Treating essential hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 21 2009

Q: The treatment of “Essential” Hypertension by doctors appears to be a shotgun prescription of various drugs, until one of them works to lower blood pressure. A neighbor of mine was given medication to take, and when he got up at night, he would pass out (presumably, from an extremely low blood pressure). Are doctors unaware of this type of consequence? And why can’t they take the time to figure out what’s really causing the hypertension? And treat that, instead of prescribing inappropriate medications?

A: Most people suffer from essential hypertension. It is called essential hypertension because no cause can be found. Hypertension related to a specific abnormality is called secondary hypertension. At the time high blood pressure is discovered, testing is done to determine if you have essential or secondary hypertension. Doctors know how drugs work and the effects they can have. Not everyone responds to drugs in the same way. Until you are tried on a drug, it is impossible to know for sure how you will react.

Resistant hypertension, meds and RESPeRATE

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 06 2009

Q: I have taken 5 different BP medications, at this time Tekturna and Bistolic. I went to a vascular specialist and my BP was 200. He said I had essential hypertension and that they didn’t know what causes it or how to treat it. Now I’m ready to get off the BP meds because they don’t work. Would RESPeRATE work for me?

A: Never stop taking medication for high blood pressure without first consulting with your doctor. Abrupt stopping of medication may lead to serious complications. Regular use of the RESPeRATE can help to get blood pressure in control. Keep in mind, for many people, RESPeRATE is used along with medication to achieve control.

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

ARBs and diabetes

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009

Q: Have there been any reports of lower extremity neuropathy linked to the use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)? I also have diabetes but I did not develop neuropathy until I was started on 2 different ARB medications. I quit taking the medications due to the pain and since then the pain has gradually decreased.

A: In general, angiotension receptor blockers are felt to be beneficial in diabetes. However, individual responses to drugs can vary. You should discuss your experience with your doctor.

Reasons for face flushing

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

Q: I have high blood pressure. What does it mean when my face (mostly ears) gets beet red and feels hot?

A: Most likely, skin flushing is occurring when your face, or just ears, gets hot and red. Flushing can be the result of non-worrisome things like strong emotions or eating spicy food. It can also be caused by a medical problem or medications. Flushing is a common side effect of Niacin (Vitamin B3) often used to lower blood fat levels. To learn about skin flushing, click here.

Safe flight travel

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 28 2009

Q: If I have a high blood pressure, how does a 16 hour overseas flight affect me? Do I need to be worried?

A: Check with your doctor to make sure you don’t have any condition that would make it unsafe for you to fly. Most people with treated high blood pressure can fly overseas without any problems as long as they take their medications as scheduled. On any long flight, it is a good idea to do some seat exercises (click here) and drink enough water.

Clinical study and rising blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 25 2009

Q: I have been on Diovan 320/12.5 and Amlopidine 10mg for about a year and a half. I volunteered for a clinical study and they asked me to stop my meds. I have and it has been reading really high, 136/97 up to 157/119. Will I be alright to do this for 2 weeks? I have been off them for 5 days now. I really don’t feel bad. I can think a lot clearer than when I was on my meds.

A: Talk to the medical personnel associated with the clinical study. Presumably they are monitoring your pressure and will put you back on your medications if they feel you are at risk.

Pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009

Q: I am expecting my second baby in May 2009 and I have a daughter that is now 3 yrs old. I had pre-eclampsia with her pregnancy. With this pregnancy, my blood pressure has been 130 /80 but I’m worried. What can I do to help avoid pre-eclampsia this time?

A: Good prenatal care is extremely important in this situation. You doctor will want to monitor you very carefully and may recommend certain medications based on how you are doing. You might want to ask your doctor if you are a candidate for an antiplatelet agent.

Difficulty swallowing pills

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009

Q: Are there any chewable blood pressure meds? If not what would be your recommendation?

A: Unfortunately many medications used to treat blood pressure are designed to have a slow release so it is not smart to crush the pills to make them easier to swallow. You should discuss whether it is safe to crush your medication with your pharmacist. Liquid preparations of some diuretics are available but it is not likely that these will be the best drugs to treat your high blood pressure. Rethinking how you go about swallowing pills is the best plan. Fill your mouth with water before putting the pill in your mouth and then just gulp. Follow immediately with another swig of water. Done quickly enough, the pill floats on the water down your throat and is completely tasteless.

Sudden increase in blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 29 2009

Q: I`m 57 and in very good condition. I`m spending some time in Europe on vacation and my blood pressure has risen to around 158 over 98/100. It’s normally 115/80 when I’m home in southern California. I don’t know if I need to see a doctor. Does the cold weather have anything to do with it?

A: You are experiencing a big change in your blood pressure. If you take medication, double check and make sure you are taking your medications properly. Sometimes people mix up their medications when they transfer them to smaller containers for travel. If this is not the case, it would be a good idea to be evaluated by a doctor. Being in a colder climate should not cause your blood pressure to become abnormally high although there is seasonal variation to blood pressure.

Atherosclerosis and hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009

Q: I have atherosclerosis with a renal artery stent. Will RESPeRATE, along with medications and life-style changes, help with the hypertension caused by this condition?

A: RESPeRATE has been proven in clinical studies to lower high blood pressure when used regularly. There is no reason to think it won’t help you although I am not aware of a study done in patients with renal artery stents. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor too. Keep in mind, RESPeRATE comes with a money back guarantee when purchased directly.