?

A: Vanquish contains acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin. The last two ingredients are known to elevate blood pressure, but occasional use should not be a problem. Since your husband`s blood pressure is no longer controlled, he needs to see his doctor. Also, frequent or unusual headaches should be evaluated by a doctor.