Accuracy of manual vs. automatice BP monitors
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010
Q: Are manual Blood Pressure Monitors, the type that you pump up by hand, any more accurate than the automatic BP Monitors that have an electric pump? Is there a noticable difference in BP readings with these two types of BP monitors or do they have about the same accuracy?
A: Used correctly, both types of monitors give accurate blood pressure measurements. Automatic blood pressure monitors leave less room for user error. However the gold standard for blood pressure taking is the mercury sphygmomanometer, a manual device. To read the current national guideline for taking blood pressure measurements click here.
Tags: automatic blood pressure, blood pressure measurement, blood pressure measurements, Blood pressure monitor, blood pressure monitors, bp, bp monitors, gold standard, Measuring Your BP, mercury sphygmomanometer, national guideline, taking blood pressureLotrel and supplements
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 10 2009
Q: I take Lotrel 10/40 and would like to take some supplements like fish oil or Co-enzyme Q. Are there any supplements I shouldn’t take with Lotrel?
A: Gold Standard, a professional drug reference, does not show an interaction between Lotrel with fish oil or with Co-enzyme Q. However, you should always discuss use of supplements with your doctor. Many have not been proven to have a medical advantage and are a waste of money. The supplements St John’s Wort, Yohimbine, Hawthorn, Ginkgo, Ma Huang, and Ginseng are known to interact with Lotrel and shouldn’t be taken.
Tags: co enzyme Q, drug reference, fish oil, ginkgo, ginseng, gold standard, Hawthorn, lotrel, Medication Interactions, st john s wort, Supplements, yohimbine
