Blood pressure and hawthorn berry

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

Q: My blood pressure went haywire in March and my physician/ PA recommended that I take Norvasc and HCTZ 12.5 mg. I have been told by many people about the side affects of Norvasc with swelling. However I do prefer natural herbs as an alternative. I’m taking the HCTZ and the Herb Hawthorn Berry to control my blood pressure. My pressure has been great since ranging from 121/76 to 136/74. I know that most Doctors don’t approve of this so I haven’t told them, although I plan to. What do you think about the Herb Hawthorn Berry?

A: You should always tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins or herbals that you take. Your doctor can give you helpful information and warnings about these products. Don’t just assume your doctor will dismiss your interest in alternative treatments. It is possible that your diurectic (HCTZ or hydrochlorothiazide) is controlling your blood pressure. It is also possible the Hawthorn berry is helping. For more information on Hawthorn click here.

Sensitivites to BP meds

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 23 2009

Q: What combination of BP meds do you recommend for African-American women who are sensitive to BP meds, yet do not respond well to them? I had to stop Lisinopril because it made me cough, BP remained hign on HCTZ and Atenolol, Norvasc worked for a short time, also have pitting edema from my calves to my ankles.

A: Your drug sensitivities make you more difficult to treat. If you are not already seeing a physician who specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure, you should ask your doctor for a referral. Another consideration to help you obtain better control would be use of the RESPeRATE. It has no side effects and does not interact with any blood pressure drugs.

High BP even with multiple meds

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 26 2009

Q: I have high blood pressure and my doctor has tried me on many different meds. I take vasotec twice a day, hctz 25 mg daily and a catapres patch once a week. My doctor recently added metoprolol 25 mg twice a day plus 8.75 mg of sular. The sular is causing severe swelling and taking lasix my BP is still way too high. What is the dose that I could take of metoprolol and not have to take the sular and lasix?

A: You have not provided enough information for me to make any dosage recommendations. Before starting another blood pressure drug, I would suggest you talk to your doctor about use of the RESPeRATE. It has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without interacting with any blood pressure medication. Considering all the different classes of drugs you are currently taking, drug interaction is a big concern.

Don’t forget lifestyle impacts blood pressure. It is very important for difficult to control hypertensive people to exercise regularly, maintain a normal weight, and eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Chest pain is not to be ignored

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 16 2009

Q: I’m wondering if my meds for high blood pressure should be changed. I have been on lisinopril-hctz 12.5 mg. My chest hurts alot and there’s some numbness in my arm but I check my BP and it’s usually not that bad. I am just curious what questions I can ask my doctor so I don’t sound like a whiner. I just want to feel better.

A: Chest pain, even with normal blood pressure, should not be ignored. You need to be evaluated immediately. Chest pain, especially when associated with arm symptoms, can be a sign of heart trouble. In this situation, don’t worry about what your doctor thinks about how you sound. It is better to be considered a whiner than suffer a massive heart attack.

Blood pressure and decongenstants

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 19 2009

Q: I’ve been congested (seasonal allergies) since March of 08 and was diagnosed with high blood pressure in June. I am taking enlapril hctz 5-12.5. I really want to take decongestants but I’m not due to high BP. Antibiotics and prednisone did not help. My allergist does not know what to do, What do you suggest?

A: Treatment of chronic nasal congestion is difficult in sufferers of hypertension because decongestants elevate blood pressure. Steam, nasal irrigation and Breathe Right strips (click here for a discount coupon) can offer relief without side effects.