Treating essential hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 21 2009

Q: The treatment of “Essential” Hypertension by doctors appears to be a shotgun prescription of various drugs, until one of them works to lower blood pressure. A neighbor of mine was given medication to take, and when he got up at night, he would pass out (presumably, from an extremely low blood pressure). Are doctors unaware of this type of consequence? And why can’t they take the time to figure out what’s really causing the hypertension? And treat that, instead of prescribing inappropriate medications?

A: Most people suffer from essential hypertension. It is called essential hypertension because no cause can be found. Hypertension related to a specific abnormality is called secondary hypertension. At the time high blood pressure is discovered, testing is done to determine if you have essential or secondary hypertension. Doctors know how drugs work and the effects they can have. Not everyone responds to drugs in the same way. Until you are tried on a drug, it is impossible to know for sure how you will react.

Drugs for treating hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 06 2009

Q: Are there any guidelines as to how high on a daily, consistent basis, blood pressure must be in order to damage the kidneys or heart? Also, are there any meds besides lisinopril/hctz that are more effective to lower b.p.?

A: Blood pressure that is greater than 139/89 needs to be treated. The treatment goal is a blood pressure that is less than 140/90. There are many different types of medication used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will suggest a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs based on the severity of your high blood pressure and other medical problems you might have. This plan may include more than one drug and drugs that belong to different classes. To learn more about the different drugs used to treat high blood pressure click here.

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.

Connection between BP, cholesterol and blood sugar

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009

Q: What is the connection between high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and high blood pressure and high blood sugar level? Do the drugs for high blood pressure control cause diabetes?

A: Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure all increase the risk for developing a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining normal weight will help prevent all three. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure do not cause diabetes but may increase the risk of developing the condition.

HTN 180 Px supplement

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009

Q: Do you have an opnion on HTN 180 Px for high blood pressure?

A: HTN 180 Px is a product that contains leafs, berries, and rauwolfia extract. This extract contains reserpine, a drug that is prescribed to lower blood pressure. Alternative drugs aren’t as well regulated as traditional medicine. Consequently, I feel you are safer taking a drug prescribed by your doctor.

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.

Time urgency to lower blood pressure

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

Q: My husband has been taking 10 mg of lisinopril and recently increased it to 20 mg. He has been on the 20 mg. dosage for 3 weeks and his blood pressure is still high, 176/96. He is very concerned as his upcoming job needs his blood pressure to be lower than this by September. If he goes on a higher dosage of this medicine or another, how long will it take for the MD to determine if the med is working to reduce his BP?

A: Your husband needs to make sure his doctor is aware of the need to have his blood pressure controlled by September. With a deadline, the doctor might change medications sooner to achieve control. In addition, your husband should consider using the RESPeRATE. It can be used safely in combination with drugs and generally starts working within four weeks.

ARBs and diabetes

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009

Q: Have there been any reports of lower extremity neuropathy linked to the use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)? I also have diabetes but I did not develop neuropathy until I was started on 2 different ARB medications. I quit taking the medications due to the pain and since then the pain has gradually decreased.

A: In general, angiotension receptor blockers are felt to be beneficial in diabetes. However, individual responses to drugs can vary. You should discuss your experience with your doctor.

Drugs, liver disease and obesity

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 21 2009

Q: I am 58 years old, 5′6″ and 200 lbs, and presently taking Micardis Plus 40 mg., Concore 5 mg, Lipitor 10 mg. and Norvasc 5 mg. What are the bad effects of these medicines to my organs, and how can I avoid them?

A: Your obesity puts you at increased risk of liver disease and is related to your need for drugs that can affect your liver. The drugs you are on can cause an elevation of liver enzymes. If you really want to protect your liver, you should commit to life long life style changes that will allow you to lose weight and keep it off.

Difficulty swallowing pills

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009

Q: Are there any chewable blood pressure meds? If not what would be your recommendation?

A: Unfortunately many medications used to treat blood pressure are designed to have a slow release so it is not smart to crush the pills to make them easier to swallow. You should discuss whether it is safe to crush your medication with your pharmacist. Liquid preparations of some diuretics are available but it is not likely that these will be the best drugs to treat your high blood pressure. Rethinking how you go about swallowing pills is the best plan. Fill your mouth with water before putting the pill in your mouth and then just gulp. Follow immediately with another swig of water. Done quickly enough, the pill floats on the water down your throat and is completely tasteless.