Serious Hypertension Questions

[YankeeJoe]

Since I had been roaming around Europe for some time, I had neglected going to a doctor for some years until I came back to the states. When I finally went to a doctor I was diagnosed w/ pretty high BP...170/91 was one of the first readings. There is no telling how long I had HBP. I am 33 now.

First diuretics were tried (Diacide?) but weren't effective so I was put on a Beta Blocker/ACE Inhibitor (Uniretic). I have always been VERY active in athletics 2-3x daily aerobic/anaerobic.

It has seriously hampered my ability in anything aerobic. When training, it is common to get head rushes (side effect of the Uniretic) and winded easily.

My questions:

1) Do you think this anaerobic insufficiency is "re-trainable" in other words, is it futile to try to get back to where I was before with my cardiovascular endurance?

2) Should I NOT be pushing myself so strenously? We do light conditioning (15-20 minutes), MMA (30-40) and then Criminal Event prep (20-30 minutes) 3x a week. All week long I do Dinosaur training (Tire tossing, Sandbag, KBs, CBs, etc.). Should I chill out?

3) Should I ask for an alternate drug?

4) Is HBP a death knoll to my training? I want an alternate view than what is orthodox on what effects HBP has on my longevity.

For the record, this is genetic, because I have NEVER been overweight not even by 5#s, I grew up in a household where salt was forbidden and it is a habit that has stuck with me, and I have been on a restricted calorie diet for about a year now and have never been big on the fast food joints.

5) Lastly, what alternative methods are available. I would love nothing more than to lower my BP in a more natural manner w/o side effects.

I really appreciate any advice or help!

All the best,
Joe Silvia

P.S. I would like to add that I have supplemented my diet w/ Fish oil pills and have been reading some literature on a Macrobiotic diet. Any thoughts?

[tjosh]

Water only fasting for 10 day periods are extremely successful in reducing blood pressure. There is plenty of info on the web about this. There are even special fasting centers people can go to that specialize in this. You will lose a lot of weight and muscle but it works.

When I am eating lower carb my blood pressure is lower as well. You might want to try this first and then try the fasting.

[Vbrown]

Is there a diagnosis for your HTN? Heart (primary) or Kidney (secondary)? the difference will determine the type of training that your going to have to take. Beta blockers are going to keep your heart rate down and restrict your cardiac output.

It would be horribly irrisponsible to give any more on this. Talk with your doctor about your specific goals and what is happening to you now. If he/she is not working with you, FIRE them and get a new one. (don't stop taking meds till you are cleared. Sudden stoppage can be dangerous.)

I've seen impressive results from some L.Ac's (acupunturists) but MUCH depends on their training and past experience. I wouldn't expect much from a neurologist on the topic of my HTN either.....

Don't just accept a "fate". Get second, third or fourth opinions. Look for someone who will work WITH you. There may be compromises, but not a destruction of your life either.

Please keep us updated and I wish you the very best!

Vince

[YankeeJoe]

"When I am eating lower carb my blood pressure is lower as well. You might want to try this first and then try the fasting."

The water only fast seems a bit extreme...would definitely hurt my performance. However, is there any scientific connection between carbs and BP? I would be willing to alter my diet for that. I appreciate the advice.

"Is there a diagnosis for your HTN? "

I will have to ask my doctor. I am on Uniretic...not sure if that is specific to one or the other, if that helps.

"Talk with your doctor about your specific goals and what is happening to you now. If he/she is not working with you, FIRE them and get a new one."
I will do that!

"I've seen impressive results from some L.Ac's (acupunturists) but MUCH depends on their training and past experience."

As a remedy or as perpetual maintainence? In other words, I will have to go every few months for the rest of my life? Which isn't a bad thing, considering I am paying $50.00 a month for my meds (w/ side effects, mind you).

I appreciate everyone's advice more than you can know.

Thank you & all the best,
Joe Silvia

[Connie Brown]

However, is there any scientific connection between carbs and BP? I would be willing to alter my diet for that. I appreciate the advice.
Depending on the amount and type of carb fuel you take in, AND if you have a body that responds highly to carbs, then it can lead to high insulin. And when insulin is high, the kidneys send a signal to retain more water. Thus making more blood volume and HTN.

The easiest-reading lay discussions of this I have seen are in the Eades' Protein Power Lifeplan and Schwarzbein's Schwarzbein Principle.

I've experienced this myself. I don't have the genetic kind like you do but I keep my BP down with diet and exercise this way.

[YankeeJoe]

Connie:

I am glad you posted. I have read these forums for many months in lurk mode. I have come to have deep respect for your intelligence and advice. When I asked the question about water and carbs I hoped and had a gut feeling that you would reply.

I will do some research tonight on those things you mentioned. A quick question: do you know if these can lower your BP even though it is genetic?

Thanks a ton to all!
Joe

[Connie Brown]

thanks for the strokes! just the messenger... :D

If you drop in at a Barnes & Noble I bet you could read the relevant sections quickly and cheaply.

The Eades have a web site with a nurse practitioner. I've never seen the genetic question asked, perhaps you could check out there? www.eatprotein.com - > bulletin boards -> health issues

I am curious too. Everyone I know who has lowered BP has NOT been a genetic person so this will be interesting.

[Vbrown]

Hey Joe,

Diuretics are a common choice for HTN, either primary or secondary.

For an LAc., it would depend on what other patterns and symptoms that you present during the very indepth intake. It would most likely be something like a number of initial treatments in a few weeks and then taper off. From there...periodic checkups as well as you self monitoring.

NESA is in Watertown, MA (IIRC) and they could give you a reference or perhaps see you in their clinic if you are close by.

Vince