I have been taking meds for several years. The blood pressure has gotten better, but the diastolic (lower) number hasn't improved enough. Is the problem worth correcting with a higher dosage of meds?
2006-08-24 12:38:14 · 10 answers · asked by g 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
120/80 used to be what is considered as "normal" blood pressure. Today, it is recommended to keep blood pressure at about 90/60 - 110/70 mmHg to minimize risk for developing hypertension and other diseases that affects the arteries (vascular system).
Your diastolic pressure is rather high. Elevated diastolic pressure means the heart have to work harder against resistance to pump blood out into the circulation. Over in time, the heart muscles get tired so the muscles either hardern (known as atrophy) or become too relaxed (which causes the heart chambers to be "dilated"/enlarged).
Blood pressure medications differ in the way they affect the blood pressure (some act on lowering the systolic pressure, some lowers the diastolic pressure, some lowers the blood pressure & heart rate to decrease the workload of the heart). Just increasing the dose of what you are presently taking will not correct the problem. It is best to see your doctor, he may need to add or change your blood pressure medications to the kind that will help bring your diastolic pressure down.
And as has been stated by the others above, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Heart healthy diet (low salt, low fat, low cholesterol, include fish 3 to 4 x a week). Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. Avoid stress. Avoid smoking.
2006-08-24 13:38:17 · answer #1 · answered by OnThe36th 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Normal" blood pressure is considered to be 120/80, but there can be some variability. 130/50 is within the normal range. However, the wider the range, the more likely there is hardening of the arteries, as they are not a flexible as they should be, and the systolic pressure can spike up fairly high. Most physicians consider lower blood pressures to be more healthy so long as the patient does not experience problems with the lower pressure. Higher systolic (above 150) can be dangerous if left untreated, and lead to either an enlarged left ventricle or reduced ejection fraction (heart failure). Systolic over 180 can be life threatening, causing a stroke or other arterial damage. Keep monitoring your pressure. Consider that there are many factors that can change your blood pressure from day to day, and even from hour to hour within a day.
2016-03-17 02:14:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some doctors would but, before you do that look into your family's health history because it may be in the genes, if there is nothing there then try changing you diet or somethings in your diet, my husband has high blood pressure and we have been working on it and it's working his last check was like 140/102 it was like three times higher than that a little while ago and he takes two different meds also, he has lost like 20 pounds also, so just try a few different things before you try another med okay? Good Luck.............
2006-08-24 12:44:18 · answer #3 · answered by Lil Angel 68 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The diastolic (lower) number is the more important number to pay attention to, so you should definitely consult with your md. 90's not REALLY high, but it's getting there. Higher dosage may not necessarily be indicated, but possibly more lifestyle modification (exercise, stop smoking, etc.) or a different or additional class of blood pressure med.
2006-08-24 12:44:29 · answer #4 · answered by Disco Stu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my blood pressure number usually runs a little high on the bottom and my doctor says not to worry about it and i also take medication
2006-08-24 13:19:12 · answer #5 · answered by bamanana52 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not good when the two numbers are too close together. Blood pressure isnt something to play with, I would visit your doctor.
2006-08-24 12:40:08 · answer #6 · answered by lurky77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's something that you should talk to your doctor about. If you don't like what he has to say talk to another one and see if they agree. It's definitely high though so you need to take care of it.
2006-08-24 12:41:29 · answer #7 · answered by shominyyuspa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if my bottom # is 90 and I take meds should I contact a doctor
2016-04-14 08:51:07 · answer #8 · answered by debbie c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
120/80 is normal,ask your doctor about the lower number and see if it can be corrected
2006-08-24 12:43:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you need to exercise. Regular exercise will improve your numbers.
2006-08-24 12:39:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋