Can yoga cure bp?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010
Q: Can yoga cure high BP without taking medicine?
A: Regular exercise, such as yoga, can help control blood pressure. Depending on how high the blood pressure, drugs may also be needed. Neither a regular exercise program nor medication is a cure for high blood pressure. Once you stop either one, high blood pressure will return.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure drugs, bp, control blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, high blood pressure, hypertension, medication, taking medicine, yogaThe need for multiple meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: Is it normal to be prescribed more than 1 drug for high blood pressure? Here is a list of meds I’m on: bystolic 5 MG, zetia 10 MG, tekturma 150 MG, diovan 320 MG, crestor 20 MG, and nifedicall 60 MG.
A: It can often take multiple drugs to control high blood pressure. It is not unusual to be on more than one medication. Not all the drugs you are taking are for blood pressure control. Zetia and Crestor are drugs to help improve your blood fat levels. Both high blood fat levels and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease so both your problems are being treated. A regular exercise program will help improve both so add exercise if it isn’t part of your daily routine.
Tags: blood pressure control, crestor, Diovan, drugs, exercise program, Heart Health, high blood pressure, medication, meds, risk factors for heart disease, Taking BP Meds, ZetiaLifestyle changes to lower bp
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 14 2009
Q: Can anyone confirm with a high degree of certainty that exercise and diet alone can lower BP? I have been following a rigid diet and exercise program and it does not seem to help.
A: Eating right and having a regular exercise program have been shown to help lower blood pressure. However switching to a healthy lifestyle, after years of abuse, may not be enough to get your pressure back down to normal. Even if you can’t get your pressure back to normal, keep exercising. Regular exercise has many health benefits. For current recommendations on physical activity and its benefits click here.
Tags: bp, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, health benefits, healthy lifestyle, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, lower blood pressure, physical activityRelationship between hypertension and anxiety
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: Is high blood pressure and anxiety related? What is the best medication for high blood pressure and for anxiety?
A: High blood pressure is related to anxiety and stress. Regular exercise helps lower stress and blood pressure. In my opinion, having a regular exercise program is the best treatment for high blood pressure and anxiety. Unfortunately, sometimes a regular exercise program isn’t enough. Based on your medical history and exam findings, your doctor should know the best drug treatment for you.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, high blood pressure, hypertension, stressExercise to reduce blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: What sort of exercise is best for reducing blood pressure, weight lifting or aerobic? I get plenty of aerobic exercise rowing, but I sometimes think it raises my blood pressure.
A: Aerobic exercise is the best type of exercise for lowering blood pressure. However, a good exercise program also includes muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises. To learn about how much exercise you should get every week need click here.
Tags: aerobic exercise, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, lowering blood pressure, muscle strengthening, reducing blood pressure, weight liftingThe effects of exercise and lifestyle changes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 21 2009
Q: I have cut sugar out of my diet. I am doing strength training 2x/week and cardio 3x/week. I am slowly losing weight. I don’t eat meat except 1x or 2x/month. I am 5′1″ and weigh 162lbs. How soon before my blood pressure will return to normal if I continue this regime?
A: Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. A regular exercise program will significantly lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke and cancer. Life style changes take about three months to become effective. They may not bring your blood pressure back down to normal. Even thin, vegetarian, marathon runners can develop high blood pressure.
Tags: Diet & Exercise, effects of exercise, exercise program, high blood pressure, life style changes, lifestyle changes, losing weightI was diagnosed with ‘left ventricle hypertension; will the ventricle walls return to normal over time with medication?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 14 2008
Q: I had a nuclear scan that showed I was `left ventricular hypertensive.` My Dr. explained that the walls of the left ventricle thicken to better pump blood to the body. I am taking 20 mg of benicar daily and have average readings of 124/78. Do the ventricle walls return to normal?
A: Studies have shown that treating high blood pressure can result in regression of left ventricular wall enlargement. Your current blood pressure is in an acceptable range but I would still make any of the lifestyle changes your doctor has recommended such as having a regular exercise program and maintaining a normal weight.
Tags: acceptable range, exercise program, high blood pressure, lifestyle, Medical Conditions, ventricular wallIs there an alternative to medication to treat arthritis?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 03 2008
Q: Is there an alternative to medication to treat arthritis? My meds don’t seem to work.
A: A regular exercise program really helps in the treatment of arthritis. You should discuss this with your doctor. It might be appropriate for you to visit a physical therapist to get you started. The Arthritis Foundation also offers information about exercise and arthritis. To visit their website click here.
Tags: exercise program, Medical Conditions, medication, meds, physical therapistDoes excedrin have any possible side effects?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 31 2007
Q: I have labile hypertension. I avoid caffeine but I take 3-4 Excedrin a day for neck pain relief. Is this amount of Excedrin harmful?
A: You did not specify the type of Excedrin you take so I am assuming you take the Extra Strength product. Two pills contain 65 mg of caffeine so you are consuming the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee. The amount you are taking does not exceed the recommended dosing. However, regular exercise has been shown to help with pain, even in people with severe arthritis. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program designed to help with your neck pain.
Tags: exercise program, labile hypertension, Medication Interactions, pills, side effects
