blood pressure

[bruce hylton]

Have been on BP meds for some time now and seem to have radical rises and drops at different times. Don't want to go to doctor, so I am trying find a reason why. Certain foods seem to cause a drastic drop for a couple hours. Is it normal to have a BP drop after meals?

[cabinetman]

I'm on BP meds plus others. My BP can bounce from 130/100 or so to 110/70 (approximates). If you're concerned, consult with your cardiologist.
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[scmhogg]

Bruce,

Don't mess around with your blood pressure. High BP can do all sorts of damage to your heart, kidneys etc.

It wasn't until I changed doctors ten years ago that I have my BP stabilized with the proper meds. My doctor attached me to a machine that was like an EKG, that helped to decide the appropriate meds.

Steve

[jackellis]

I would do two things. First of all, some independent research on that great encyclopedia called the Internet. You need to consider the source since the Internet also facilitates a lot of quacks, but there should be resources that will help you become more educated about what causes changes in blood pressure and the consequences of high blood pressure.

Second, since as Steve points out high blood pressure can cause all sorts of damage, bite the bullet and see a doctor. Have an intelligent conversation with that doctor based on your research.

[germdoc]

I agree don't mess around with this. If BP continues to be up and down, do see your doctor. You may need some further tests for a hormonal or vascular problem.

If BP control remains a problem ask to see a Nephrologist. IME they are the best at controlling BP and saving the kidneys, as well as the other organs!

[sweensdv]

Why would you not want to see your Doctor? As the others have stated, this is nothing to fool around with. The way I see it is that you have two choices, go see your Doctor and get this under control or RIP.

[bruce hylton]

Kidneys are already part of the problem. Last 30 readings average 107 over 74. But early mornings I am 145/95 and then after a few hours and lunch drops sometimes as low as 70/52. Get weak and have to cut out strenuous work. I am overweight, old and bald. Did I mention out of shape? Wait, round is a shape. When I am doing things regular, I can sometimes work thru the weakness unless I have just eaten. I have been paying close attention to diet to try and extend kidney life.

[bruce hylton]

The doctors I know are all experimenting and have a note after their name that says 'practicing MD'. This adjustment process has been constant for the last year.

[jackellis]

The doctors I know are all experimenting and have a note after their name that says 'practicing MD'. This adjustment process has been constant for the last year.

No doubt. Even worse, doctors often are afraid to admit what they don't know or to talk in terms of probabilities rather than absolutes. However, if your current doctor can't get the problem solved, then the solution is to find another one. If you or your wife know any nurses, they may be a better source for referrals than other doctors.

[WayneJ]

I have been on blood pressure meds for over ten years.The one thing that helped me the most was taking the salt shaker off the table. We get way to much salt in our diets. also, a little bit of Xanax when the daily tension builds helps a lot.
Wayne

[BrazosJake]

I take em too and HATE them, but they don't call it the silent killer for nothing!

Definitely see your doc. If you suspect kidney issues, go to a urologist and get a CT scan with dye done on them so they can check for renal stenosis or non-symetrical kidneys.

Just this morning I saw a realtively young family friend who is just getting back to his HVAC business after a brain hemmorage 9 months ago. He looks like a skeleton and moves and talks like an old man who has had a stroke. I think he has also lost vision in one eye.

My wife's niece (still in her 20s) is currently hospitalized due to paralysis on one side brought on by high BP during pregnancy (so far no indication of stroke or hemmorage).

This is what hypertension can do, and what scare's me about a stroke or brain hemmorage isn't dying, it's LIVING many years unable to control my own body.

[dkerfoot]

I have been on blood pressure meds for over ten years.The one thing that helped me the most was taking the salt shaker off the table. We get way to much salt in our diets.

Completely agree. Being self-employed (i.e. lousy insurance compared to everyone else) I am highly motivated to find health care solutions that don't come from the pharmacy. Seriously reducing my salt intake makes a world of difference.

The funny thing is, the saltiest foods are not the ones we think of. I eat a handful of salted nuts almost every day. They typically come in at around 100-150mg of sodium per serving. But I had to give up soup, hotdogs and most other "prepared" foods which tend to come in at 600 - 1000mg per serving! I also ration myself to one piece of bacon or sausage and have started using cayenne pepper and hot sauce in place of the salt shaker.

I know you probably know all of this - just relaying it for those that may be borderline and wondering if a change of diet really works. By diet alone, I personally reduced mine from 150/105 to 128/87. Still not ideal, but a huge improvement and if I now start getting some exercise and lose some of my 45 extra lbs, I see no reason I can't drop it down to <120/80.

I do have to admit that diet isn't foolproof though. During the Vikings/Saints playoff game, when my beloved purple handed the superbowl to the city of New Orleans, my BP hit 164/111! I hate to think of where it would have been if I hadn't been watching my salt intake!

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