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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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High Blood Pressure |
High diastolic BP and heart palpitations06/07/2007 |
I have always had "book" bloop pressure, except when I had toxemia with my last child 19 yrs ago. My mother has high BP. Now my diastolic pressure is high since my physical exam in April of 2007. It averages 140/87-99 throughout the day. I also have heart palpitations since April. The only drug that is new to me (since Jan. 2007) is Tylenol`s Simply Sleep, which I take half a pill per night to help me sleep. I read up on the pill and it seems pretty safe. My heart palpitaitons started in April, so I don`t think there is a connection. I really don`t want to be slapped with BP meds for the rest of my life. I would rather change my diet, herbs, whatever can work. Do I need to be concerned with the BP and heart palpitations?
If your blood pressure stays over 140/90 consistently, you should start treatment. The best initial approach is to institute life style changes.
The current recommendations for lifestyle changes are as follows:
1. Weight reduction if needed. Maintain a normal body weight (body mass index 18.5 to 24.9)
2. Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lowfat dairy products. Reduce content of saturated and total fat.
3. Reduce salt intake to 6 gm per day or less (2.4 gm of sodium or less).
4. Engage in regular aerobic physical activity
5. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day (1 drink per day in women)
If these measures don't control your blood pressure, you will need medication. Unfortunately, there is no good evidence that herbal remedies are effective. Some blood pressure medications, esp. beta blockers, are also helpful in reducing palpitations.
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Max C. Reif, MD Director, Hypertension Section Division of Nephrology & Hypertension Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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