I've been diagnosed with mild hypertension and borderline diabetes, both a few years back. I've been on Metformin for about two years and my HGA1C is down to 5.7. After being on Micardis 40 mg for several years and having my pressure back in the normal range, a doctor (not my regular doc) suggested I try doing without it for 6 months. My pressure used to be about 140 over 90 w/o meds, but I think from having started swimming regularly some 14 months ago, I have brought it down to an average (resting) rate of about 135/73 (with a resting pulse in the 65-74 range). I went back to my regular doc and he wants me to go back on the BP meds, because he believes in an "aggressive" approach and says it is still too high. He also says that Micardis will help protect my kidneys.
I am wondering two things...
1) Should I always and everywhere listen to the doc...or get a second opinion. What will the meds do to my swimming times? Positive or negative effect...or does it differ from person to person? Anyone with any experience with this?
2) If my bottom number is already as low as 73, I am wondering how safe it is for it to possibly go down another ten points.
BTW...I am 55.
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Former Member
Jim-
I don't prescribe Bystolic myself, but it might turn out to be a worthwhile alternative. I have a new found appreciation for the effect of beta-blockers, having taken one for a couple of months after my little health care adventure last year. While my wife likely appreciated that I could sit still and speak slowly, I felt like my tape speed was about 1/3 normal. There are some who definitely benefit from this effect (performance anxiety, migraine,...) but for most, hypertension can be controlled without the unwanted effects. And for someone with diabetes, you'd definitely want to start with either an ACE-inhibitor or an ARB.
As for your readings, they don't sound troubling. And I'd re-emphasize my skepticism for non-validated readings.
There is a very large body of sound research on how to lower blood pressure by lifestyle modification. It is both feasible and healthy. The hard part is that we have to consistently change our habits.
Jim-
I don't prescribe Bystolic myself, but it might turn out to be a worthwhile alternative. I have a new found appreciation for the effect of beta-blockers, having taken one for a couple of months after my little health care adventure last year. While my wife likely appreciated that I could sit still and speak slowly, I felt like my tape speed was about 1/3 normal. There are some who definitely benefit from this effect (performance anxiety, migraine,...) but for most, hypertension can be controlled without the unwanted effects. And for someone with diabetes, you'd definitely want to start with either an ACE-inhibitor or an ARB.
As for your readings, they don't sound troubling. And I'd re-emphasize my skepticism for non-validated readings.
There is a very large body of sound research on how to lower blood pressure by lifestyle modification. It is both feasible and healthy. The hard part is that we have to consistently change our habits.
