BP still high with meds

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

Q: I have high blood pressure and I am taking Diovan 160mg, Nifedipine Retard-20mg and HCTZ (50)Tab (Hydrachlorothiazide) so now I am taking 3 tabs in the morning, 1 Nif. after dinner and 1 at night. But my bp. is still too high sometimes. Should I ask for changes of medication or what else can I do?

A: The RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. It can be safely used in combination with drug therapy. Oftentimes use of the RESPeRATE means that additional drugs are not needed to control blood pressure. Ask your doctor about a RESPeRATE trial.

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

Tiazac (Diltiazem) and dizziness

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

Q: I take diovan and tiazac and I get dizzy when I walk up hill. This only happened when I started those drugs. Any connection?

A: The drug Tiazac, also known as Diltiazem, can slow your heart rate. This slowing may result in dizziness with exercise as your heart can’t beat fast enough to provide the extra oxygen needed for the activity. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Diovan and high potassium

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 11 2009

Q: I was on the lowest dose of Diovan for years with excellent results. After a routine blood test, my doctor called and said my potassium rate was too high and she blamed the Diovan. She switched me to Cartia XT and my blood pressure has been in the 150 to 180 range ever since even with a doubling of the dose and now an additional beta blocker at night. Is it dangerous to go back to Diovan? What is the potassium danger and why would it happen so suddenly after years?

A: High potassium levels can lead to potentially fatal irregular heartbeats. High levels of potassium can be the result of many things. As we age our kidneys don’t function as well so a diet high in potassium rich foods could have caused your level to increase. You should discuss this further with your doctor and ask about restarting Diovan.

Clinical study and rising blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 25 2009

Q: I have been on Diovan 320/12.5 and Amlopidine 10mg for about a year and a half. I volunteered for a clinical study and they asked me to stop my meds. I have and it has been reading really high, 136/97 up to 157/119. Will I be alright to do this for 2 weeks? I have been off them for 5 days now. I really don’t feel bad. I can think a lot clearer than when I was on my meds.

A: Talk to the medical personnel associated with the clinical study. Presumably they are monitoring your pressure and will put you back on your medications if they feel you are at risk.

Risks taking potassium supplements with Diovan

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 11 2009

Q: I have recently been prescribed Diovan for my high blood pressure. I read on the internet that one should not take a Potassium supplement with this drug. I have been taking a Potassium supplement after breakfast because I suffer cramps in my feet. Can I continue doing this or is there a reason I shouldn’t?

A: Supplementation with potassium is usually not recommended when taking Diovan because actions of this drug may cause an increase in blood levels of potassium. Too much potassium can make the heart stop beating. You should talk to your doctor about your foot cramps.

RESPeRATE in conjunction with medicine

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 09 2008

Q: I was taking diovan hcd 80/12, but it wasn’t working. My doctor has doubled the dosage recently. If my blood pressure lowers, how will I know whether it’s the medication or the RESPeRATE machine doing it?

A: Both increased medication and use of the RESPeRATE should help lower your blood pressure. Your goal is to have controlled blood pressure so the amount of blood pressure reduction contributed by the RESPeRATE versus increased medication is less important. Most drugs will have a quicker onset of action than the RESPeRATE.