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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ed_uk on October 21, 2005, at 1:29:24
Hi,
Felt like discussing high blood pressure.
Who here has high blood pressure?
What meds do you take?
My BP is sometimes normal, sometimes high.
~ed x
Posted by Phillipa on October 21, 2005, at 1:29:24
In reply to Hypertension, posted by ed_uk on October 19, 2005, at 14:29:48
Hi Ed, I have low blood pressure. But when I was first put on an AD the doctor put me on 25mg of lopressor. Said it would block the anxiety that paxil could cause. Love PJ O
Posted by Phillipa on October 21, 2005, at 16:58:58
In reply to Hypertension, posted by ed_uk on October 19, 2005, at 14:29:48
This Thread will die now. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Sebastian on October 22, 2005, at 18:24:46
In reply to Hypertension, posted by ed_uk on October 19, 2005, at 14:29:48
I take Toporol XL. Its because of my wellbutrin and caffine intake, self diag. Toporol XL is a bata blocker, which is an anti anxiety med also.
Posted by 10derHeart on October 23, 2005, at 12:10:39
In reply to Hypertension, posted by ed_uk on October 19, 2005, at 14:29:48
Hi ed,
I do. Been taking Atenolol (temorin), a beta blocker, for about 2.5 years. It also has the lovely side-effect of reducing the anxiety (physiological stufff like racing heart, shallow breathing, etc.) that was part and parcel of previously undiagnosed, untreated ADD.
(I take Strattera for the ADD, but without the Atenolol, will still tend to get frequent cardiovascular reactions to stress and worry...)
I also take HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) a diuretic, for HPT.
Usually can keep my BP down to around 128/90 this way, but not always. Average BP creeps up with weight gain. So, if I would/could lose weight and go back to regular exercise, I'll wager BP would get even lower. Drs. in U.S. now going by stricter guidelines of wanting BP UNDER 120/80, anything higher being classified as high now, which is probably a good thing. Is the point of view of what exactly constitutes high BP different in the UK?
What do you take, ed? Does HPT run in your family (if you want to say)? I'm adopted, so that genetic part is always a big unknown for me and drs.
Posted by ed_uk on October 24, 2005, at 15:18:49
In reply to Re: Hypertension » ed_uk, posted by 10derHeart on October 23, 2005, at 12:10:39
Hi 10der,
>Drs. in U.S. now going by stricter guidelines of wanting BP UNDER 120/80, anything higher being classified as high now, which is probably a good thing. Is the point of view of what exactly constitutes high BP different in the UK?
In the UK, hypertension is generally diagnosed when BP is greater than 140 systolic and/or 90 diastolic.
BP lower than 130/85 is considered to be normal - but not ideal. BP lower than 120/80 is considered to be ideal.
>Usually can keep my BP down to around 128/90 this way, but not always.
It would probably be useful to add amlodipine (Norvasc) to your treatment. The starting dose is 2.5mg or 5mg in the morning, increased to a maximum of 10mg if necessary.
>What do you take, ed?
Nothing. My BP is often about 130/85 ie. high-normal. My doctor doesn't consider it high enough to warrant treatment, especially since I'm young and otherwise ok. I was thinking of asking for candesartan though.
>Does HPT run in your family (if you want to say?
No. It's not long since hypertension was defined as BP > 160/100 though!
~Ed
Posted by 10derHeart on October 24, 2005, at 21:56:28
In reply to Re: Hypertension » 10derHeart, posted by ed_uk on October 24, 2005, at 15:18:49
Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing, ed.
Can you tell me a little about what Norvasc and
candesarten are? I'm not familiar. (I know I could Google them, but would rahter hear it from you...)Yeah...all my adult life (I'm 46) the *cutoff* has been 140/90 unitl just the past 1-2 years. Guess doctors have learned that a sort of low-grade HPT (say in the 130/85-140/90 range) over years and years, together with some other risk factors, may be quite damaging to the cardiovascular system eventually - for some people. So, better safe than sorry to get folks to aim for lower readings, as young as possible, seems to be the idea now.
Mine would be much better with weight loss and exercise, just haven't quite got myself together in those areas yet, what with depression rearing its ugly head a bit too often :-(
But I still have hope. Love to get off BP meds entirely, unless it proves to be essential hypertension (I think that's the term?) where even with weight control and good fitness, it will still remain high. Time will tell, I guess.
Posted by ed_uk on October 25, 2005, at 14:59:49
In reply to Re: Hypertension » ed_uk, posted by 10derHeart on October 24, 2005, at 21:56:28
Hi 10der,
>Norvasc
Amlodipine is a type of antihypertensive called a calcium channel blocker. It decreases blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. It's value is well proven, it's particularly effective in preventing strokes. Amlodipine might be a useful drug to add to your current treatment.
Kind regards
~Ed
Posted by MidnightBlue on November 2, 2005, at 13:01:27
In reply to Hypertension, posted by ed_uk on October 19, 2005, at 14:29:48
Hey Ed!
Thanks to you I'm being a good girl and taking my blood pressure medicine--Avapro 75. I don't think I would have taken it without your encouragement and I'm doing great on it!
The arthritis meds I take and some antidepressants I've been on in the past have made my blood pressure worse. I've also lost almost 50 pounds and that hasn't hurt!
Take care,
MB
Posted by ed_uk on November 5, 2005, at 12:51:21
In reply to Re: Hypertension » ed_uk, posted by MidnightBlue on November 2, 2005, at 13:01:27
Hi MB,
Avapro is a good med - it's effective and the side effects are (usually) minimal or absent!
Ed x
Posted by ClearSkies on November 5, 2005, at 21:38:25
In reply to Hypertension, posted by ed_uk on October 19, 2005, at 14:29:48
What about non-medication ways to reduce BP? Mine goes from really normal to borderline high. I started to freak out because I sometimes hear my blood rushing in my ears, but it appears to be linked to my TMJ. When my mouth is wide open, it stops.
Of course I can catch flies treating it like this...
ClearSkies
Posted by ed_uk on November 26, 2005, at 14:53:05
In reply to Re: Hypertension, still, posted by ClearSkies on November 5, 2005, at 21:38:25
Hi!
To reduce BP....
-minimise the amount of salt in your diet
-maintain adequate intake of dietary potassium........good sources include bananas, orange juice, potatoes, yogurt, prunes etc
-lose weight if overweight
-limit alcohol intake
-increase aerobic physical activity (30 to 45 minutes most days of the week)
-stop smoking
Ed
Posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2005, at 22:25:05
In reply to Re: Hypertension, still » ClearSkies, posted by ed_uk on November 26, 2005, at 14:53:05
Hmmmm, Ed, have you started excercizing yet? Love PJ O
Posted by ed_uk on November 27, 2005, at 16:39:36
In reply to Re: Hypertension, still » ed_uk, posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2005, at 22:25:05
No :-(
Ed x
Posted by ClearSkies on November 29, 2005, at 18:38:32
In reply to Re: Hypertension, still » ClearSkies, posted by ed_uk on November 26, 2005, at 14:53:05
Thanks, Ed! I have determined that the blood pounding in my ears is definitely due to TMJ. I have checked my BP whenever I experience it, and it's always low/normal. I've been wearing a nightguard that my dentist fitted but since my last round of dental work there's been a paradigm shift in my jaw/headached/pounding blood experience - SO much worse than before.
I think a round of accupuncture is indicated. it has helped me before.
This is the end of the thread.
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