blood pressure medicine

[rfuerst911sc]

Went to the doctor two weeks ago for the annual physical and everything was good except blood pressure is high. He asked me to monitor for two to three weeks and call him back with the results. It seems to be averaging 130 over 85 give or take. I'll take readings next week and call him but just wondering what others take for this ? I'm not much of a pill taker so was wondering if there is a " natural " product that can be used ? Or is modern drugs the way to go ? I'm 55 years old if that matters.

[aigel]

Are you maxed out on lifestyle changes?

G

[recycled sixtie]

I have been taking blood pressure pills for about 4 years. Before I committed to having these pills(1X 12.5 mg of Sandoz - Irbesartan hctz300 daily) I asked the doc if I could get my bp down naturally. I increased exercise(walking) but it did not help. I also now take one junior aspirin a day. I am 66 yo. I wore a bl. pr. monitor on my arm for about 1-2 days and this recorded my bp. Noticeable was bp went up particularly when I was driving.
Typical bp was 135/90. I never tried any natural substances to get the bp down. I don't take cholesterol pills as I keep it down by controlling diet. My bp is typically now
120/85. Hope this helps!

[jyl]

Beets or beet juice. Or possibly other vegetables with high nitrate content, green leafy ones like kale.

Beet juice is proven (many studies) to reduce high blood pressure, most studies say about 10 points. Does not lower normal blood pressure. I'm not sure what level is "high" for this purpose.

Mechanism is nitrate in the veg in converted to nitrous oxide which dilates blood vessels hence reducing pressure. Not a permanent or lasting effect, so you'd have to eat/drink it daily. But it's very good for you too. Quantity used in the studies ranged from 8 to 16 oz of juice.

Another natural way is to lose weight. Mechanism as I understand it is your body tries to maintain blood in a volume consistent with your weight.

Other things are exercise and the so-called DASH diet. See here: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbp_low/hbp_low.pdf

I had HBP (150/100) and a high resulting pulse (100) from 30 y/o, took a beta blocker for almost 20 years to hold BP at 140/85 and resting HR at 80. Then lost weight, started getting daily exercise, also changed my diet, and no longer need the beta blocker. BP 135/80 typically, resting HR 55-60.

However, changing my occupation made a big difference too. I took a year off work once, and didn't need meds during that time. Then I dived back into the grind and needed meds again. Currently I work but am perhaps more zen about it than I used to be. Or maybe not. I record my HR and BP occasionally during the day and write it on my whiteboard. Right after I've ridden my bike (fast) to work, it is typically 95 140/90. During the day when nothing is going on it is typically 65 135/80. But I have one reading on the board - I was waiting for a piece of news to be released that would mean either we made or lost money - HR was 64 but BP was 165/100 . . . Stress is tough.

[TimT]

Mechanism as I understand it is your body tries to maintain blood in a volume consistent with your weight.

^^This

I have been on BP meds for a number of years, I monitor my BP a few times a week at different times of day, etc.. When my weight is trending down my mean BP trends down as well...For the past 20 years or so my weight has varied between 190# to 210#. I like to eat well, and given the fluctuations in my weight, sometimes go a bit off course and pile the pounds back on....even when I know my weight directly affects my BP..

Stress is tough

^^^ And this

A Dr I saw once took my BP a number of times during a check up, she commented that my BP dropped as I relaxed, I told her sure.... I entered the examining room after waiting over an hour to be seen...I get a bit pissed when people do not honor appointments..

You can do many things on your own to manage your BP.. exercise, diet, etc...not sweating the small stuff.... etc..

[widgeon13]

Similar situation as above, 66 YO, been on Benicar for probably 15 years. Right now working on dropping some weight and getting exercise. I monitor my BP every few days. Doc told me the best things is lose weight so that's my goal. Just checked 129/65 pulse 78. I can live with that.

Good luck to everyone on this topic.

[Zeke]

Benicar HCT here to. Maybe 3 years. I'll be changing when my $25 discount card expires this Dec. I take a very small amount of Bystolic. I didn't do well on the recommended dose but a small amount keeps the heart rate down. Like 3 mg.

If you go salt and alcohol free, you won't need BP meds.

[magnumpi]

I'm 41 and my BP has been high for a few years now...145 over 100. Prescribed APO-HYDRO 25 mg (water pills) by my doc during last physical, now down to 130 over 85 after 2 weeks of use. He wants me to take these for a month and go back for a check up. I missed taking my pill this morning, took my BP when I got home from work, back up to 144 over 95!

My Mom and older brother also on bp medication. Heredity is a large factor. It's a family curse

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by magnumpi

I'm 41 and my BP has been high for a few years now...145 over 100. Prescribed APO-HYDRO 25 mg (water pills) by my doc during last physical, now down to 130 over 85 after 2 weeks of use. He wants me to take these for a month and go back for a check up. I missed taking my pill this morning, took my BP when I got home from work, back up to 144 over 95!

My Mom and older brother also on bp medication. Heredity is a large factor. It's a family curse

It's also a factor of age and diet. If not more so.

[WilShel]

Mine was a little high so I bought the Zona from Zona.com and It has dropped to normal. The cost is around $400.00 but it is well worth it. Go on that site and read about it. Good luck to you!

[mikeesik]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Went to the doctor two weeks ago for the annual physical and everything was good except blood pressure is high. He asked me to monitor for two to three weeks and call him back with the results. It seems to be averaging 130 over 85 give or take. I'll take readings next week and call him but just wondering what others take for this ? I'm not much of a pill taker so was wondering if there is a " natural " product that can be used ? Or is modern dfter spending one yaear and one month rugs the way to go ? I'm 55 years old if that matters.

Hello.
I was in my first awful car crash in 1990's.
I had exploratory surgery at the time. Doc. Black had both my kidneys in his hand.

He or perhaps Bob Villa repaired me.
I swear he must of opened me up with a spoon.

Anyway, after spending one year and one month in the hospital I finally go out with traction and all.
There was one propblem that no one caught for the past months....yes I received the gift of hypertenshion after the car crash. They attributed it all to stress.
I received an angiogram after being back home for a month.
AND Guess what? My right kidney had died due to lack of blood for the last few months!
So they took it out and Inasked them to pickle it and I wish to keep it since this was maybe a keepsake of misfortune.
Yea, the Uroligists laughed.
Not me. and ifyour wondering, and you hear the remark....ID GIVE MY KIDNEY FOR THAT!.
Got news for you...they think you can be just fine with just the one.
Rightttt. You piss a lot more and you are self conscious about what you ingest and what if you get hit and hurt on your left side!
So now I am being sustained on ADALAT XL.
Unfortunately it makes me a bitt dizzy at times stooping over.
My bp. ?.Diastolic is hung around a HUNDRED.




















Without the drug, I suppose

[mikeesik]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Went to the doctor two weeks ago for the annual physical and everything was good except blood pressure is high. He asked me to monitor for two to three weeks and call him back with the results. It seems to be averaging 130 over 85 give or take. I'll take readings next week and call him but just wondering what others take for this ? I'm not much of a pill taker so was wondering if there is a " natural " product that can be used ? Or is modern dfter spending one yaear and one month rugs the way to go ? I'm 55 years old if that matters.

Hello.
I was in my first awful car crash in 1990's.
I had exploratory surgery at the time. Doc. Black had both my kidneys in his hand.

He or perhaps Bob Villa repaired me.
I swear he must of opened me up with a spoon.

Anyway, after spending one year and one month in the hospital I finally go out with traction and all.
There was one propblem that no one caught for the past months....yes I received the gift of hypertenshion after the car crash. They attributed it all to stress.
I received an angiogram after being back home for a month.
AND Guess what? My right kidney had died due to lack of blood for the last few months!
So they took it out and I asked them to pickle it and I wish to keep it since this was maybe a keepsake of misfortune.
Yea, the Uroligists laughed.
Not me. and if your wondering, and you hear the remark....ID GIVE MY KIDNEY FOR THAT!.
Got news for you...they think you can be just fine with just the one and your organ is worth less that a stuffed turkey.
Rightttt. You piss a lot more and you are self conscious about what you ingest and what if you get hit and hurt on your left side!
So now I am being sustained on ADALAT XL.
Unfortunately it makes me a bitt dizzy at times stooping over.
My bp. ?.Diastolic is hung around a HUNDRED.
The point is the ADALAT helps...me anyways.
Might you give it a try.




















Without the drug, I suppose

[livi]

First of all. Follow the advice to monitor your BP for a few weeks. Never rely on a few measurements. 130/85 is not that bad actually. In terms of treatment I would start lifestyle wise. Food and exercise that is, basically.

Again, my patients are usually pre-school kids and babies.

[dennis in se pa]

130/85 not really high blood pressure. No meds needed.

[rfuerst911sc]

130/85 seems to be the average so far but that means there are higher readings and lower readings. The doc said it was borderline but wants to error on the side of caution, his exact words were " it's the silent killer ". I am active in regards to being an active DIYer with many projects but I don't do a daily exercise routine. And I do love my beer so that's not helping either. I'm 5 ' 10 " and 214 lbs. so dropping 15 lbs. would be good. I average an 11 hour workday five days a week so not too motivated after the day to run or walk or whatever but I'll have to do something. The wife makes relatively healthy meals we don't eat a lot of red meat mostly chicken and fish. Every meal has a vegetable and usually a salad and we rarely eat fried foods. Only eat fast food maybe 6-8 times in a year so I think we're doing OK in that arena. Thanks to those that have chimed in.

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by aigel

Are you maxed out on lifestyle changes?

G

Before I took bp pills my BMI was normal - 5'10" and 172 lbs. So not overweight.
After taking bp pills my bp is down so I could not blame high bp on lifestyle/being overweight.

Listen to what your doc says. If you go on exercise program do what he/she says.
Lose some weight? Gentle walking to start? I am not a health prof. Listen to the health profs. It could save your life! The overweight people that do anything around our hood start wallking - some do. One neighbor behind us 70 yo was told to get some exercise as he was overweight. He did nothing and died of a heart attack.
Benefits of exercise - reduced chance of heart attack, stroke,diabetes etc etc

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by livi

first of all. Follow the advice to monitor your bp for a few weeks. Never rely on a few measurements. 130/85 is not that bad actually. In terms of treatment i would start lifestyle wise. Food and exercise that is, basically.

Again, my patients are usually pre-school kids and babies. :d

this is important ^^^^^^^^

[romad]

garlic clove aday

[DaveE]

My Dr signed off on my slightly high BP during my SCCA license physicals for several years. Finally she declined and ordered some tests, one of which was an ultrasound of my kidneys. Found out I had polycystic kidney disease.

[Joe Bob]

Check out the side effects of each prescribed b/p drug. A lot out there and they all have their little quirks.