I measure my blood pressure at home, but it is always different from the reading I obtain in the doctor’s office. Why is this?

Home blood pressure monitoring is not for everyone. Some people who have a very fast heart rate may not get an accurate reading. In other individuals who are obese or have large arms, the cuff may be too small. Individuals who have a hearing loss may not be able to listen to the sounds and may require monitor with digital display.

Before you buy your blood pressure device, talk to a health care professional and get some basic knowledge on how to use it.

Are the blood pressure devices in grocery stores accurate?

There are public blood pressure machines in many pharmacies, walk in clinics and in most health food stores. These machines are not very accurate and can give falsely readings because they have not been well maintained. These machines have one cuff size for all customers. Do not recommend these devices, especially if you have to pay for their usage.

Are there many types of blood pressure monitors for home use?

The two basic types of monitors are:

Manual blood pressure monitors usually require the use of a stethoscope. The cuff is inflated over the arms, the air is slowly released and one can listen to the sounds of blood traveling across the vessel. These manual monitors are generally less expensive than digital monitors

Digital devices consist of a cuff and gauge. The cuff automatically inflates and deflates. If the cuff is not worn properly one will get an error message. These monitors deflate automatically and record the blood pressure. Digital monitors come with cuffs that can be placed on the arm, wrist or a finger.

I have been started on Cozaar for my blood pressure. I have now started a troubling dry cough, is this related to the medication?

Yes. Cozaar side effects include dizziness, congested nose, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry cough or blurred vision. These side effects do not occur in everyone and most are well tolerated. However, if the symptoms persist, you must tell your doctor. In rare cases, cozaar causes a persistent dry cough. in such cases, if the cough does not stop, you will need a change in your medication.

I have just been diagnosed with high blood pressure and my doctor has started me on cozaar. Is this a good medication?

Cozaar is a great medication for high blood pressure. Cozaar is also known as losartan and frequently used to treat patients with high blood pressure and mild to moderate heart failure. Cozaar falls under a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers. When you have high blood pressure that is uncontrolled, you greatly increase our chance of a stroke, kidney failure and a heart attack. cozaar is also used in diabetic patients to control high blood pressure and prevent kidney damage. 

Cozaar is often combined with other medications to control blood pressure and heart failure. Mind you, cozaar is expensive. If you are not diabetic, ask your doctor to change your medication to a water pill. this medicine will bankrupt you.

Is CoQ 10 effective for control of blood pressure?

One of the most widely sold medicinal product is CoQ 10. Almost everything under the sun has been claimed to be cured by this product.  As far as blood pressure is concerned, there are no good trials that show its effectiveness. A few studies have shown that CoQ 10 can lower blood pressure, but these studies were flawed and only followed up individuals for 12 weeks. Plus, the studies were sponsored by the makers of CoQ 10. At present if you have high blood pressure and want to live a long healthy life without complications, take the medications your doctor prescribed. All CoQ 10 will do for you is bring misery.

Can alcohol affect my blood pressure. I am 33-year-old female and drink an average of 3 drinks a day.

Drinking too much alcohol is not good for health. It is highly recommended that people consume less alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol cannot only increase your blood pressure but can ruin your liver and brain. If you already have high blood pressure, then you should cut back on your drinking. In general, one drink a day or about 12 ounces is fine. If you are on the heavy side, start walking since alcohol also contains many calories, which also worsens blood pressure.