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BS: high blood pressure
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Subject: BS: high blood presure From: GUEST,Yasmin Date: 02 Dec 03 - 04:48 PM ok mudcatters---- how can I get my blood pressure down ? Any advice, or real life stories would be apreciated ! yasmin |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: GUEST,Martin Gibson Date: 02 Dec 03 - 04:53 PM Lose weight. Go to a doctor and get a prescription. Do it now or as soon as possible. This is something you do not want to fool around or procrastinate with. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: mg Date: 02 Dec 03 - 05:04 PM drink healthy amounts of water and eliminate trans fats, white flour and other highly refined foods from your diet...it is all related to insulin overload...mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: katlaughing Date: 02 Dec 03 - 05:13 PM For immediate help, my daughter's doctor had her lie on her left side. He said they didn't know why, but it brings down dangerously high blood pressure. Of course, you then have to figure out what is causing it. We just had a thread similar to this. If I can find it, there was really good info in it. kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: katlaughing Date: 02 Dec 03 - 05:14 PM Here ya go: Click Here |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: Peace Date: 02 Dec 03 - 05:37 PM GUEST, Yasmin: 1) See a doctor. 2) If you have ever had (or have) asthma, even if it isn't acting up now, tell the doctor; it means you can NOT have beta blockers. 3) You haven't said what your BP is, so how do you know it's high? |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: Mark Clark Date: 03 Dec 03 - 02:59 PM Pick out an energegic adult large breed dog (70-100 lbs) at your local animal shelter. Take it for long walks and see that it gets plenty of exercise at your local off-leash park. Be careful not to overfeed it but do register for discipline training classes. This worked for me. As an additional measure, sweep all the Republicans out of office in the U.S. That will lower all our BP readings. - Mark |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: Rapparee Date: 03 Dec 03 - 03:29 PM Go to the doctor, be honest, get and take the necessary meds. Exercise, even if it's only a walk. Watch your diet like a hawk. Cut back on salt. Drink lots of water. So far I drink lots of water and I take the meds the doctor prescribed, but hey! I know what I should be doing. I've found that they want you to drink water but they don't want you to flavor it, like with Scotch or Bourbon. Darn. A good dog (and sometimes a cat) helps, too. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: jeffp Date: 03 Dec 03 - 03:55 PM Like everybody else said, go see a doctor. It may take a little experimenting, but you will eventually settle on a regimen that works for you. Quit smoking, reduce the fats in your diet, get more exercise, reduce your alcohol intake (sob!), and monitor your BP. If you're like me, you'll find out that you have more energy and feel much better after you get it stabilized. As far as personal stories go, 4 years ago I went to a clinic for respiratory problems (a cold that just wouldn't go away). The doctor took my BP and freaked out. It was 185/135, a stroke waiting to happen. She immediately started me on medication and referred me back to my primary care physician. (I had to get one of those - I hadn't been to a doctor in years) I am now on 2 meds and feel much better. I also quit smoking 2 1/2 years ago and that feels better too. Take care of this and it will be no more than a slight inconvenience. Ignore it and it may kill you. Or you might have a nonfatal stroke that leaves you unable to do the things you enjoy. To me, that would be worse. It was the idea of a stroke rather than a heart attack that got my attention and made me take it seriously. For what it's worth, there's my story. Jeff |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: Jeep man Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:36 PM Been there, done that. All of the above. Fought it for years with various medicines. My doctor finally hit on the right combo and I have been good for 2 years. It takes lots of patience. Jim |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: Robin2 Date: 03 Dec 03 - 10:53 PM TAKE CARE OF IT NOW!!! I'm one of those stroke survivors that after one year still can't play my instrument well. My BP was even worse, 215/135, and I stroked out while taking my meds for 5 months! Now I have lost 70 pounds, I walk 4 miles a day, and I eat very little meat. If you have a family history or artery problems, and you get sick a lot (anything from colds to asthma), ask your doc to check you out. My only sign of an artery blockage was a being tired and a lingering cold. Robin2 |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: Mudlark Date: 04 Dec 03 - 01:50 AM Just a thought...if you have a thyroid problem it may be contributing. Have your thyroid levels checked. Calcium/mag. also helpful, 1000/500. But if seriously high, do meds first...bringing it down fast is your first concern. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: mouldy Date: 04 Dec 03 - 03:54 AM I've been on medication for about 3 weeks now. It wasn't horribly high (160/100-110) but my stress levels were very high at the time, and I was starting with anxiety symptoms. I did go through a phase of full-blown panic attacks about 26 years ago, which put me (for a mercifully short time) on valium and beta-blockers. I swore I would get into that state again - it was hell! (Unfortunately, with my husband being away most of the time for the last 12 years there is always a slight undercurrent of stress in my life!) The GP put me on a very low dose of propanolol for a week just to see how I tolerated it, and then over a few days I built up to 80mg/day. Then he started me on the one-a-day sustained relief variety, as my BP had come down to 150/90. My pharmacist daughter says that if it has come down by 10pts each measurement after so little intervention, it is probably mainly due to stress - the tablets are also used to treat anxiety, amongst other things, and I have felt much better since I have been on them. Also, from being a caffeine addict, I have reduced right down to only a couple of cups a day on average, and am drinking a lot of green tea. I have to go back in 2 weeks for another check. Andrea |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: GUEST,noddy Date: 04 Dec 03 - 11:37 AM stop thinking and worrying that you have high blood pressure...... Why are you bald? I worry a lot. What do you worry about? Going Bald! |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: RichM Date: 04 Dec 03 - 09:29 PM If you think you have high blood pressure, see a doctor. Don't fool around with trying to control it on your own! It can indicate a serious medical problem that could cause stroke, or heart attack. I've had HBP for 40 years, been on medication that long. My current BP is about 125 over 70, and I want to keep it there. Particularly since I had angioplasty a month ago for 3 blocked arteries in my heart. Get thee to thy physician! |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 04 Dec 03 - 10:45 PM Screw the Doctors!
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: JohnInKansas Date: 05 Dec 03 - 02:22 AM Having suffered from "borderline" high blood pressure for nearly 30 years, listening to all the doctors tell me to diet, change my diet, get more exercise, lose weight, etc., and with constant warnings about "we're going to have to medicate that if it doesn't drop;" I finally "retired" and immediately found my blood pressure dropped by about 15 mmHg - both numbers. The biggest drawback to this "treatment" is that it's very difficult to go back after a fair trial. Rather a drastic step, but the worry about "living" on inadequate retirement income doesn't seem to do near as much to the b.p. as all the deadlines at the old office, even though I never felt particularly stressed by the job(s). Now if I could get rid of the kids.... John |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: open mike Date: 05 Dec 03 - 03:49 AM eat more garlic!! meditate! learn to take your own bp so you can check it at home get with a support group so you can all remind each other to take care of yourselves and check in with each other about progress, etc. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: Dave Bryant Date: 05 Dec 03 - 06:08 AM If you don't drink, don't smoke, don't have sex, avoid fatty foods and salty things too - you may not actually live any longer - but boy oh boy it will really seem as if you do ! Men - if you do suffer from high blood preasure, avoid going to see "Dangerous Curves" as advertised in Breezy's Thread. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: catspaw49 Date: 05 Dec 03 - 07:01 AM For the most part, excellent advice. My BP was originally diagnosed 15 years ago with a 220/170. That was scary. You may be in a situation where lifestyle be all you need.....maybe not. The first priority is to get it down NOW and modify things later, especially if it is quite high. I have had a series of problems since then as most of you know but my BPhas always been pretty good thanks to meds and lifestyle change. Sometimesit takes a combination of both. Don't fight that. DO find the proper med or combination of meds at the ptoper dosage. After my valve surgery, the Docs changed the meds I was on. Over time my BP began to rise again and as these were new "designer" meds, the dosage was difficukt to figure out. Eventually I was running at 180/110 and getting very worried. My GP and I started thinking and I tried to isolate when and why this had happened. I am on Vasotech and Coreg which are really fine meds, but they weren't doing it. They are newer and better versions of what I had before and the Coreg is a far superior beta blocker. And here is where it pays to know your meds.......We had eliminated ProCardiaXL for a number of reasons but it's primary function is as a calcium channel blocker. Tis function should have been compensated by the Vasotech, but my personal need for the calcium blocker was greater and simply by going back on the ProCardia, my BP went IMMEDIATELY back down to 110-120/70-80. I have also spent time in the hospital with several people who were there simply because their Docs could not get the proper combination to work. That takes some close monitoring, but again, if that's the case, you do what you have to do. Do whatever you can to change your lifestyle into a better position but use the meds if needed and be sure you as well as the docs understand the function and dosages of each one and the possible side effects as well. One more note on side effects....there are a lot and they differ from one to another. I do not do well on classic beta blockers but Docs love them as they DO offer protection to the heart. In my case, I discovered through trial and error that I couldn't do large doses as I couldn't BREATHE!!! When Coreg came out, it was heralded for a lot of things as each new "designer" med often is (designer med=an older med now updated and presumably more effective which becomes the drug of choice even if it isn't the right one). Well, for a change, this one worked as it has a beta blocker that does not affect the respiratory system nearly as much, virtually not at all. So for me it's a good choice. Also learn to take your own BP or get a reliable electronic unit that uses fuzzy logic. They are surprisingly accurate BTW.....even the less expensive wrist models. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood presure From: gnu Date: 12 Aug 11 - 06:00 PM The doc cut my BP meds in half when I was last in... it was 110/70 at 7:45 AM. I read at various internut sites that "normal" is 90-120/60-80 but he cut the meds. I un-cut the meds when I read 145/89 @ 63bpm at 2:45 PM Aug 7. Took my second pill of the day at 6PM... 94/50 @ 65bpm at 8PM. Does that seem a tad low? Does anybody know? I wonder. Why did he cut the meds in half? He did it once before and it "didn't work". Seems to me that the reason for the "low" BP (110/70) is because I was an extreme jock when I was a lad. How many 54 year old men have heart rate in the low 60s after years of smoking, overeating, and considering exercise as a good brisk sit with a cup of tea and a smoke... and having the odd ale? Seriously, anybody have any first hand experience or actual medical knowledge about why 110/70 would be reason to cut the meds in half? Maybe cut them by a third and see what happens? Just seems odd to me. Especially because it didn't work the last time. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Bill D Date: 12 Aug 11 - 06:36 PM The only way to decide is to monitor BP over time... it often changes due to stress, caffeine, work...etc. 110/70 is a good reading, but doesn't mean much as a single reading. I take one tablet in the AM, and am usually close to normal when tested. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Janie Date: 12 Aug 11 - 06:40 PM My second, "I dunno, gnu" in a row (see the gardening thread.) Seems like for a lot of people, getting blood pressure meds. adjusted is often very much a process (sometimes more or less continuous) of trial and error. May be a good idea to keep your doctor well informed and involved in the process, and to quiz him/her regarding their reasoning. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: gnu Date: 12 Aug 11 - 06:48 PM "quiz" a doc? Here? That could be suicide. Ya just don't piss off a doc in NB, Canada. Ya gotta know more than the doc and kinda ask him if maybe, perhaps, could it be... |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Janie Date: 12 Aug 11 - 07:01 PM Is that fact, gnu -or is that your perception? Or is that the case with your particular medical provider? If so, and if you have the option, consider changing medical providers. Medical care needs to be a partnership between the individual and the provider. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: gnu Date: 12 Aug 11 - 07:28 PM "... and if you have the option..." Ahhhh, there it is. We have ONE medical provider. No options. Well, two... go without a "family doc" and see where you end up. Seriously, you don't piss off a doc here... or a nurse. Definitely don't piss off a nurse. "Perception." Well, I could tell you stories. Seriously, more than a few. Canuck health care here in NB ain't all Mikey Moore cracks it up to be. I have the scars to prove it... scars... scares... plural on both. So, yeah, it's a fact... otherwise, I wouldn't have posted that. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: katlaughing Date: 12 Aug 11 - 07:30 PM In my case the kidney specialist has been cutting mine back due to too low BP, for a change, as in 70s/40s. He also said it had to do with how it effected my kidneys. Since we cut them back about a month and a half ago, my kidney function has improved and he's quite happy about it. There's lots more to it than just the BP, heart, etc. Well-oiled machine and all that. Another thing, when mine was all over earlier this year when I was deathly ill, I was fanatical about checking it every hour or so. The docs finally convinced me once a day was enough, at the same time each day and to keep a record of it. I got in the habit of taking it before breakfast, before the morning meds., and still do check it on occasion. I would keep a record for a week or two and see how it goes, though if there are any anomalies, too high, too low, get checked right away. kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: SINSULL Date: 12 Aug 11 - 08:28 PM First, see a doctor. There are effective medications which work almost instantly. Second, exercise and if necessary lose weight. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Janie Date: 12 Aug 11 - 08:57 PM There is an element of thread drift here gne, for which I apologize - I'm also pondering the latest thread on USA healthcare. Sounds like the guarantee of medical coverage, at least in your area, which I gather is rural, comes at the expense of choice. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Jim Dixon Date: 12 Aug 11 - 09:04 PM Cutting by a third might not be an option because they might not make pills in the right dosage. I think you could consult the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) to find out what dosages are available. Most libraries would have it, or you could check their web site: PDR.net. Warning: the language could be very technical—it's designed for physicians, not laymen. If you're not already familiar with the PDR, read the article at Wikipedia. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Jack the Sailor Date: 12 Aug 11 - 11:22 PM I think you should probably listen to the doc. But asking him why he did it doesn't seem out of line if you express your concerns in a constructive way. On the other hand, here in the US I don't trust doctors to do anything but squeeze every dime from me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: JohnInKansas Date: 13 Aug 11 - 12:48 AM re - the PDR. I've kept a reasonably current copy of the PDR close at hand for a couple of decades, but haven't blown the $90 (US) (current last time I looked) for the latest one, because it's not really as essential as previously. In the US, every prescription dispensed must be accompanied by a "drug fact sheet" that very closely replicates the current PDR information on the drug. Some are in "fine print" that I find convenient to scan so I can "blow them up" on screen, but it is a very good idea to actually read them all carefully and to check new ones when you get a refill or any new prescriiption, because occasionally there are changes. Online, you can look your drugs up - at PDR.net, but you may not be aware that there is a "consumer version" and a "physicians version" of the online PDR. If you're relatively unsophisticated you may find the consumer version helpful for its simpler language, but if you really need to know something you'll want to be sure you get it from the "real (Physicians) one." Although I haven't looked for it on line, there also is a "PDR for Herbal Remedies" if you want information for such things. This one is sparse on recommended uses but is "authoritative" with respect to known side effects and interactions with other drugs - both with other herbals and with pharmaceuticals you may have had prescribed. In the US, if you actually read the data sheet that comes with each Rx, you should be well informed about what you're taking. If you don't get the data sheet with an Rx and need an alternate source for what it would say, the PDR (Physicians) is the one you want. John |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: katlaughing Date: 13 Aug 11 - 01:50 AM If you actually read the whole data sheet, you'll not want to take any of it, ever, imo!:-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Backwoodsman Date: 13 Aug 11 - 02:30 AM Why on earth would anyone ask here for medical advice? Do you go to your doctor advice on how to tune your guitar, or information on the tune to a song? Duh! It's your life, your health FFS. Ask an expert, not a bunch of well-meaning amateurs. Get face-to-face advice from a qualified doctor, who can make a proper assessment of your condition taking into account all relevant factors. There's no way I'd get my medical advice from a bunch of mostly retired, neurotic, pot-smoking old hippies. :-) :-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Rusty Dobro Date: 13 Aug 11 - 03:11 AM There's no way I'd get my medical advice from a bunch of mostly retired, neurotic, pot-smoking old hippies. :-) :-) At least we got to be old, so we must know something! |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Backwoodsman Date: 13 Aug 11 - 06:01 AM LOL! I surrender! :-) :-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: gnu Date: 13 Aug 11 - 06:32 AM "First, see a doctor. There are effective medications which work almost instantly. Second, exercise and if necessary lose weight." Ahhh... I did, I did and I did. (Lost a hundred pounds.) "... at least in your area, which I gather is rural..." Ahhh... one of the largest hospitals in the province is less than a two minute drive from me. Another large hospital (the "French" hospital) is about a ten minute drive. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Backwoodsman Date: 13 Aug 11 - 08:19 AM "Ahhh... I did, I did and I did. (Lost a hundred pounds.)" Jeez, gnu, it's a miracle you've got any blood pressure at all! I lost 80, and I thought that was seriously extreme! |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Jack the Sailor Date: 13 Aug 11 - 08:27 AM Its hard to figure out, but as Kat implied medications have side effects. Maybe the Doc was trying to minimize those. It is weird that he wouldn't tell you why though. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: MikeL2 Date: 13 Aug 11 - 08:49 AM hi I live in the Uk and I don't know much about Us Health provision and even less about Canuk. Over here I have been on BP medication for several years. The process here ( free) is the GP (doctor) prescribes medication and reviews it monthly for six months. During this time any changes to medications will be made. I now attend six-monthly reviews when I have everything checked out. A week before I go I fill out a daily monitor sheet that means I take my BP three times daily - early morning; mid-day and late evening. I take the results with me and first a triage nurse checks my BP. Then if she has any concerns I see the doctor who analises them. He then takes my BP himself and as a result he makes any changes if necessary. This goes on every year. I have had occasion to take an extra medication and sometimes a stronger dose. My doc tells me that my BP target is about 140/80 and by and large I achieve this. As others have said here it does vary at times due to numerous reasons. The same kind of treatment and review occurs for cholesterol as well. The reviews are more about checking the the levels are consistent with the Government targets. These have been to constantly reduce the C levels. We are now down to about 4.8. As I say this is all free. I even can use my free bus pass to get to the surgery !!! Cheers MikeL2 |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Backwoodsman Date: 13 Aug 11 - 09:42 AM My Hypertension is not extreme, so I have a 6-monthly BP check, as well as my annual Diabetes MOT (BP, HBa1C, cholesterol, weight, 'tickle-test' on my feet, etc.). That's all, and my BP is always (as the practice-nurse puts it) 'Spot-On'. My GP's attitude to Internet-DIY medicine and 'medical self-help books' is that the websites should be closed down and the books burned - they serve only to cause alarm amongst medically-untrained patients who don't properly understand the full ramifications of what they're reading. As he put it, "If you go on a website and look up every condition on there, you will convince yourself that you're dying from at least 50% of them". Talk to your GP - that's what he/she is there for. You know it makes sense! |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: katlaughing Date: 13 Aug 11 - 10:47 AM As he put it, "If you go on a website and look up every condition on there, you will convince yourself that you're dying from at least 50% of them". In the USA, all you have to do to do that is watch television, ever since they started allowing adverts for prescription meds!;-) To be fair, there are some very good, legitimate medical websites including WebMD which also provides a magazine to most docs' offices and the Mayo Clinic website is good, too. While it's true, it is important to speak with your doc, friends do often talk about their own experiences and sometimes that's all they want to do...just share. Sometimes, it may lead to better info on what to ask your doc, etc. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: MikeL2 Date: 13 Aug 11 - 10:50 AM Hi BWM <"Talk to your GP - that's what he/she is there for. You know it makes sense! "> I am with you 100% on that. cheers MikeL2 |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: Jack the Sailor Date: 13 Aug 11 - 11:07 AM Lose weight, less salt, most importantly cardio-vascular exercise, if you are well enough. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: gnu Date: 13 Aug 11 - 11:34 AM "Sometimes, it may lead to better info on what to ask your doc, etc." Well, that was the point of my post. JtS... you forgot "quit smoking". I forgot "quit drinking beer." |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: bobad Date: 13 Aug 11 - 11:47 AM Re alcohol and blood pressure, from the Mayo Clinic: Does drinking alcohol affect your blood pressure? Answer from Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily increases your blood pressure, but repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases. Heavy drinkers who cut back to moderate drinking can lower their systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) by 2 to 4 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading) by 1 to 2 mm Hg. If you have high blood pressure, avoid alcohol or drink alcohol only in moderation. Moderate drinking is generally considered to be: Two drinks a day for men younger than age 65 One drink a day for men age 65 and older One drink a day for women of any age A drink is 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof distilled spirits. Keep in mind that alcohol contains calories and may contribute to unwanted weight gain — a risk factor for high blood pressure. Also, alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness and increase the side effects of some blood pressure medications. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: GUEST,Eliza Date: 13 Aug 11 - 03:49 PM My BP is 'borderline' (152/90). My GP is monitoring it every month, but she said that meanwhile to lose some weight and take more exercise is never a bad idea. I was moaning to my sister (a doctor up in Scotland) on the phone, saying I hope I wouldn't need medication. She was very stern, and pointed out that untreated high BP can end in a whole lot of bad trouble, and that having a stroke could 1) kill me or 2) leave me seriously handicapped for life. Also, high BP damages the kidneys (which I didn't know). She made me promise I'd accept meds if the doc. deemed it necessary, and I think she's right. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: gnu Date: 13 Aug 11 - 03:55 PM "Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily increases your blood pressure..." Huh? Quite the opposite. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: GUEST,Eliza Date: 13 Aug 11 - 04:01 PM A max of 2 units a day (for men) can lower BP a little. But more than that significantly raises it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: high blood pressure From: gnu Date: 13 Aug 11 - 04:07 PM Right... perhaps over years, But on an evening, it has quite the opposite effect. |
