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.
Tags: aerobic exercise, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, Diet & Exercise, high blood pressure, hypertension, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, losing weight, lower blood pressure, RESPeRATEThe 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 weightMaking 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 syndromeIs the diet aid alli safe to take with high blood pressure that is under control?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 02 2008
Q: Is the diet aid Alli safe to take with high blood pressure that is under control?
A: Alli (Orlistat) works to block the absorption of fat in the gut from ingested food. You should not have a problem with your blood pressure while taking Alli. It works best when combined with a reduced calorie diet. Losing weight will also help with blood pressure control.
Tags: alli orlistat, blood pressure control, high blood pressure, losing weight, Medication Interactions
