I was diagnosed with hypertension about one month ago. My reading was 160 over 95. The docs put me on meds and ordered a battery of tests. They did a complete metabolic panel, urine test, cat scan, Thyroid test, ekg and about 4 other blood tests. I was in the clear except for the high blood pressure. I've been on 60 mg of procardia xl for the past month. My bp has gone down to 129 over 90. My problem is the side effects. I've had them all. Dizziness, shortness of breath, swollen feet, rapid heart rate. I've gone to the doc and he said to not worry. But the rapid heart rate is scary and I think I should get off the meds. Any ideas about a relatively fast way to lower bp naturally so the docs will pull me off the meds. Thanks and God Bless.
I'm sorry, but if you are getting side effects, plus your bottom number is still a bit high I would ask to be switched to something else. There are plenty of other BP meds. out there. Call the dr. and tell him/her that you are just not comfortable with this stuff and would like to be put on something else.
My sister in law had to be switched to 3 different kinds of BP meds. before they found one that caused her no side effects. First one just didn't bring the numbers down well, and the second caused her a very bad dry cough. I don't know the names of them, but she is now on a med. that does her BP well, and she feels fine. Good luck!! <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif"> JJ
Besides medication, the only thing you can do is restrict salt (sodium) in your diet and have a regular exercise program cleared first with your doctor.
The DASH Diet, recommended by medical professionals, is also recommended. This consists of at least 8 servings of fruits and vegetables combined per day and using low fat dairy products.
If you are overweight, work with your doctor to get rid of the extra weight. Extra weight can be a contributing factor for high blood pressure.