Can I lift weights if I have high blood pressure?

Sure, you can as long as your blood pressure is well controlled. However, if your blood pressure is uncontrolled, it is not wise to perform intense sporting activities. Most sports can increase blood pressure transiently. Over the long run, almost all exercises will help lower your blood pressure. Prior to your exercise, measure your blood pressure and if is within the recommended limit, do whatever you like.

Can eating whole grains lower my blood pressure?

While many anecdotal reports exist, there are no large clinical trials to confirm the reports. Whole grains are an excellent source for nutrients and minerals. However, it is unlikely they can lower blood pressure on their own. The current guidelines recommend that adults eat about 85 grams of whole grains every day or about 2-3 slices of whole wheat bread. In reality, the majority of population eats less than 25 grams a day of whole grains. Whole grains have a terrible taste- after one bite most people order a pizza or a burger.

I am on a water pill for my high blood pressure, how long can I take it? The medication is HCTZ

You can take HCTZ for a long time. However, this medication can lower your blood potassium. Thus, you need to get your blood work checked regularly. If the potassium remains normal, you can take the pill for the rest of your life. It is very safe and works well.

My blood pressure is well controlled and do I still need to take my medication?

Yes, high blood pressure is a silent disease and can cause devastating complications if it is left untreated. If your blood pressure is well controlled, you are doing a great job,. Continue with your medications. In most cases, this is life long. Even if your blood pressure is well controlled after several days despite not taking the pill, you still need to take the medication. If you do not, you will most likely end up with damage to your heart, eyes, kidney or brain- none of them are pleasant and cost a lot more to fix than buying a blood pressure pill.

If I lose weight, will I still need to take my blood pressure pills?

In general, if you lose sufficient weight, your blood pressure will drop slightly. If you are lucky, it may drop enough that you may not need any medications. However, in most people, the blood pressure drop after weight loss is modest and they still require a small dose of the blood pressure medication. If you lose weight, you may also have better control of your blood sugars, and the pain from your osteoarthritis will also lessen. So, start walking today.

Should I be measuring my blood pressure at home? Part 1

Many people have no idea that they have high blood pressure. This silent but deadly disorder can present with devastating complications if it is not adequately controlled.  When the blood pressure remains uncontrolled, one can develop blindness, a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or even die from it. Checking the blood pressure at home is a vital part of treatment. The American Heart Association highly recommends that anyone with a high blood pressure should have a home monitor to assess the blood pressure.

Today, there are a wide variety of blood pressure devices available for home use. All blood pressure monitors are available without a physicians’ prescription. However before you buy a blood pressure kit, it is essential to buy the right device and develop the proper technique of measuring blood pressure.

Should I be measuring my blood pressure at home? Part 2

Measuring blood pressure at home has many advantages including:

Making an early diagnosis

Individuals who have had a diagnosis of borderline hypertension, diabetes or kidney problems are always at risk for developing full blown hypertension in the future. Measuring blood pressure can help the diagnosis much earlier that at a doctor’s office

Measuring blood pressure at home can also help you track your treatment. You can easily determine how the blood pressure is being affected by your life style, medications, exercise and diet. Keeping track of the blood pressure helps you adjust the medications at home.

Measuring blood pressure at home also allows a better control of the blood pressure. One develops more responsibility for the health and becomes motivated to improve diet, change the lifestyle and be compliant with the medications.

Home blood pressure monitoring significantly decreases the health care costs. By limiting visits to the health care facility, one can save not only money, but time, travel costs and lost wages.

Measuring blood pressure at home also lets you know how accurate you are at checking the blood pressure and if the pressure is better controlled at home.