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Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,053
Registered: ‎08-19-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure

I got books at the library that dealt with the subject from a non pill perspective.

 

foods high in potassium with Kiwi's being the # one best.

Dr. Andrew Weil has a lot of books on the subject. Learning how to relax, deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, exercise.

 

 l like to do my own research. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,305
Registered: ‎06-08-2016

Re: lowering high blood pressure

HPB is not always hypertension but it deserves medical attention, seriously.    A good internal medicine physician will look at the big picture, evaluating any other OTC meds or supplements you are taking.   Be honest!    Sometimes we are in the habit of popping an Advil everyday that we don't "remember" & disclose.  

 

You could have some other underlying cause to the HBP.

 

Please take care of yourself.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 81
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure


@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@Annamarie

 

My HBP had nothing to do with the usual causes, and took the docs time to determine what was going on.   

 

It started when I'd cut my finger on a knife and ended up in the ER.   After several docs took turns checking my BP, it was finally revealed that my reading was 250/150!   I was about 25 years old, 5'7" and weighed 130 pounds.  No one had any idea why I had this reading.  

 

I was referred to a doctor who tried various meds, all of which made me feel too "off" to be able to take on a regular basis.  

 

Long story short ... the diagnosis was Renal Artery Stenosis, which is not the "typical" cause of HBP.   For no known reason, my kidney arteries were constricted and kidneys not getting enough blood.  The kidneys subsequently emitted renin to raise the BP so they could filter my blood properly and keep me alive.

 

The solution was to have a Renal Artery Angioplasty at UCLA .... a little tube was inserted into the renal artery, and a balloon expanded to stretch the artery to normal width.   I took medication for about 6 months afterwards.  

 

Moral of the story .....  The REASON for your BP must be accurately determined, and even though you like this doctor, you should probably consult with someone who's a specialist.   Progress hasn't been made, and this must be getting old.  I know I would tire of that process!   When you get the right doctor, they will get down to the actual cause, and can go from there.    HTH


That is really interesting however I've had many different testsand all is well, Iam so glad they found your issue and it was solved, thanks.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 81
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure


@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@Annamarie

 

My HBP had nothing to do with the usual causes, and took the docs time to determine what was going on.   

 

It started when I'd cut my finger on a knife and ended up in the ER.   After several docs took turns checking my BP, it was finally revealed that my reading was 250/150!   I was about 25 years old, 5'7" and weighed 130 pounds.  No one had any idea why I had this reading.  

 

I was referred to a doctor who tried various meds, all of which made me feel too "off" to be able to take on a regular basis.  

 

Long story short ... the diagnosis was Renal Artery Stenosis, which is not the "typical" cause of HBP.   For no known reason, my kidney arteries were constricted and kidneys not getting enough blood.  The kidneys subsequently emitted renin to raise the BP so they could filter my blood properly and keep me alive.

 

The solution was to have a Renal Artery Angioplasty at UCLA .... a little tube was inserted into the renal artery, and a balloon expanded to stretch the artery to normal width.   I took medication for about 6 months afterwards.  

 

Moral of the story .....  The REASON for your BP must be accurately determined, and even though you like this doctor, you should probably consult with someone who's a specialist.   Progress hasn't been made, and this must be getting old.  I know I would tire of that process!   When you get the right doctor, they will get down to the actual cause, and can go from there.    HTH


That is very interesting, i am so glad you  are better now. I've had many tests but no conclusion, I may see a specialist if I don't see a change. Like I sad it is justa little high and my dr.said to take the meds,thanks for your story.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 81
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure


@RedTop wrote:

I am 60, and asked my PA to prescribe a low dose BP med for me about 8 months ago.   I specifically asked for an older med that has been around awhile, and am taking Losartan, with no problems.   

 

I asked for the prescription due to the fact my BP readings when I donate platelets were always on the higher end of normal, and always higher than my readings at the doctors office.   I have never had a high BP reading.   I learned that the BP equipment in the Red Cross donor center is calibrated every week, so my readings there were the most accurate.   I personally checked the sticker on the BP equipment in my doctors office and saw when it was last calibrated, so I knew my readings there were not always accurate.   As a diabetic, I want to protect my blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, etc., so I do not want to develop high blood pressure, and feel this preventive dose of medication is what is best for me.

 

I feel confident receiving my medical care from a PA, who is overseen by a DO in that practice.   I feel your MD is more than qualified to monitor you for BP issues.  Best wishes in finding a medication that works for you. 


Thanks, it would be good to find anything that would work for me.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 81
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure

he treadmill and aerobics andlight weights. I try toeat as natural as possibleBUT iam a typea. As a matter of fact we are gettingreadytoclose  on anew home which is stressful and we just found out the trees in ouryard are black walnut and the nuts can mold andgive dogs seisures(we have 3) I've never lived out of the city before so this is all new to me. Oh and I did drop some weight even tho Idid not need to,thanks.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 81
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure

Not a smoker, thanks.


@SilleeMee wrote:

Are you a smoker? I was for a very long time and my bp went down after I quit.


 

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 81
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure

never drink caffiene or decaf and I don't like soda. I have added plain potaoes and low salt tomato juice becauce they are high in potassium(low salt has way more potassium  than the regular for some reason) Little chiken and some fruits, little fat, thanks. Oh, and of course salads and other greens.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 81
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: lowering high blood pressure


@SharkE wrote:

I got books at the library that dealt with the subject from a non pill perspective.

 

foods high in potassium with Kiwi's being the # one best.

Dr. Andrew Weil has a lot of books on the subject. Learning how to relax, deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, exercise.

 

 l like to do my own research. 


Thanks, I enjoy reading very much on all kinds of health issues.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,501
Registered: ‎04-19-2015

Re: lowering high blood pressure

The top two best ways to lowering high blood pressure is lose extra pounds and exercise   (according to the Mayo Clinic).  I had high blood pressure and was able to control it without medication by doing those two things.