Variability 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, RESPeRATEThe role of Statins (medication)
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: Do Statins play a role in lowering blood pressure?
A: Statins are prescribed to lower blood fats. They help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Although they are not considered a treatment for high blood pressure, recent studies have shown they also lower blood pressure.
Tags: blood fats, heart attack, high blood pressure, lower blood pressure, lowering blood pressure, Medical Conditions, medication, Misc, statinsTreating uncontrolled high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: My BP is high: 200+/-10 over 120+/- 10 I have tried all the meds made and have been checked for every known cause with no results. They cause drug induced gout/other problems. I have been to a number of clinics with no result. Will this machine [Resperate] work for me?
A: RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that the higher the blood pressure, the better the reduction expected. It should help you control your pressure. However, your blood pressure is so high you might still require medication to be in good control. Discuss a trial with your doctor.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, gout, high blood pressure, hypertension, lower blood pressure, medication, Misc, RESPeRATE, uncontrolled high blood pressureHesitant to treat drug side effect with drug
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: I have young onset Parkinson’s disease and went from having problems with low bp to problems with high bp. Through trial and error we figured out that one of the meds I take is causing the high bp (wellbutrin, but nothing else works). My Dr wants to treat it with bp meds, but I am hesitant to add any other meds to treat a side effect. My bp is 135/95 average for 4 months now. When is bp high enough to need to treat and if it is caused by meds do you have to treat it or are there any other options available?
A: Your blood pressure is at a level where it needs to be treated. Since you are not interested in taking more medication, you should talk to your doctor about a trial with the RESPeRATE. It has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without side effects.
Tags: bp, hypertension, lower blood pressure, Medical Conditions, medication, Parkinsons disease, RESPeRATE, Taking BP Meds, wellbutrinDrug assistance programs
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 27 2009
Q: How can I keep my blood pressure down without the use of meds? I plan on talking to my doctor about Resperate however my money is limited at this moment. I have been taking lisinopril and until I can get to my doctor I need a way to keep my blood pressure low without the use of meds. Basically I cannot afford the doc to continue my meds.
A: Call your doctor. Most doctors will work with you to find a drug you can afford, provide you with samples, and/or put you in touch with drug assistance programs. On the web go to: http://www.pparx.org/
Tags: blood pressure, drug assistance programs, Lisinopril, medication, meds, Misc, money, RESPeRATE, Taking BP MedsAvalide and sleepiness
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: Is the drug, Avalide, known to make you sleepy/drowsy during the day? I’m experiencing a lot of this now that I’m on Avalide.
A: Avalide is known to cause fatigue. You should discuss your reaction to this medication with your doctor. I would hate for you to get into an accident because of excessive daytime sleepiness.
Tags: Avalide, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, medication, side effects, Sleep, Taking BP MedsAfraid of medication
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: I am supposed to take the blood pressure medicine lotrel, well I haven’t started it yet. I’m kind of scared of medicine. Also I have anxiety, stress, and panic disorder. What are some things that could possibly help me overcome these problems?
A: Talk to your doctor about your problems and concerns. You may need to see a mental health provider. Ask your doctor about the RESPeRATE. It is very soothing to use so it might help with your anxiety in addition to helping lower your blood pressure.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, blood pressure, blood pressure medicine, hypertension, lotrel, medication, medicine, panic disorder, RESPeRATE, stressDrugs for treating hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 06 2009
Q: Are there any guidelines as to how high on a daily, consistent basis, blood pressure must be in order to damage the kidneys or heart? Also, are there any meds besides lisinopril/hctz that are more effective to lower b.p.?
A: Blood pressure that is greater than 139/89 needs to be treated. The treatment goal is a blood pressure that is less than 140/90. There are many different types of medication used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will suggest a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs based on the severity of your high blood pressure and other medical problems you might have. This plan may include more than one drug and drugs that belong to different classes. To learn more about the different drugs used to treat high blood pressure click here.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, drugs, high blood pressure, hypertension, Lisinopril, lisinopril hctz, medication, Taking BP MedsThe need to take meds regularly
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009
Q: There are days that my BP is at the 160/100 level in a.m. and then 140/90 the rest of the day and other days at 120/80 all day long without any medication. When I take 1/4 of the pill Atacand 16mg, BP comes down to normal (120/80). But then the next day or after a few days the BP is normal (125/80) and I do not know if I should continue to take the pill. These fluctuations confuse me and I do not know what to do. In the last year I have lost 35 lbs from 250 to 215 lbs.
A: You should take your blood pressure medicine as prescribed. When taken on a regular basis, a constant blood level of a drug develops. This prevents peaks and dips of the drug in your body and leads to better control of blood pressure. Because of your excellent weight loss, your doctor might want to adjust your medication. Make an appointment if you haven’t been seen recently.
Tags: atacand, blood level, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure medicine, bp, fluctuations, medication, Taking BP Meds, weight lossTaking meds and eye floaters
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009
Q: I had BP of 200/128 a month ago at the dentist. I was sent to the ER and then saw my regular M.D. 3 weeks later and she added to my meds. My Pharmacy was out of my medication and I had to wait a few days to fill it. I took 2 of the other med to make up for it to keep my BP down. I now have big black floaters in my left eye. Is there anything I can do to help this along?
A: You should only take medicine as it is prescribed. I suggest you discuss what happened with your doctor. Your eye doctor should be consulted about your floaters. For really bothersome floaters, laser treatment is a possibility.
Tags: bp, eye doctor, eye floaters, laser treatment, medication, pharmacy, Taking BP Meds
