Ask Dr. Rowena

Photo Dr. Rowena Your questions about high blood pressure answered by a board certified doctor. Browse the categories in the left menu.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Control Blood Pressure?

Q: My daughter has not been taking her meds for blood pressure. She has an appointment 5-1-12 to get meds. She has been taking organic apple cider vinegar 3 times a day. Keeping it normal. Does she really need meds....

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Running to lower blood pressure.

Q: My BP is about 130/90 and after running for 5kms, it usually drops to 110/70. The more I run, the more it drops. Is this normal? I take Norvasc 5mg 1x/day.

A: The medicine you take, Norvasc, works by relaxing your blood vessels. Consequently it...

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Hazards of taking beta blockers.

Q: Are there any long term hazards from taking beta blockers? They seem to keep my bp regulated more than other medications.

A: There is some concern that long term use of beta blockers may increase the risk of getting diabetes. This risk needs to weighed...

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Getting taken off of meds.

Q: Has anyone who started taking meds for BP ever come off them if their lifestyle change reduces BP?

A: Yes, many people have been successful in controlling their blood pressure with lifestyle changes.  Getting down to a normal weight and having a regular...

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Taking a blood test to determine the best bp medicine.

Q: I would like to talk with my doctor about the blood test used to determine the most effect blood pressure medicine. Can you give me information about that? Thank you

A: Individualizing treatment for all medical conditions is the latest trend in medicine.  Blood levels...

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The best time to take bp meds.

Q: What is the best time of day to take BP meds?  AM after breakfast or PM before bedtime?  Thank you.

A: Ask your doctor.  Some drugs are better tolerated if taken at bedtime. If this is not the case with your medicines, take them when...

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Side effects of BP meds.

Q: Could BP Med cause: Sudden Instant Hearing Loss; Severe/Extreme fatigue, i.e. almost fainting (with lost of urine control) Numb left pinky/ring finger; chronic/acute back pain?

A: Drugs can have serious side effects. Information about drugs includes a known set of common side effects. ...

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The difference in the time of day to take blood pressure medications.

Q: Does the time of day make a difference in how certain blood pressure medications work?  For example, would it be better to take a beta blocker in the am or pm; a calcium channel blocker in the am or pm?

A: Medicines that need to...

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Stopping your meds once your blood pressure becomes lower.

Q: I have lost 25 lbs. I walk regularly, avoid salt, sugar, and fats.  My bp is 102/65.  Should I stop my meds?

A: You should not stop your blood pressure medicine without talking to your doctor.  It is possible with life style changes and weight...

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Atenolol, high blood pressure and dancing

Q:  I am on atenolol for high bp but I love to dance very fast. Will this affect my performance? It is my only real pleasure I have at 73. My heart rate is 120 plus beats per min. I am also on lisonipril...

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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (15 votes, average: 3.40 out of 5)
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