Blood Pressure

[glenn1960]

I have been on 2 different blood pressure pills for 2 weeks now and my blood pressure still has not gone down. Before i started pills my blood pressure was at 163/112 and now 161/105. Do you have any advise for me.I have a week before i go back to my Dr.

[ed34]

Smoking will fight against many bp lowering drugs. So obviously if you smoke, you should ensure your gp is aware of this.

[Yvette BG]

Also, if you've been drinking a lot of beer, mixed drinks, wine, etc. I would cut down. High alcohol intake can increase blood pressure. Oh, and also, try to have some low fat or fat-free yogurt or drink some low fat or fat-free/skim milk 2 or 3 times a day, if you can. The natural calcium and the natural vitamin D that's in these dairy products may help with the blood pressure.

[Yvette BG]

Mammo's advice is important--No consuming salt and caffeine until you see the doctor. Also, if you are taking any herbal supplements or over-the-counter weight loss pills, I would stop those until you see the doctor. Some can raise blood pressure in certain people; even St. John's Wort, which is OK for a lot of folks to take, can increase blood pressure sometimes. Also, unless your doctor has said you can't have fresh fruits, etc. I would be sure to eat fruit daily--especially bananas, berries, raisins, etc. They have natural potassium which may help your blood pressure; also vegetables like tomatoes and sweet potatoes. Do not drink tomato juice unless it is the low sodium variety. Please let us know what you find out from your doctor.  

[mammo]

Do not consume salt or caffeine until you see your doctor.  But I would contact your doctor and let him know what your BP is, he may not want you to wait a week to see him.