Uncontrolled BP on many meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2003. I tried Clonidine, Accupril and got rebound hypertension and impaired Kidney function. I am currently on the following medications - Tekturna 150 mg x2, Terazosin 10 mg x6, Labetalol x1, Guanfacine, x3, Hydralazine 10 MG x2. My BP now stays high. Can these meds be having an interaction issue, or just too much medicine? Can any of them cause rebound hypertension and make my BP worse? I just ordered the RESPeRATE Machine to see if that will help. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
A: The more medications you take, the more likely you are to have an interaction of some kind. For a good discussion on interactions, click here. The drugs you are taking for your blood pressure are all in different classes of medication and should work together to lower your pressure. Clearly you are having problems. You should show your blood pressure readings to your doctor and discuss your concerns. Rebound hypertension can occur if you stop your drugs or aren’t taking them as prescribed.
Tags: accupril, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure readings, Clonidine, guanfacine, high blood pressure, hydralazine, hypertension, interaction, kidney function, labetalol, meds, minoxidil, rebound hypertension, RESPeRATE, Taking BP Meds, Tekturna, terazosinVariability 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, RESPeRATEFrustrated with high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I’m an active 46 yr old African man. I’ve had high BP since I was a teenager, but I’ve also been active all my life doing sports. I have been running 3 miles every other day. Despite all these efforts I’ve been making (including the medications), my blood pressure is still high. I had a check up with my Dr last week, and my cholesterol has also elevated a bit. I’m frustrated, and don’t know what else to do!
A: Ask your doctor about using the RESPeRATE. This device has been proven in clinical studies to lower blood pressure. It is simple to use and has no side effects. Talk to your doctor about diet. Perhaps increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and lowering your salt intake would be beneficial.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, cholesterol, fresh fruits and vegetables, high blood pressure, hypertension, RESPeRATE, salt intakeLifestyle 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 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 MedsAccupuncture and blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 27 2009
Q: Just wondering if you think acupuncture is a good option for lowering high blood pressure. Would acupuncture be a good Resperate adjunct?
A: RESPeRATE use is not a contraindication to acupuncture. I have a friend who is both a licensed acupuncturist and a board certified orthopedic surgeon. He reports to me that he has been successful in treating mild hypertension. He is always quick to point out that the skill of an acupuncturist affects outcome. Scientific studies on the topic are limited. To learn more about this click here.
Tags: accupuncture, acupuncture, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, hypertension, licensed acupuncturist, lowering high blood pressure, Misc, RESPeRATEAfraid 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, stressSalt needs of healthy adults
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: I am using the DASH diet as well as Resperate (which I LOVE). I monitor my salt, potassium, magnesium levels daily. I can’t seem to find any information on what is the lowest safe daily level of salt for an individual. [I am 65 years old. I have heard that too little salt can be dangerous but I don't know how much is too little.]
A: About a teaspoon of salt a day will meet the needs of most healthy adults. Most of us eat much more because salt is added to foods for flavor. A blood level of 135 mEq/l is considered low by most laboratories. To see the government guidelines about salt intake click here.
Tags: blood level, Dash diet, Diet & Exercise, government guidelines, little salt, RESPeRATE, salt intake, sodium
