BP meds survey

[widgeon13]

For anyone who would care to share, who here is on blood pressure meds, what are you taking and what is your age. Elevated BP seems to be a very common condition today. Is it a sign of the times, more stress in our lives or is it just being watched more closely by the medical community. Has anyone had any success in lowering their BP through exercise and diet. It hasn't worked for me.

I take 5mg of Benicar as a preventive measure. It's such a low dose my new doctor wasn't even aware the med was available in that dosage. Normal is either 10mg or 20mg. Supposedly 70 million people experience high BP at some level and more potentially have it but not diagnosed and consequently not treated.

I'm interested in constructive feedback but I'm certain I'll get some comments that will drive my BP even higher, perhaps I need to get away from PP altogether and that would solve my BP issues.

One of my issues with the elevated BP and associated meds is that when I go for my flight physical the FAA gets very inquisitive about the situation, seems to be one of their hot buttons.

Thanks for any input.

[Rick Lee]

When I was a serious runner 10-12 yrs. ago, my BP was perfect, even though I smoked 10-15 cigarettes per day and drank like a fish, ate whatever I wanted, rarely ate fish. I haven't smoked in almost two years, but gained weight. I still work out a lot, but am not running 12 miles at a time like I used to. My BP went up, doc put me on Simvastatin and Linsinopril and I'm back to good BP again. I'm 39.

[cbush]

Age 50, normal blood pressure- 120/80 range, exercise regularly, try to watch diet. Not over weight.

Clearly genetics play a MAJOR factor- glad they have meds now that can help.

[Rick Lee]

Oh, I should add both my folks have BP and cholesterol issues. My mom's side of family lives forever, even with unhealthy lifestyles. My dad's side dies young and with no bad habits.

[widgeon13]

Interestingly, I exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy and have no cholesterol issues, not overweight. Don't drink or smoke and yet have elevated BP, suppose it could be genetics or just my personality, I tend to be anal type A.

One thing I'm going to try and do is hydrate better, drink more water. I do tend to get dehydrated, especially when traveling.

I was hoping the cycling last summer would help but it had no effect on my BP, it did however help me lower my weight and I will be back to cycling when the weather up here improves.

Appreciate the feedback.

[JavaBrewer]

My fathers side of the family has horrible health history - my grandfather and 4 uncles all died of cancer (yes they smoked). My Dad does not smoke but his BP and Cholesterol are like mine - dangerous when not managed.

I am 48, don't smoke and I work out 4-5x a week. At 195 lbs I am 20 lbs "overweight" (by chart) but it's mostly muscle so I'm good with it. Prior to meds my BP was 138/85 ish and my cholesterol was a tick over 300. I eat pretty healthy, only indulge in fast food maybe once a week and 2 slices of pizza on our "family" night (Friday) , but the rest is fruits, veggies, lean meats/fish, and very little else.

I am on 10 MG of Lisinopril and 80MG of Simvastatin. BP is normal and cholesterol is in the 220 range. After a solid year of a bumped up exercise routine I figured I didn't need the meds anymore so I stopped taking them. 8 months later had my yearly physical and both my BP and Cholesterol had shot back up.

Bad genetics.

[Targa Me]

I'm 54, rarely exercise, eat pretty well but drink too many brews. I'm on Linsinoril 10 mg in the AM and 20 mg in the PM. BP is maintained but is still boardline high. Before taking any BP meds I tried an experiment for 10 days... eat right, exercise, no beer = BP normal 120/80. I really, really need to get out and exercise.

[widgeon13]

I would love to be able to control it w/ diet and exercise, keep in mind, it only gets more difficult to control as you get older as climbing BP is a characteristic of aging.

[Rick Lee]

I'm very thankful for advances in modern medicine that help control these areas of concern. At least in my case, the drugs are cheap, effective and with no side effects.

[dhoward]

52 years old.
10 mg Lisinopril 110/70
20 mg Simvistatin 170
sporadic exercise, and 10lbs overweight.

[syncroid]

I'll be 50 this month. I take 25mg of Toprolol XT once a day. I have borderline high blood pressure and cholesterol issues. I eat healthy and don't smoke. My mom has hereditary high cholesterol. My dad had mitral valve problems. As far as exercise goes, I'm in pretty good shape for my age.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

I would love to be able to control it w/ diet and exercise, keep in mind, it only gets more difficult to control as you get older as climbing BP is a characteristic of aging.

+1
I was told I had high BP and cholesterol when I was 53. I was able to control it with exercise and diet then, but I can't now at 60. I take Cozaar and Vitorin.

[FPB111]

Metoprolol 50mg morn & nite BP 128.6/67.9 avg of last 20 readings.
Never had BP problems, need the drugs as part of anti rejection regimen to protect "borrowed" kidney.
61, racquetball 4 hours week + swimming 4 hours week. Still 20 lbs overweight if you go by gov charts.

[SAM DACOSTA]

As a Sports Nutritionist allow me to offer some natural remedies to alleviate high BP. These are utilized by many within our industry who choose natural remedies instead of the Pharmaceutical options. Some might find these very effective for their BP control.

1. Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycanthae) - Take 250mg. of a standardized extract 3 times daily. This herb dilates the artery walls and decreases blood pressure.

2. Calcium and Magnesium - These minerals have been shown in studies to lower BP. Take a combination of 500mg of calcium and 250mg of magnesium twice daily.

3. Co-enzyme Q10 - Studies show this nutrient reduces blood pressure. Take 100mg. two to three times daily.

4. Fish Oil - Fish oil reduces BP when used on a long term basis. Take 3,000mg three times per day.

If you are obese, you must loose weight. Moderate exercise is a reliable way to reduce BP but consult with your Doctor before starting an exercise program. As a person with hypertension, you may have special needs that should be addressed. Do not smoke or expose yourself to second hand smoke.

[widgeon13]

Thanks guys, keep them coming.

SAM DACOSTA - any problem combining the herbal with meds. As mentioned I'm presently on Benicar and would want to go against doctor's recommendation. I have until Dec to get things down in the normal range for my flight physical but will do all I can to get it under control ASAP, for obvious reasons.

I've never had high cholesterol, I'm fortunate for that and have been reassured that I don't have plaque build up in the arteries.

[syncroid]

Oh yeah, I forgot. I take 3900mg of fish oil, 2400mg of flax seed oil, and 1500mg of niacin daily too. I have no plaque build up what so ever either.

[SAM DACOSTA]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

Thanks guys, keep them coming.

SAM DACOSTA - any problem combining the herbal with meds. As mentioned I'm presently on Benicar and would want to go against doctor's recommendation. I have until Dec to get things down in the normal range for my flight physical but will do all I can to get it under control ASAP, for obvious reasons.

I've never had high cholesterol, I'm fortunate for that and have been reassured that I don't have plaque build up in the arteries.

"widgeon13" - You have to be careful with potential negative interactions with Pharmaceutical medication and herbal supplements. With that said, I would ask your Doctor is combining any from the list would be benifical to your condition. He might be biased against the 'Supplement Industry' and choose to adhere to Pharmaceutical medication instead.

Many of my customers do combine herbal remedies with their medications but to be safe (since you are already under a Doctor's care) seek guidance from them first.

For high Cholesterol;

1. Red Yeast Rice - Take 1,200mg twice daily. This extract has been shown to reduce Cholesterol levels and increase HDL.

2. CoQ10 - Take 100mg of CoQ10 daily with each serving of Red Yeast Rice.

This is a proven dosage within our industry and has offered good success to users.

[widgeon13]

Thanks very much.

Some additional info:

Strokes are rising fast among young, middle-aged - Sulphur, LA - Southwest Daily News

[K9Torro]

49 yoa, 5' 10" 170, exercise four days a week, family history of blood pressure, mother, sisters, brother, family history of stroke (mother).

1st BP med was a sledge hammer Azor 5/20 once daily dropped my pressure so low I could barely stay vertical or awake if not vertical...lol

2nd BP med (on it for several months now) is Diovan 80mg once daily (they do not make this dose so I have to chop 160's in half, I get two months for one months cost) this one works well for me, I do not have problems staying awake or feeling tired.

T

[Oh Haha]

I'm in.

Lisinoprol

1 pill daily

Blood pressure has been normal at the last 5-6 visits. I don't have anywhere near the stress I did a few years ago.