what is the best medication to control my HBP
I have HBP for 10 yrs, was on procardia 3 yrs , then Norvasc 5mg 7or 8 yrs. Should the first doctor have tried diuretic pill first according from what i read about medication protocol , they say to try diuretics first . I have been fine on Norvasc until last 6 months when my BP rises to 150/92 between 11am and 9pm. Late at nite it drops to 134/85. What is the protocol to treat me. Should my doctor increase my NOrvasc to 10 mg, i have tried 7.5mg myself and sometimes it lowers the bp sometimes not. Also i have to still loose 20 lbs. I turn vegetarian 4 yrs ago, but still cant loose 20 lbs, need to increase exercise level . I am leery about taking more drugs and wonder about alternatives like herbals ( lowstolic, or hyperzosin or non drug methods like Resperate bio feedback, or Zona bio feedback). Please comment. thanks.
Hi Limhrl,
Losing the extra 20 pounds is a significant step towards improved blood pressure readings.
When it comes to weight loss it's best to take one step at a time for slow and steady results. You want long term lasting weight loss, not a quick fix. Quick fixes usually result in immediate weight loss followed by gaining it back along with a few extra pounds you didn't start with. I would set yourself a realistic goal of 1-2 pounds per week.
If you are not physically active, you need to start. It can be a simple brisk walk if you want. Weight loss requires you to eat a healthy diet and be physically active. Shoot for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. If you can fit in 60 minutes 5 days a week that's even better.
Next, assess your diet and where you can make improvements. Once you identify your problem areas pick one or two to correct, such as if you drink 2% milk, start by switching to 1% or skim. Are you eating lunch out 4 out of 7 days a week? Figure out a way you can start taking a healthy lunch with you. Continue down the list until you've replaced unhealthy eating habits with a healthy alternative.
As you make changes and step up your activity you'll start to see your clothes fitting looser and the number on the scale going down!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
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