Blood Pressure Situation

[Sean]

Hi all,

I'm 29, 6 years post AVR, with a prosthetic vavle. I have a nagging problem that I've been reluctant to admit to myself and let lie for a few years now. It's high bp. I've been afraid of it and lying to myself about it, but it's time to face up to it. I measure it at home and at the doc's. The results are various and not all greatly elevated, but they do show that my bp tends to gravitate toward the high. At any rate, even the best results I get are still higher than some people in this forum (as I've read) would like to see. My average measurement is probably 130/85. My first question is:
What's the optimal bp range for a person in my condition? Assuming we've established I have high bp, I'd like to try natural remedies to treat it.
I've been researching and CoQ10 and garlic came up as two most popular options. What's known about their interaction with coumadin?

I do plan to see my doc about this, although, I'm not very optimistic. I remember mentioning something about my bp to him a year or more ago and he said that he doesn't like to mess with a patients bp if it's not too elevated when that patient's post AVR or something to that effect. What's frustrating is my inability to face up to the problem when it's obviously been around since the surgery. I think my high bp is genetic because I'm not overweight (I'd like to say here that I'm in good physical shape, but I'm not), I don't smoke or drink and I'm on a low sodium diet. I'd like to gradually pick up my physical activity. I've just ended a two-year stint as a truck driver. That did not do my body any good. What's scary is that now I feel drained and dizzy when I'm doing the most basic physical activity, like standing for a prolonged period of time and walking. There's tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. I'd like to think that this is due to the change in lifestyle, which is pretty drastic, but I'm not holding out high hopes (I don't want to go the same route I did with my bp for so long). It could be the bp. I'll give myself a few weeks of walking and riding the bike regularly and if there's no change I'll go to the doc again. I'm 29 and I feel like I'm 70 with health problems. I can remember a time when I was happy with the way my body felt, but that was so long ago. Anyway, this is just my frustrations. It's good to share them sometimes

Thanks in advance for any reply.

 

[PJmomrunner]

"What's scary is that now I feel drained and dizzy when I'm doing the most basic physical activity, like standing for a prolonged period of time and walking. There's tightness in the chest and shortness of breath."

While I don't take lightly your concern about your blood pressure, I think your dizziness, SOB and chest tightness should be sorted out regardless of whether the high BP is causative or not. It makes sense to surmise that a sedentary lifestyle may have contributed to your symptoms (as well as your high BP) or even caused them entirely, but your efforts to become more active should be sanctioned by your cardiologist after a thorough examination. Make an appointment and get serious about recording your BP readings in the meantime so you can go to the doc armed with solid data.

Feeling like an ailing 70 year-old at 29 years stinks! You have "let it lie" long enough. I'm glad you have decided to take action--it's an important first step! Good luck to you.

 

[geebee]

There could be many reasons for your symptoms and a sedentary lifestyle is only one of them. High BP is not usually so symptomatic as many people still die due to problems from high BP without every knowing they had it. It is still known as the "silent killer".
I would definitely visit your cardio, get a full workup, and move forward with an exercise routine if nothing else is indicated. Do not start up an exercise program without your doctor's ok and supervision.
You deserve to feel like a 29 year old again so take action and enjoy your life.

 

[hensylee]

I used to mention an occasional headache to my mother and she'd always say 'it's your bp'. She was correct. Sometimes we do have symptoms. the 130 is not bad but the 85, if consistent, is not a good idea. It may only go higher from here on out unless you are treated for it. Take your bp every day, morning & night, keep a diary of it, take it to your doctor and let the dr decide.

We have a coQ10 thread going on right now. You might want to check into it because Jeff posted some VERY INTERESTING info about it:

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15566&highlight=coq10

 

[geebee]

I stand corrected. I guess things are always changing. Here is what I found on a BP website:

Symptoms:

* most often, no symptoms
* headaches
* dizziness
* blurred vision
* low libido or lack of sexual desire

 

[tobagotwo]

I'd have said the same thing offhand, Gina. I still think it most likely that there is something more going on than the blood pressure. 130/85 isn't that bad. It isn't even considered high blood pressure. They used to call it "warning track," but now they have titled it "prehypertension."

Best wishes,

 

[Der Biermeister]

This systolic is almost perfect at 130. Keep in mind, only 40 points lower and you would technically be in shock (at 90).

The diastolic could be a bit lower -- like under 80. But man you are really not that bad in-so-far as bp goes.

 

[Georgia]

You see a lot of very low BP's here because there are an awful lot of us on multiple meds that lower BP - I'm on toprol, lasix, mavik (ACE inhibitor) and dig. The toprol particularly is used a lot due to high heart rates, and secondarily drops the BP like a stone. So it's probably not best that you compare your bp to our chemically-induced low bp.

The tightness in your chest & dizziness concern me, too. Before you get going on a physical fitness routine you really need to see your cardio. It's a shock to the system to get up and going after vegging out for a couple of years.

You really should feel better than you do. Time to get a check-up.

 

[braveheartlad_1967]

Hey Sean

I just read your posting. I had an aortic valve+root replacement in 1998 with a CarboMedics 27mm artifical valve and conduit. I've also had a Coarctation repair at age 17 and since the valve replacement another heart surgery for a Descending Aortic Aneurysm.

I've been plagued with BP problems and told it needs to be under control or it could cause me some very serious problems.

I'm currently taking 50mg Atenolol, 15mg Lisinopril, 7mg Warfarin (Coumadin), 10mg Atorvastation and 200mg Persantin.

My BP has tended to be on the high side (e.g. 144/90, 154/90). Lately however it has been a lot lower and at a recent exercise ECG they couldn't believe how low my BP was 98/80 and pulse 52bpm.

I check my BP at home with a home monitor and also my INR at home with a CoaguChek 'S' model.

Have you been given any advice on BP and exercise? I've been told to avoid isometric exercise and stick to cardio.

Hope you get your BP sorted.

Jon
Sussex, UK