Uncontrolled 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, terazosinVariability of BP readings
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: My readings vary a lot, ranging from the healthy zone of 115/76 all the way up to 150/95. Many of my readings are in the 136/86 zone +/- In addition to being a Resperate user for several years, I am also newly taking a betablocker to help control my blood pressure. What is the significance of having such a wide range of readings?
A: Blood pressure is not constant. It varies with activities and natural body rhythms. However, when you repeatedly have elevated readings, it shows your blood pressure is not in good control. I assume this is why you were started on medication.
Tags: betablocker, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, hypertension, Measuring Your BP, medication, RESPeRATEFrustrated 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, RESPeRATENeed a second opinion
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: My doctor has me on 6 different bp meds-Hyzaar 100-12.5/1 day, Spironolactone 25mg/1 day, Benazepril hcl 10mg/1 day, HCTZ 25mg/1 day, Carvedilol 12.5 mg/1 tab 2x day, Clonidine HCl 0.1 mg/1 tab 2x day. I feel this is very excessive. In the last year I’ve been to the ER 3x because my bp was in stroke zone. I also take an extra Clonidine & Carvedilol periodically when my bp spikes during the night. Can you help me with any advice?
A: You are taking many medicines but your blood pressure isn’t in control. Assuming you are following your doctor’s instructions, a second opinion could be helpful. Health Grades can help you locate a doctor in your area. Click here.
Tags: benazepril, benazepril HCL, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, carvedilol, Clonidine, hypertension, hyzaar, second opinion, spironolactoneTreating high diastolic pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: Only my diastolic (lower number) is high. What drives the diastolic pressure and what lifestyle changes can be made to lower it?
A: For good information explaining blood pressure, click here. Diastolic pressure is the measurement of blood pressure between heart beats. Life style changes that are recommended include, regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a normal weight, and stopping tobacco use.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high diastolic pressure, hypertension, Isolated Hypertension, life style changes, lifestyle changes, tobacco useHigh 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, stressCauses of ED (Erectile Dysfunction)
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: Is ED [Erectile Dysfunction] caused from Hypertension or from the medication to control it?
A: Some high blood pressure medicines can cause sexual dysfunction. Talk to your doctor about your problem. If your erectile dysfunction began when you started taking medicine for high blood pressure, it could be drug related. Keep in mind, disease in the blood vessels to the penis is a frequent cause of erectile dysfunction. Untreated high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels of the penis.
Tags: Blood vessels, causes of ed, Erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, hypertension, Sex, sexual dysfunction, Taking BP Meds, taking medicineLink between hypertension and asthma?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: Has any link been shown between hypertension and allergies or asthma? What effect do asthma drugs have on blood pressure? (especially rescue inhalers such as albuterol?)
A: It is suspected that there is a link between high blood pressure and allergic diseases. Rescue medicines such as albuterol can temporarily elevate blood pressure. For more information about specific types of blood pressure medicine and asthma click here.
Tags: albuterol, allergic diseases, allergies, asthma, asthma drugs, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure medicine, high blood pressure, hypertension, Medical Conditions
