HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Uncontrollable BP Readings

I am 52, 5 8 120 lbs, healthy all my life. regular exerciser, very healthy eater, usual mild stressers. I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, very high post vigorous exercise (220/110-115)seen by a cardiologist and put on 3 weeks of low sodium (400-700mg/day, my sodium intake was probably always on the lower side), no caffeine (was 1 cup daily), no alcohol (was 4-6 glasses red wine / week), no ibuprofen (was 400mg about 1x/week), and due to continued very high numbers with mild exercise, no exercise even walking. After 3 weeks I had slight improvement but baseline was generally 140s/90-100. I then started Lisinopril 10mg daily, now with mostly normal BPs, 100-110/60-70. Some lower when very relaxed, some higher daytime activity, diastolic mid 80s (90s with exercise). I had normal exam, labs, ekg, renal US pending but thought to be normal, and sleep study to be scheduled although not overweight or a snorer ( do have frequent urination at night though, every 2-3 hours regardless of fluid restriction). I am looking for a cause (menopause?) and a solution which does not include medication.
Wed, 3 Dec 2014
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question and I understand your concern.
Essential high blood pressure (meaning with no identifiable cause) is a very frequent problem especially with increasing of the age (it is estimated to be present in 50% of those over 60). So since your cardiologist seems to be thorough in excluding those identifiable causes you shouldn't be much surprised if nothing is found at the end.
Menopause is thought to be a factor due to hormonal changes, but that doesn't change a lot in the management of your high blood pressure. If prominent vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) or osteoporosis hormone therapy might be considered.
As for other non-medical solutions you seem to have already exhausted most of them. Some herbs like garlic are shown to lower blood pressure by some studies. However medical therapy seems necessary in your case. Mild physical exercise should have a positive effect as well, it is a little puzzling it doesn't in your case.
I hope things will work out for the best. Feel free to ask further questions.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Uncontrollable BP Readings

I read your question and I understand your concern. Essential high blood pressure (meaning with no identifiable cause) is a very frequent problem especially with increasing of the age (it is estimated to be present in 50% of those over 60). So since your cardiologist seems to be thorough in excluding those identifiable causes you shouldn t be much surprised if nothing is found at the end. Menopause is thought to be a factor due to hormonal changes, but that doesn t change a lot in the management of your high blood pressure. If prominent vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) or osteoporosis hormone therapy might be considered. As for other non-medical solutions you seem to have already exhausted most of them. Some herbs like garlic are shown to lower blood pressure by some studies. However medical therapy seems necessary in your case. Mild physical exercise should have a positive effect as well, it is a little puzzling it doesn t in your case. I hope things will work out for the best. Feel free to ask further questions.