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

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.

Diabetes and impotence

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 04 2009

Q: I’m 72 years old, strong and still working as a music teacher. I take 1000 mg metformin for diabetes, eat well, weigh 198 lbs. What is causing my impotence? Is it just age related?

A: Since you are on metformin, I am assuming you are diabetic. Even though you are strong, you have a sedentary occupation. You didn’t give your height but most people who weigh 198 pounds are at least overweight if not obese. Based on this, it is likely your impotence is caused by vascular damage from uncontrolled diabetes. Please accept my apology if this is not the case. Uncontrolled diabetes combined with obesity greatly increases the risk of a heart attack. I’d suggest that you speak to your doctor who knows your personal medical history.

What is a digital pulse analyzer?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2008

Q: I have been reading about a device (FDA approved) called Cardio Beam Meridian DPA. Literature states that it is an arterial scan and measures the loss of arterial compliance. Is this non-invasive product of value?

A: Digital Pulse Analyzers are thought to be able to predict a future heart attack or stroke by measuring the elasticity of large and small arteries. If irregularities in the arteries are picked up early, therapeutic measures could be taken that might prevent future disease. Whether or not this technology will prove to be both cost effective and improve long-term outcomes remains to be seen.