Drugs, liver disease and obesity
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 21 2009
Q: I am 58 years old, 5′6″ and 200 lbs, and presently taking Micardis Plus 40 mg., Concore 5 mg, Lipitor 10 mg. and Norvasc 5 mg. What are the bad effects of these medicines to my organs, and how can I avoid them?
A: Your obesity puts you at increased risk of liver disease and is related to your need for drugs that can affect your liver. The drugs you are on can cause an elevation of liver enzymes. If you really want to protect your liver, you should commit to life long life style changes that will allow you to lose weight and keep it off.
Tags: Diet & Exercise, drugs, elevation, life style changes, lipitor, liver disease, liver enzymes, medicines, micardis, Norvasc, obesity, organs, risk, Taking BP MedsDoes having a congenital heart problem lead to high blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 03 2008
Q: I had an SVASD with a PAPVR repaired in 1960 through open heart surgery. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with high BP and suffered a stroke. Do adults with congenital birth defects that were repaired as children have a higher incidence of high blood pressure? Was my high BP caused by the stroke?
A: Having a congenital heart problem increases the risk of heart related disease in adulthood. Surgical repair should not be viewed as a cure but rather as a method to restore more normal function. Lifelong regular check-ups with a physician are recommended. Without knowing if your stroke was caused by bleeding or by an emboli getting lodged in a blood vessel, it is impossible to know if your hypertension contributed to your stroke.
Tags: blood vessel, bp, congenital heart problem, high blood pressure, hypertension, Medical Conditions, risk, strokeWhat is the danger of an irregular heart beat?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 14 2008
Q: I’m a 55 year old white male in reasonably good physical condition and have been trying to lower my BP naturally. However, I have recently noticed that my heart skips a beat then thumps after a pause, sometimes making me dizzy. Do you think I am in danger?
A: An irregular heart beat should be taken seriously. Make an appointment to see your doctor. A common cause of an irregular heart beat in your age group is atrial fibrillation. Untreated this condition puts you at risk for a stroke. For more information on atrial fibrillation click here.
Tags: Heart Health, irregular heart beat, riskAre there any long term side effects of taking angiozem and blopres for hypertension?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 14 2008
Q: Are there long term side effects of taking Angiozem and Blopres for hypertension?
A: Any medication can have side effects that can be lasting. Your doctor weighs the potential for a bad reaction to a drug versus the benefits before writing a prescription. Untreated high blood pressure increases your risk for a heart attack and stroke. Both of these conditions are life threatening. Renin angiotension blockers and calcium channel blockers, the classification for Angiozem and Blopres, are felt to be safe for long term use.
Tags: heart attack, high blood pressure, hypertension, medication, Medication Interactions, riskIs there any correlation between hypomaniac states and episodes of higher blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 27 2007
Q: I have high BP and bipolar disorder. Is there any correlation between hypomanic states and episodes of higher BP?
A: People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease than the general population. I am not aware of a study that has shown that blood pressure goes even higher during an episode of untreated hypomania but it certainly is possible.
Tags: bp, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, Medical Conditions, riskI have blockage in my arteries, can this cause a stroke?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 12 2007
Q: I have blockage in my vegas arteries. What can I expect to be the results of this later on? Am I in danger of a stroke?
A: I am not sure what blood vessel you are referring to by the “vegas artery.” Blockage of arteries that go to the head can cause strokes. A bigger blockage is associated with a higher risk of stroke than a smaller blockage. Sometimes surgery is done to remove the blockage in hopes of preventing a stroke.
Tags: artery blockage, blood vessel, Medical Conditions, risk, strokeCan a uterus full of fibroids raise blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 03 2007
Q: Can a uterus full of fibroids raise my BP?
A: There is a link between blood pressure and uterine fibroids. Elevated diastolic blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. It is felt that blood pressure elevation occurs before the development of fibroids but further study is needed.
Tags: blood pressure, bp, elevation, Medical Conditions, riskWhat are the possible long term side effects of lisenopril?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 03 2007
Q: I’m 25, active, not overweight, and I do not smoke. However, I have hypertension and take Lisenopril 15mg. Are there any long term effects of this drug?
A: Medications have side effects but the benefit of having controlled blood pressure outweighs the risks of treatment. It is especially important while taking Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, to maintain hydration. Loss of body fluid from excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can put you at higher risk for a serious side effect.
Tags: blood, blood pressure, hypertension, Medication Interactions, medications, risk, treatmentCould resperate help my mom lower her blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 04 2007
Q: Would RESPeRATE help my mom lower the risk of higher blood pressure and the occurrences of the mini strokes?
A: RESPeRATE can help your mom and anyone else interested in lowering their blood pressure. Reducing high blood pressure can decrease the risk of a stroke, big or little. RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without side effects. It was the first medical device to be cleared by the FDA for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Tags: FDA, Heart Health, lower blood pressure, medical device, reducing high blood pressure, RESPeRATE, risk, treatment of high blood pressureWhat are the possible side effects of meloxicam?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 31 2007
Q: I have suffered from high BP for 40 years, have had a mild heart attack, and take Meloxicam for fybromyalgia pains. Is it possible to suffer a major angina attack from Meloxicam?
A: It is possible to suffer a major angina attack whether or not you are on medication. You have already had one heart attack and are at risk for a reoccurrence. If you are having symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and can adversely interact with high blood pressure medication.
Tags: blood pressure medication, bp, heart attack, high blood pressure, high blood pressure medication, Medication Interactions, risk
