Anyone, after HBP diagnosis and lifestyle change, eliminate or drastically reduce med

[Machaon]

Originally Posted by famnd

Do your arms get sore from all the readings? My arms got almost numb at one point & I couldn't even let the Dr. take a reading when I was at my point in taking readings. Fam

I get no pain or discomfort from taking my blood pressure, but it hurts my wife if it pumps up too much.

Have you ever tried a wrist bp monitor? They are not supposed to be as accurate as the arm bp monitor, but I imagine, if you used it at the exact same level each time, and if it didn't hurt you, perhaps it could give you a better way to monitor your blood pressure readings throughout the day.

Taking one's blood pressure many times per day, is the only trustworthy method of determining one's blood pressure cycle during the day, and a good method for the extremely difficult task of finding out which bp medications are the most effective, and the difficult task of discovering one's high blood pressure triggers. These "triggers" cause the production of excess hormones, which not only cause higher levels of blood pressure and increases in heart rhythm problems, but are also responsible for many of the problems associated with other immune system disorders such as CFS, Fibro, MCS, etc., IMHO.

Regards, and have a nice weekend!

[flowergirl2day]

Have you ever tried a wrist bp monitor? They are not supposed to be as accurate as the arm bp monitor

I don't know about Fam, but I almost bought one the other day. I was getting two Omron BP monitors (gifts for my sons) when I noticed and checked out the various wrist monitors. They cost only a little less than the conventional ones and I was very tempted. Because of the accuracy issue, I decided to purchase another regular Omron blood pressure monitor instead (as a backup) next time I visit this pharmacy.

[Machaon]

Originally Posted by dmer

I've read one account on the cholesterol board of a guy who got off meds after major lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet, exercise).

Given that the NIH describes someone with my BMI as obese, the surprise for me would have been a normal BP. At any rate, I would certainly harbor the hope that if my weight were in the normal range with corresponding diet and exercise, I could reduce the meds if not eliminate them.

Anyone reach such a point?

Since your post mentioned the cholesterol board, I wanted to post some more positive feedback about the effect of a healthy diet on cholesterol and glucose levels.

I could not take cholesterol medications because they caused me to have increased chest pains, heart rhythm problems and breathing problems.

During 2003, prior to dieting my total cholesterol readings were 249, 317 and 279 and my blood glucose was around 178.

In 2004, after four months of including more fiber in my diet, my total cholesterol was 240.

Near the end of 2004, I started on a diet, of small, frequent meals, targeting insulin resistance.

During 2005, my total cholesterol was 198, then 186.

During 2006, my total cholesterol was 178.

During 2007, my total cholesterol read 161, followed by another 161, and my blood glucose is now constantly at healthy levels.

So....... in my case, during 2-3 years of a proper, healthy diet I experienced a gradual lowering of cholesterol from unhealthy levels, higher than 250, to a much healthier 161. During that time, as I previously posted here, my blood pressure and my health also improved dramatically.

I don't know if those younger would have faster results than I had.

[dmer]

Originally Posted by beerzoids

Since your post mentioned the cholesterol board, I wanted to post some more positive feedback about the effect of a healthy diet on cholesterol and glucose levels.

I could not take cholesterol medications because they caused me to have increased chest pains, heart rhythm problems and breathing problems.

During 2003, prior to dieting my total cholesterol readings were 249, 317 and 279 and my blood glucose was around 178.

In 2004, after four months of including more fiber in my diet, my total cholesterol was 240.

Near the end of 2004, I started on a diet, of small, frequent meals, targeting insulin resistance.

During 2005, my total cholesterol was 198, then 186.

During 2006, my total cholesterol was 178.

During 2007, my total cholesterol read 161, followed by another 161, and my blood glucose is now constantly at healthy levels.

So....... in my case, during 2-3 years of a proper, healthy diet I experienced a gradual lowering of cholesterol from unhealthy levels, higher than 250, to a much healthier 161. During that time, as I previously posted here, my blood pressure and my health also improved dramatically.

I don't know if those younger would have faster results than I had.

Thank you for that very useful information. When my BP reading was 220 / 130 on Oct. 25th, my weight was 271lbs (I'm 6.02", 55). The Dr. started me on Lotrel 5 / 20 and upped it to 10 /40 2 weeks later. Around the same time, my blood lipids showed;

TC: 270
Tri-G: 262
HDL: 37
LDL: 181
Glucose: 107

After those results, the Dr. added 40mg Pravachol.

I just had another series of blood tests on 12/10 and will discuss the results on 12/14 with the Dr. Since 10/25, I've lost approx 25lbs, through a diet limited to about 16-1800 calories per day and 6 days per week of exercise. My BP has dropped and readings are averaging much closer to normal. I

I'll post the chemical results when I receive them. One thing I have noticed though is that my hands are always cold and that is the opposite of my previous experience. In fact, I'm feeling a slight chill all the time!

If my lipid #'s drop, I'll ask the doc about possibly scaling back the meds and share the comments here.

Thanks again for the input!

[Machaon]

Originally Posted by dmer

When my BP reading was 220 / 130 on Oct. 25th, my weight was 271lbs (I'm 6.02", 55). The Dr. started me on Lotrel 5 / 20 and upped it to 10 /40 2 weeks later. Around the same time, my blood lipids showed;

TC: 270
Tri-G: 262
HDL: 37
LDL: 181
Glucose: 107

After those results, the Dr. added 40mg Pravachol.

220/130 must have scared the hell out of you!

I've never been that high, but years ago, when mine would frequently hit around 185/120, it was nervewracking. At that level, I would feel flushed, weak, rapid and weak heartbeat, and generally not too good.

What were your symptoms?

I just had another series of blood tests on 12/10 and will discuss the results on 12/14 with the Dr. Since 10/25, I've lost approx 25lbs, through a diet limited to about 16-1800 calories per day and 6 days per week of exercise. My BP has dropped and readings are averaging much closer to normal.

Congratulations!

I think that many people just don't believe, or just don't want to believe that diet and exercise, alone, can have a significant impact on blood pressure. Hopefully, results such as yours and mine, will encourage others to do the right thing.

I'll post the chemical results when I receive them. One thing I have noticed though is that my hands are always cold and that is the opposite of my previous experience. In fact, I'm feeling a slight chill all the time!

Interesting.

I live down in South Florida, and used to suffer, from the heat, when it would be in the 90's. Now, though, at 50 pounds lighter, I am quite comfortable in 90 degree weather. I didn't expect that to happen. OTOH, like you, I also feel the chill more when it is cool or colder out. LOVE IT!!!!

If my lipid #'s drop, I'll ask the doc about possibly scaling back the meds and share the comments here.

Thanks again for the input!

Well...... how'd it go?