White-coat hypertension and ambulatory monitoring
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: I have been taking 40mg of Lisinopril and 12.5mg of Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) for a few years now. Since taking these medications my at-home readings are wonderful, averaging from 120/75 to as low as 90/56 at night. When
I visit the doctor’s office, my readings are high; from 140/85 up to 175/90. A doctor at the clinic felt that White Coat Syndrome could not spike up anyone’s readings THAT much. I am leery to start taking even more meds, or higher doses. In your opinion, can White Coat Syndrome spike numbers that high?
A: Since there is a difference between your home readings and those taken at the office, you might want to discuss ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with your doctor. This testing can help determine if your blood pressure is in control and if you suffer from white coat hypertension.
Tags: ambulatory blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure monitoring, diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, hypertension, Lisinopril, white coat hypertension, white coat syndromeBlood 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.
Tags: alternative treatments, blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, hawthorn berry, hctz, herbals, hydrochlorothiazide, natural herbs, Norvasc, supplement, Supplements, Supplements, vitaminsHydrochlorothiazide and heartbeat irregularities
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 17 2009
Q: What causes hydrochlorothiazide to sometimes cause heartbeat irregularities or a rapid pulse rate? I stopped that medicine because it scared me.
A: Thiazide diuretics can lower the amount of the chemical potassium in your body. This can lead to an irregular heartbeat. For this reason, many people on hydrochlorothiazide, or similar drugs, are advised to eat a banana every day or take a potassium supplement. You should let your doctor know you are having problems.
Tags: heartbeat irregularities, hydrochlorothiazide, irregular heartbeat, potassium, potassium supplement, rapid pulse, Taking BP Meds, thiazide diureticsHigh blood pressure and alcohol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 29 2009
Q: I went to see my doctor a few days ago and my pressure was 175/118. She gave me hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. I never had this problem before and I want to know if it is because I drink a lot of alcohol every day. I don’t want to take the med because of side effects. I’m only 33 and am too young to be on this med. What can I do to bring my BP down without the med?
A: Your blood pressure is in the range that needs treatment. Starting treatment with a diuretic is standard. You are young and can make lifestyle changes now that will greatly influence your health for the rest of your life. It is reasonable to stay on the diuretic until you have made all the appropriate lifestyle changes and your pressure is under control. At that time, you and your doctor could consider attempting to stop or lower your medication while carefully monitoring your blood pressure. Excessive drinking is very hard on the body. For information about alcoholism, click here.
Tags: alcohol, alcoholism, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, diuretic, excessive drinking, high blood pressure, hydrochlorothiazide, lifestyle changes, medication, side effects, Taking BP MedsCholesterol medicine
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 07 2008
Q: I had a stroke last year due to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I am on metoprolol 50 mg, lisinoril 40 mg twice a day, hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg once a day and lipitor 80 mg at bedtime. I cannot afford the lipitor and there is no generic. Is there any presciption medicine that can substitute for the lipitor?
A: There are other cholesterol lowering drugs available such as Zocor, Zetia and Pravachol. Although they lower cholesterol, they are not identical to Lipitor. If your doctor feels that Lipitor is the best drug for you, drug assistance programs are available from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. Go to http://www.rxassist.org to check on what programs are available in your area and for eligibility requirements.
Tags: cholesterol, hydrochlorothiazide, lipitor, lisinoril, metoprolol, Pravachol, Taking BP Meds, Zetia, Zocor
