Measuring 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 BPLifestyle 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, RESPeRATESkipping 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 gainTreating 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 pressureLeg 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.
Tags: bp, heavy legs, leg numbness, Lotensin, Medical Conditions, Taking BP MedsHesitant 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.
Tags: bp, hypertension, lower blood pressure, Medical Conditions, medication, Parkinsons disease, RESPeRATE, Taking BP Meds, wellbutrinAyurvedic tablets for blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: My BP reading is always around 145/93 or 95. I am 41 years old and taking Ayurvedic Tablets for the BP. Kindly advice me what tests I should do and what precautions to take.
A: Ayurvedic tablets are a form of alternative or complementary medicine. (Click here for more information on Ayurvedic medicine.) I am not sure what your pills contain. However, your blood pressure is not in control on these tablets. I suggest you make an appointment to see your doctor. A standard evaluation for high blood pressure would include blood and urine tests.
Tags: ayurvedic medicine, ayurvedic tablets, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, complementary medicine, high blood pressure, SupplementsUncontrolled hypertension and diabetes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009
Q: I am taking BP medicines Natrilix SR, cardiovas 12.5 mg and amlopress L and my BP is not stabilised. For diabetes I am taking diamicron MR 60 and glucomet-1gm twice daily and my blood sugar level is not controlled. My fasting blood sugar is about 200. What do you suggest?
A: It appears that you do not have your diabetes or high blood pressure in control. Make sure you are following all of your doctor’s instructions, including any recommended life style and dietary changes. Also, make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss additional interventions.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood sugar level, bp, Diabetes, Diabetes, dietary changes, fasting blood sugar, glucomet, high blood pressure, natrilix sr, uncontrolled hypertensionAvoiding foot swelling
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009
Q: I am going away in a few weeks and I will be doing lots of walking and be on my feet more than usual. From past experience I know that my legs and feet will swell (hot climate) and I wondered if there were any safe anti inflammatory medications that I could take while on BP medication. I take 80 mg of micardis daily and have arthritis.
A: Comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes and support hosiery will help prevent leg and foot swelling. Your shoes should be appropriate for the kind of surface you will be walking upon. Unfortunately, the best walking shoes tend to be expensive. You should talk to your doctor about an anti-inflammatory medication as most increase blood pressure.
Tags: anti inflammatory medication, anti inflammatory medications, anti-inflammatory, arthritis, best walking shoes, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, Diet & Exercise, legs and feet, micardis, support hosieryChecking reliability of BP monitor
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: I have a BP monitor “Sunbeam” brand that is 14 years old. I have started using it lately and it seems to give consistent readings, 150/85 to 130/78 depending upon the time of day I take the reading. I am wondering if I should buy a new monitor to be sure that I am getting good readings. Do these devices wear out or lose accuracy over time?
A: Take your blood pressure monitor with you on your next visit to your doctor. You can compare your monitor reading with that taken by your doctor. If both readings are similar, you can be confident your monitor is still working.
Tags: Blood pressure monitor, bp, checking blood pressure, hypertension, Measuring Your BP, sunbeam
