Re: Blood pressure - My Doctor is a putz.

From: Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD (andrew_at_heartmdphd.com)
Date: 01/17/05 

Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 00:45:35 -0500

Mike wrote:
>
> Last year my blood pressure was considered good for my age. Now
> however, it seems it is bad.
>
> I have gained weight and been relatively inactive for the latter
> six months of last year. In November I had a BP reading of
> 140/90, so I started brisk walking exercise for at least 40mins,
> and at least three times a week. Today I had another BP reading
> and it is now 120/90. My doctor has prescribed drugs.

My guess is that despite the walking, you have not lost weight. You are
not alone.

> I asked what the reading meant and what I could do to bring it
> down myself. He said the lower reading of 90 is the problem and
> that he was going to treat it with drugs. He then gave me a
> prescription, which is now in the bin. Also, on both occasions I
> had just arrived at the surgery and had not rested. Now I have
> just found this..
>
> > Tips for Having Your Blood Pressure Taken
> >
> > Don't drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before having your
> > blood pressure measured.
>
> Had a cup of tea within that time.
>
> > Before the test, sit for five minutes with your back supported and
> > your feet flat on the ground. Rest your arm on a table at the level
> > of your heart.
>
> Did not rest and held my arm level with my heart *without*
> support.
>
> > Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.
>
> Didn't expect the test, was wearing long sleeves.
>
> > Go to the bathroom prior to the reading. A full bladder can change
> > your blood pressure reading.
>
> Didn't do this either.
>
> > Get two readings, taken at least two minutes apart, and average the
> > results.
>
> Or that.
>
> > Ask the doctor or nurse to tell you the blood pressure reading in
> > numbers.
>
> Doctor became aggravated when I pushed for information. All I
> asked is one question, "what does that mean please"?
>
> The reason I visited the doctor is due to pain in the area of the
> kidneys. I have just read that high blood perssure can result in
> a strain on the kidneys. Given my history of contracting
> septicaemia a couple of years back, I would not be surprised if
> my kidneys were 'vulnerable'.
>
> Can anyone advise on what the readings mean and what I can do to
> reduce them?

You have hypertension, by definition.

You can lose weight to reduce your blood pressure.

The 2PD Approach is a simple lifestyle change that may help you. Would
suggest you ask your doctor about it:

http://www.heartmdphd.com/wtloss.asp

> I am gurrently walking three times a week as
> perviously mentioned. I also cut my alcohol intake to a couple of
> glasses of wine two nights a week. I eat salad and vegetables,
> meat and fish, fruit and er.. chocolate. :-)

It is not what you are eating but how much.
 
> Thanks.

You are welcome.
 
At His service,

Andrew 

--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
**
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