Changes in BP treatment recommendations

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 12 2010

Q: Quite a few years ago (about 25-30) blood pressure was considered normal at an approximation of your age plus 100; ie. you are 60 so your blood pressure would be approximately 160/80. When and why did they (WHO?) decide that the blood pressure of an 18 year old and a 60 year old should be identical?

A: Medical science does not stand still. We now know more about the relationship between blood pressure and the risk for heart attack and stroke. Current recommendations for treatment are based on The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). For more information about the government organization and medical scientists behind this report, click here.

High BP in the morning

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 12 2010

Q: Why is our BP consistently highest when we wake up in the morning? Are such high readings of systolic >160 mm and diastolic >100 mm an indicator one needs medical attention although BP at other times of day seem normal (or range near high normal)?

A: A morning blood pressure of 160/100 needs medical attention. Make an appointment to see your doctor. Blood pressure increasing in the morning is a natural biorhythm of the body. A significant number of people have a stroke or heart attack in the early morning because of this biorhythm.

Aspirin and niacin for heart health

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

Q: If you have had heart attacks in the family what is the dose of aspirin you should take? Also, if I were to take vitamins what would be the best to help with the heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol?

A: The risk of taking aspirin needs to be weighed against the benefits. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Niacin, otherwise known as B3 has been shown to improve blood fat levels. However, many people are unable to take this vitamin because of side effects. Taking niacin in prescription form often makes it more tolerable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.

The role of Statins (medication)

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

Q: Do Statins play a role in lowering blood pressure?

A: Statins are prescribed to lower blood fats. They help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Although they are not considered a treatment for high blood pressure, recent studies have shown they also lower blood pressure.

Is high cholesterol really a problem?

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

Q: All kinds of Cholesterol Pills give me side effects — muscle ache, bone ache, stomach ache, head ache, and my mind gets blurry. I have tried all and cooperate with the doctor, until I can no longer tolerate. From last year to August I did not take anything but I felt good. But the cholesterol went up. I read from Dr Whitaker, that the cholesterol thing is just a crazy non-founded phenomena since the liver produces the cholesterol and our body needs it. Is this true?

A: It is true your body makes cholesterol and cholesterol performs needed transport functions in the body. However, too much cholesterol is not good. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise and eating foods high in fiber can help lower your cholesterol. To learn more about cholesterol lowering lifestyle changes go to: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=523

Benefits and risks of low dose aspirin

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009

Q: Quite lately, I heard a doctor on Fox news extra indicate that the continued use of low dose aspirin to mitigate cardiovascular risks, has been researched and found to be pose some complications. He advised that the use be discontinued. I had to stop the use of low dose Aspirin. What do you think?

A: Low dose aspirin can cause serious bleeding. The risk of a serious bleed needs to be weighed against your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Not everyone has a high enough risk of a heart attack or stroke to make it worth the risk of serious bleeding from aspirin. In addition, recent studies have shown that some people don’t get any benefit from taking aspirin. You should make the decision about taking or not taking aspirin with the help of your doctor.

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.

Untreated hypertension

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

Q: My average reading over the past 2 years has been 152/74 with pulse rate of 49. I try to follow a heart-healty diet. I take no drugs (except baby asprin daily). Is this adequate? My age is 73, height 5′10″, weight 168 lbs. I walk briskly 2 miles daily. My parents and grandparents all died of coronary disease between the ages of 58 and 76.

A: Sometimes a healthy life style isn’t enough to prevent and control high blood pressure. By your measurements, you have systolic hypertension. Left untreated, this increases your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Your parents and grandparents are telling you to seek treatment.

Breathe for health together

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

Q: I am using the Resperate at this time. My husband has always had low blood pressure, but last week he suffered a heart attack and they put him on blood-pressure medicine among many others. Can he use Resperate?

A: Generally, a heart attack does not mean you can’t use the RESPeRATE. After speaking with your husband’s doctor, he may be able to share your device, or buy one so you can “breathe for health” together. Having a partner in exercise encourages compliance.

Blood pressure during exercise

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

Q: What should your blood pressure be when doing a one mile walk?

A: Blood pressure typically increases with activity but it should remain within a safe range. Moderate exercise is felt to be safe even for people who have had a heart attack. It is always best to check with your doctor prior to starting an exercise program if you have any health issues. For an excellent explanation on the effect of different types of exercise on blood pressure, click here.

To see the American College of Sports Medicine position on exercise and high blood pressure, click here.
http://www.acsm-msse.org/pt/pt-core/template-journal/msse/media/0304.pdf