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
Tags: cholesterol, cholesterol level, dr whitaker, heart attack, Heart Health, high cholesterol, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, lower your cholesterol, Medical Conditions, side effectsLifestyle 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, RESPeRATETreating 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 useThe effects of exercise and lifestyle changes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 21 2009
Q: I have cut sugar out of my diet. I am doing strength training 2x/week and cardio 3x/week. I am slowly losing weight. I don’t eat meat except 1x or 2x/month. I am 5′1″ and weigh 162lbs. How soon before my blood pressure will return to normal if I continue this regime?
A: Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. A regular exercise program will significantly lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke and cancer. Life style changes take about three months to become effective. They may not bring your blood pressure back down to normal. Even thin, vegetarian, marathon runners can develop high blood pressure.
Tags: Diet & Exercise, effects of exercise, exercise program, high blood pressure, life style changes, lifestyle changes, losing weightImportance of lifestyle changes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 22 2009
Q: I have high blood pressure and am drug resistant, taking HCTZ, Triamtrin, Dyazide, Atenolol, Clonidine, Verapamil, Lisinopril, and I have ordered the Resperate. Any other suggestions?
A: Don’t forget about lifestyle. What you eat and how much you exercise play a big role in blood pressure control. There are very few people who wouldn’t benefit from losing a few pounds and being a little more active.
Tags: Atenolol, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure control, Clonidine, Diet & Exercise, dyazide, high blood pressure, lifestyle changes, Lisinopril, RESPeRATEHigh blood pressure and surgery
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 21 2009
Q: I am having an operation in a fortnight [2 weeks] and although my BP was a bit high at pre-op tests, it has been checked since and is now 150/105. Is there any way I can help to get this down in time for the operation?
A: Blood pressure drugs can bring blood pressure down quickly. For most people, lifestyle changes usually take more than two weeks to make an impact. When one is undergoing surgery, it may be best to hold off treatment until after surgery because of the interactions between certain blood pressure drugs and anesthesia. You should discuss this further with your doctor, surgeon and anesthetist.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure drugs, high blood pressure, lifestyle changes, Misc, surgeryMaking 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.
Tags: bmi, bp, Diet & Exercise, eating habits, high blood pressure, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, losing weight, side effects, Sleep & Sleep Apnea, stress level, Taking BP Meds, white coat syndromeTaking meds as prescribed
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 21 2009
Q: My doctor wanted me to try to take Lisinopril, 10mg 1 per day. I have read all the side effects and am kind of leary about taking it. Can I start out by taking a half of one early and then the other half later? I have started cardio at least 20 minutes a day and changing my diet. If it does lower my BP, will I have to continue taking the drug?
A: You should always take medicine as it is prescribed. Not all pills can be split safely and smaller dosing doesn’t eliminate side effects. Depending upon your blood pressure, a trial of life style changes to lower your pressure may be worthwhile prior to starting drug treatment. Discuss this with your doctor. In addition to lifestyle changes, you might want to consider using the RESPeRATE.
Tags: blood pressure, diet, life style changes, lifestyle changes, Lisinopril, RESPeRATE, side effects, Taking BP MedsLifestyle changes to lower BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 16 2009
Q: I am almost 50 and have been taking Lotrel 10/40 for 2 years. I work in Iraq and just since Dec 08, I have started eating like my friends do here in Iraq: hummus, eggplant, olive oil, tabouli, fresh veggies and fruits, and soups with every meal. Nothing out of a box or container. I have also started walking and have lost over 37 lbs. My BP is now lower than it has ever been before (115/75). Is it possible for me to one day get off this medication if I continue to eat and walk and work out daily?
A: Congratulations, you are doing a great job of making life style changes that are heart healthy. It may be possible to get off your blood pressure medication but you need to consult with your doctor to accomplish this safely.
Tags: blood pressure, blood pressure medication, Diet & Exercise, Heart Health, life style changes, lifestyle changes, lotrelHigh 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 Meds
