Is high cholesterol really a problem?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: All kinds of Cholesterol Pills give me side effects — muscle ache, bone ache, stomach ache, head ache, and my mind gets blurry. I have tried all and cooperate with the doctor, until I can no longer tolerate. From last year to August I did not take anything but I felt good. But the cholesterol went up. I read from Dr Whitaker, that the cholesterol thing is just a crazy non-founded phenomena since the liver produces the cholesterol and our body needs it. Is this true?
A: It is true your body makes cholesterol and cholesterol performs needed transport functions in the body. However, too much cholesterol is not good. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise and eating foods high in fiber can help lower your cholesterol. To learn more about cholesterol lowering lifestyle changes go to: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=523
Tags: cholesterol, cholesterol level, dr whitaker, heart attack, Heart Health, high cholesterol, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, lower your cholesterol, Medical Conditions, side effectsEcosprin gold and flatulence
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: I am taking Metapur AM 10mg and Ecosprin gold for about one and a half years and my BP is in control. But I am facing a problem with farting resulting in lot of embarrassment. Please advise me if this problem is because of the above medication and what can I do?
A: Ecosprin gold is a drug used to prevent clot formation. It helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. One of the side effects of the drug is increased gas. You should discuss with your doctor, changing how you take your medicine. Sometimes changing the time of day and taking your medicine with food can help with this problem.
Tags: clot formation, Ecosprin gold, farting, flatulence, heart attacks, Medication Interactions, Misc, side effect, side effectsSexual relations and hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009
Q: How many times can one who has high blood pressure have sex in a day or week? Is it advisable to use any sex enhancing drug?
A: Frequency of relations is usually determined by the participating individuals. Doctors determine when it is safe to return to sexual activity after an illness, not how much is appropriate. Talk to you doctor about any problems you are having that would lead you to consider taking a sex enhancing drug. Drugs of this class can have life threatening side effects.
Tags: high blood pressure, hypertension, Sex, sex enhancing drug, sexual activity, sexual relations, side effect, side effectsAvalide 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 MedsRESPeRATE and relaxation
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: Is it advantageous to use the Resperate for non-high blood pressure issues? My son (age 21) has problems falling asleep and once he is asleep, he wakes up often.
A: The RESPeRATE is not harmful to use. It does not have side effects. Your son may find it very soothing to use, as it is indicated as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress. Many people report they sleep better with RESPeRATE use. My children have used the RESPeRATE to lower anxiety associated with taking major tests.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, high blood pressure, Misc, relaxation, RESPeRATE, side effect, side effects, SleepMaking 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 syndromeIndapamide and uric acid
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 13 2009
Q: Previously I was prescribed Indapamide 2.5 mg daily but recently my cardiologist changed the drug to Losartan 50 mg daily due to an increase in uric acid. My BP used to be 140/88-95 before taking any drug, then it came down to 130 /80-85 after indapamide but now after taking Losartan for a month my BP is 120/74. Should I continue Losartan? Is the drug Indapamide known to induce an increase in uric acid?
A: Uric acid is one of the things that should be monitored while taking the drug Indapamide. You doctor has recommended a change based on your laboratory tests. You have gotten a good response to your blood pressure with Losartan and should continue unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
Tags: blood pressure, bp, indapamide, laboratory tests, losartan, side effects, Taking BP MedsNon-drug options
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 25 2009
Q: I am on lisinopril, 40mg. and am female, over 40. I would love to find a supplement to take instead of prescription meds. I also have osteopenia and ringing in the ears. What do you suggest?
A: I routinely suggest to my patients RESPeRATE and regular exercise. RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. It does not have the side effects that are associated with supplements and medications. Regular weight bearing exercise helps to lower blood pressure and strengthens bones. Work with your doctor to find a solution that works best for you.
Tags: high blood pressure, Lisinopril, lower blood pressure, prescription meds, RESPeRATE, side effects, Supplements, Taking BP Meds, weight bearing exerciseTaking meds as prescribed
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 21 2009
Q: My doctor wanted me to try to take Lisinopril, 10mg 1 per day. I have read all the side effects and am kind of leary about taking it. Can I start out by taking a half of one early and then the other half later? I have started cardio at least 20 minutes a day and changing my diet. If it does lower my BP, will I have to continue taking the drug?
A: You should always take medicine as it is prescribed. Not all pills can be split safely and smaller dosing doesn’t eliminate side effects. Depending upon your blood pressure, a trial of life style changes to lower your pressure may be worthwhile prior to starting drug treatment. Discuss this with your doctor. In addition to lifestyle changes, you might want to consider using the RESPeRATE.
Tags: blood pressure, diet, life style changes, lifestyle changes, Lisinopril, RESPeRATE, side effects, Taking BP MedsFinding a holistic practitioner
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 17 2009
Q: What do you do with a patient who is sensitized to the current treatment prescriptions because of the extremely negative side effects? Where can I find a doctor who is willing to treat me with non-chemical prescription treatments like diet and exercise etc?
A: Doctors who practice holistic medicine usually are knowledgeable in alternative, complementary medicine or integrative medicine. The American Holistic Medical Association has a doctor finder.
Tags: alternative complementary medicine, holistic medical association, holistic practitioner, integrative medicine, Misc, side effects, Taking BP Meds
