Ameal supplement for high BP?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: Is Ameal really a good supplement for high blood pressure?
A: Ameal is a supplement of lactotripeptides. Does Ameal work? The answer is not clear. A study on 135 people in the Netherlands concluded that lactotripeptide supplementation does not significantly change blood pressure. Click here for the study. On the other hand, a review of studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that lactotripeptide supplementation has an effect on elevated blood pressure but does not change normal blood pressure. Click here. Personally, I am not a fan of dietary supplements. I believe it is smarter and more economical to just eat a healthy diet.
Tags: ameal, ameal supplement, dietary supplements, healthy diet, high blood pressure, lactotripeptides, supplementation, Supplements, SupplementsUncontrolled BP on many meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2003. I tried Clonidine, Accupril and got rebound hypertension and impaired Kidney function. I am currently on the following medications - Tekturna 150 mg x2, Terazosin 10 mg x6, Labetalol x1, Guanfacine, x3, Hydralazine 10 MG x2. My BP now stays high. Can these meds be having an interaction issue, or just too much medicine? Can any of them cause rebound hypertension and make my BP worse? I just ordered the RESPeRATE Machine to see if that will help. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
A: The more medications you take, the more likely you are to have an interaction of some kind. For a good discussion on interactions, click here. The drugs you are taking for your blood pressure are all in different classes of medication and should work together to lower your pressure. Clearly you are having problems. You should show your blood pressure readings to your doctor and discuss your concerns. Rebound hypertension can occur if you stop your drugs or aren’t taking them as prescribed.
Tags: accupril, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure readings, Clonidine, guanfacine, high blood pressure, hydralazine, hypertension, interaction, kidney function, labetalol, meds, minoxidil, rebound hypertension, RESPeRATE, Taking BP Meds, Tekturna, terazosinDiagnosing white coat hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: Each time I take my blood pressure at home it is about 115/63 no more than 128/63. But it is very high at the doctor’s office. She gave me a low dose of high blood pressure medicine. I asked her what my blood pressure would be after I take the medicine and she said 130/80. I didn’t start to take the medicine… why should I take it if my blood pressure is below 130? What would you do?
A: Take your home blood pressure readings to your doctor. You might have what is known as “white coat hypertension”. Your doctor may want to do additional testing, such as 24 hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to be sure you are currently in need of treatment. Newer studies are suggesting that “white coat hypertension”, increases the risk of developing of high blood pressure later in life.
Tags: ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure medicine, high blood pressure, white coat hypertensionThe 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.
Tags: blood fats, heart attack, high blood pressure, lower blood pressure, lowering blood pressure, Medical Conditions, medication, Misc, statinsFrustrated with high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I’m an active 46 yr old African man. I’ve had high BP since I was a teenager, but I’ve also been active all my life doing sports. I have been running 3 miles every other day. Despite all these efforts I’ve been making (including the medications), my blood pressure is still high. I had a check up with my Dr last week, and my cholesterol has also elevated a bit. I’m frustrated, and don’t know what else to do!
A: Ask your doctor about using the RESPeRATE. This device has been proven in clinical studies to lower blood pressure. It is simple to use and has no side effects. Talk to your doctor about diet. Perhaps increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and lowering your salt intake would be beneficial.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, cholesterol, fresh fruits and vegetables, high blood pressure, hypertension, RESPeRATE, salt intakeLifestyle changes to lower BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I have high blood pressure and my doctor wants to have lab work done and put me on medication to lower it! My blood pressure is 170/80. I weight 249 and am doing everything that I can to lower it by eating right, losing weight, and lowering my salt intake. However it isn’t lowering it as fast as they need it too. What else can I do before I’m on medication?
A: You did not mention exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure. You also could discuss trying the RESPeRATE with your doctor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, Diet & Exercise, high blood pressure, hypertension, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, losing weight, lower blood pressure, RESPeRATEIs sea salt healthy?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: Everywhere we hear and read that deep sea salt is safe and won’t hurt the blood pressure. Is that true? Is it really safe?
A: Sea salt is still salt and will affect your blood pressure if you are salt sensitive. Sea salt contains additional minerals and elements not found in standard iodized table salt that add flavor. Most of us eat far more salt than we need so cutting back is universally recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, healthy, high blood pressure, salt, sea salt, table saltHigh morning BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: I checked by blood pressure three times a day. At 8AM it read 156 over 96, at 2PM it read 108 over 56, at 8PM it read 120 over 67. Do I have high blood pressure?
A: You need to discuss your blood pressure findings with your doctor. Your pressure is high in the mornings which is worrisome. Additional testing may be needed.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high blood pressure, hypertensionRelationship 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, stressInsomnia and blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: For several years now I have been unable to get a good night’s sleep without a sleep aid such as Ambien - during that same period my blood pressure has been a little high - is there a correlation?
A: Not sleeping well has been associated with the development of high blood pressure. In addition, high blood pressure has been reported as an infrequent side of effect of Ambien. Chronic use of sleeping pills is not without risk. You should talk to your doctor about other methods to treat insomnia. To learn about behavioral therapy for trouble sleeping, click here.
Tags: ambien, behavioral therapy, high blood pressure, insomnia, Sleep & Sleep Apnea, sleep aid, sleeping pills, trouble sleeping
