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

Lifestyle 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.

Uncontrolled BP and blood in urine

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 22 2009

Q: I have high blood pressure and am on a low dose of Amlodipine 5mg. I am 64, fit and a healthy female. I react badly to all other BP medication. Recently I had two urine tests that show I have a small amount of blood in my urine. All my blood tests, bowel scan and heart tests are fine. Where do I go from here, as I am not happy to have any higher BP med dosage. What other tests can I have to identify why blood is in my urine?

A: In addition to making all the lifestyle changes your doctor has recommended, use of the REsPeRATE may help bring your blood pressure into control and prevent your Amlodipine dose from being increased. The evaluation of blood in the urine depends upon how much blood is present. Blood that can only be seen with a microscope sometimes requires further evaluation with cystoscopy. For more information about cystoscopy click here.

Please Note: RESPeRATE users – do not reduce your blood pressure medication without first consulting with your health care professional.

Making lifestyle changes

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 13 2009

Q: For the past 2 months, with a lot of stress in my life, I have white coat syndrome and my BP at the doctor’s office was 160/90 on two occasions. At the pharmacy, it’s usually 147/88 or even 140/89. I am 5′7 and weigh 220 lbs, have sleep apnea and asthma. The doctor gave me toprol (smallest dose, 25mg) because he says it also helps with stress. I’ve read that this drug causes side effects. Should I try a lifestyle change before I take meds?

A: Lifestyle changes should be made whether or not you decide to treat your high blood pressure with medication. I certainly encourage you to make major changes immediately. Losing weight will help both your high blood pressure and your sleep apnea. From my experience, your doctor has likely recommended drug treatment first based on your current weight (BMI 34.4, click here for calculation), stress level, and eating habits.