New Doc, New BP Plan - Some Questions - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

zekat · 01-30-2005, 01:45 PM

I wrote last week after receiving my first BP Script. It was a combo drug Atenenol+a diuretic (and a seperate script for potassium). I had consistently been getting readings of 135/145 over 87/102 for about the last year. My numbers are kind of all over the place, but have definately seemed to creep up. I never worried about my BP until I had a panic attack in July of 03 - since then I freak out when I have my BP taken. Anyhow, after reading some responses to the script I was given & because my doc and I have butted heads over how to treat my thyroid, I decided it was time for a new doc & hopefully a different script (since my husband and I are trying to conceive). I am a 28 female by the way. Anyhow - that's the groundwork for my post

I met with a new doc who wants to give me a month to work on lifestyle changes to get my BP down. I've already lost 40 pounds, but my BP went up instead of down

I plan on continuing to lose weight. My doctor would like for me to get at least 30 minutes of cardio in EVERY day & quit smoking. Although she said quitting smoking may not make a difference in my BP numbers it will be one less risk factor for heart disease. She asked that I get a BP cuff & log my results at home & bring my cuff in at my next appointment to see how it measures up to the numbers they get there. I asked her if she felt these things would get my #'s down & she said she just didn't know. That sometimes once the high BP gene begins to express itself it's impossible to control it w/out meds.

I was somewhat shocked because I was totally planning on getting a new script. I guess I am happy that she's giving me a shot to effect a change myself. SO, I've picked a quit date of 02/01/05 to stop smoking (after 13 years). I've never tried to quit before, but I feel I don't have an option & I am anxious to quit. I plan on beginning an exercise regimine the same day. I'm curious about the effects (both negative and positive) this may have on my BP. Do you think stopping smoking may make my BP go up for a while because of anxiety? Does anyone know if it's a bad idea to use the patch w/ high BP? To a degree I'm afraid I'm going to be adding a lot of extra stress to my body, but that in the long-run I'll be better off. I've also got to figure out a way to take my BP without stressing out. I'm sitting here looking at this cuff I spent $55 on & I'm terrified to put it on my arm!!

Anyhow - I know this post got long, but I wanted to throw my situation out there and see if anyone had any comments or if anyone was able to answer my questions.

Thank you!

bharkins · 01-30-2005, 02:45 PM

Zekat,

It is my understanding that one of the common side effects of the nicotine patch is high blood pressure. I had to go cold turkey after over forty years of smoking. It was one of the most difficult things I have every had to do, but a stroke made it necessary. Hang in there. If I could do it anyone can.

CASSIEBEL · 01-30-2005, 03:31 PM

Zekat,
As bharkins said, the patch is a no, no with hypertension. I quit when I was first diagnosed. It was hard but it was the best thing I ever did for myself.
I think the best way to quit is to not think of never having another, just try to not smoke for 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week and so on. Read all the horror stories about the consequences. And don't give up if you have a set back.
Also think of what a good thing that will be for your baby. My mom was a heavy smoker and I lost her to lung cancer when I was only 16.
I wish you the best of luck,
Cass

zekat · 01-31-2005, 05:56 AM

Thank you both for your replies & encouragement. Tomorow is the big day & I'll do it without the patch. I pray I'm able to make a difference in my BP numbers over the next month.

zuzu8 · 01-31-2005, 11:05 AM

Zekat,

I love the sound of your doctor. I think you may have found a really good one.

By the way, the nicotine patch is OK for mild hypertensives.
Studies have shown that when you slap a patch on a NON-smoker or a person who has normal BP, their BP increases. However, BP does not significantly change in smokers with hypertension. (At least no more than if they continued smoking!)

So if you find going cold turkey w/o nicotine replacement too difficult, by all means, use the patch.

By the way, you might want to check out the American Lung Association's website. They have a Quit Smoking Online program and lots of other information you may find really helpful. This is a tough addiction and the more help and info you have, the better!

[url]https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/kb/home/login.asp?kntaw1360=4159EA3B4FB8435A94B1 73B3539C25DB&c=dvLUK9O0E&b=38973&members hipreq=83912&targetURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww% 2Elungusa%2Eorg%2Fsite%2Fpp%2Easp%3Fc%3D dvLUK9O0E%26b%3D22933[/url]

(Just copy and paste the above address into your address bar. Links used to be clickable on these Healthboards, but no longer.)

Good luck!
zuzu xx