Aspirin and niacin for heart health
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: If you have had heart attacks in the family what is the dose of aspirin you should take? Also, if I were to take vitamins what would be the best to help with the heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol?
A: The risk of taking aspirin needs to be weighed against the benefits. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Niacin, otherwise known as B3 has been shown to improve blood fat levels. However, many people are unable to take this vitamin because of side effects. Taking niacin in prescription form often makes it more tolerable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Tags: aspirin, b3, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack, heart attacks, Heart Health, Heart Health, niacin, side effects, Supplements, vitamin B, vitaminsVitamins for BP and Cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009
Q: What vitamins can be used for high blood pressure and cholesterol?
A: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 has been shown to be helpful in lowering cholesterol. Recent research suggests that Vitamin C may help with blood pressure. Since both these vitamins are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes more sense to eat healthily rather than to rely on supplements.
Tags: bp, cholesterol, Diet & Exercise, fresh fruits and vegetables, high blood pressure, niacin, Supplements, Supplements, vitamin b3, vitamin c, vitaminsBlood pressure and hawthorn berry
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: My blood pressure went haywire in March and my physician/ PA recommended that I take Norvasc and HCTZ 12.5 mg. I have been told by many people about the side affects of Norvasc with swelling. However I do prefer natural herbs as an alternative. I’m taking the HCTZ and the Herb Hawthorn Berry to control my blood pressure. My pressure has been great since ranging from 121/76 to 136/74. I know that most Doctors don’t approve of this so I haven’t told them, although I plan to. What do you think about the Herb Hawthorn Berry?
A: You should always tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins or herbals that you take. Your doctor can give you helpful information and warnings about these products. Don’t just assume your doctor will dismiss your interest in alternative treatments. It is possible that your diurectic (HCTZ or hydrochlorothiazide) is controlling your blood pressure. It is also possible the Hawthorn berry is helping. For more information on Hawthorn click here.
Tags: alternative treatments, blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, hawthorn berry, hctz, herbals, hydrochlorothiazide, natural herbs, Norvasc, supplement, Supplements, Supplements, vitaminsCan vitamins interfere with blood pressure and depression medication?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 04 2008
Q: Can vitamins and/or garlic pills interfere with BP and depression meds?
A: Interactions are always possible, especially when you are taking more than three different medications or supplements. Your doctor needs to know all supplements that you are taking to help prevent serious interactions from occurring. Just because a vitamin, herbal, or supplement doesn’t require a prescription, does not mean it is harmless.
Tags: blood pressure, bp, medication, Medication Interactions, medications, Supplements, vitaminsCan taking too many vitamins lead to high blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 10 2007
Q: Can taking too many vitamins lead to high blood pressure and cellulitis?
A: Taking more than the recommend daily allowance (RDA) of a vitamin can be harmful. What can happen to your body depends on the vitamin and how much is being taken. You should talk to your doctor about your vitamin intake. Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is sometimes prescribed at higher than the RDA to increase the level of good cholesterol.
Tags: high blood pressure, increase, Medication Interactions, vitamins
