Anyone got high blood pressure....

[Logan]

I have it too and take 3 medications every day. One is a diuretic (Lasix) and I take that in the morning. It offsets some of the side effects, fluid retention, that results from taking the BP meds. I take Lotrel and Clonidine every night at bedtime. My BP has never been high again since I started taking the medication. Carole, I do remember that I had a few dizzy spells the first week I was on the Lotrel. Had to be careful about standing up too quick or bending over, but my body adjusted and I can't tell the difference now.

My doctor contends that no matter what, I'll probably always be on the BP meds. Mine went up when I turned 40. But, he said the only way that he would consider taking me off is if I got into a regular exercise program and lost weight, neither of which I have done. I think I would probably lose weight if I would exercise more!

[jazzcat]

I have slightly high blood pressure and have bad symptoms from it. I get ringing in my ears and pressure in my head like a migraine when it goes up. My dr. put me on the water pill Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and it has worked great for me for years. Even when I lost weight and was exercising every day I still needed it but sometimes it would drop too low so we just lowered my dose. Worked great.

My husband has high BP and takes Diovan with a diuretic in it. It's been working well for him but boy I can tell when he forgets his pill - he is cranky! He's lost weight and still works out every other day and it's made no difference on his BP. He still needs the meds.

BTW, it runs in both our families and we started taking meds for it in our mid to late 30s.

[carole]

Hmm again very interesting reading, my mother also has a thyroid condition ,maybe that contributed to her high blood pressure, i also read for some reason menopausal woman often find their blood pressure rising,i fit into that one alright.

BTW my cholestrol is absolutely great, very low, was 3.3 last time i had it taken,although my good HDL could be better, prob the exercise will improve that, or as nurse said some people cannot get it better no matter what they do, which was about six months ago,my hubby is the one with that problem, and he is skinny as a rake,however he has changed his diet and we are just going to get his re-tested next week, hoping for a good result for him, there is always something to worry about isn't there, my diabetes is good(both my dad and sister have type 2 diabetes), cholestrol but BP up.

[pomtzu]

BTW my cholestrol is absolutely great, very low, was 3.3 last time i had it taken,although my good HDL could be better, prob the exercise will improve that, or as nurse said some people cannot get it better no matter what they do, which was about six months ago,my hubby is the one with that problem, and he is skinny as a rake,however he has changed his diet and we are just going to get his re-tested next week, hoping for a good result for him,

Just a side note on cholesterol and your hubby.........My "bad" cholesterol was somewhat high - 230 and it should be below 200 - so my doctor put me on Omega 3 Fish Oil capsules (2400 mg per day total - one 600 Mg with meals and one at bedtime) - and within a month it was down to 203. Inexpensive and over the counter and it works! Also oatmeal will lower it - however I just can't go oatmeal or Cheerios everyday for breakfast - it gets old real quick!!!

[Grace]

I've had hypertension for years, and have been on meds with no problems. I take Lisinopril and HCTZ. I am a Type 2 Diabetic, and it is imperative that I keep my BP in a normal range.

I'm also on Lipitor for cholesterol. No problems with that med, either.

You could try it on your own for awhile - exercise, no salt, lose weight. Do you have a BP monitor at home? They're not terribly expensive and you can keep track of your numbers on your own.

[shepgirl]

Just the opposite, I have low blood pressure and I mean it falls low enough to send me into shock. And even with that I still have a cholesterol problem and I would need to gain a few pounds..

[K9karen]

My BP is exceptionally low too. The only concern a doctor ever mentioned was before surgery on my wrist. They made my lay flat on the guerney before they operated. Even when I'm stressed or upset, it's still low. I take after my dad. My mom's side of the family has high BP, hence, strokes and heart attacks. My brother has to be careful.

John's BP is so high, it's frightening. I won't even mention the numbers. He doesn't have medical insurance and stupidly won't go to the local Vet hospital. I care, but he's a grown man.

Good luck Carole. I hope you go to the doctor and start a medication regamine. I know I would if I had to. I've seen the results of too many stroke victims in my family because they didn't take their meds. I don't want anything to happen to you.

I know it's hard to eliminate salt. It's so good. I don't use it in my house..well maybe a pinch to boiling water for veggies or pasta. I got books on seasonings and love experimenting. I remember my mom using a salt substitute for my nana.