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31Dec 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Lowering Blood Pressure: How Does Medication Compare to Lifestyle Modifications?

Podcast

How does blood pressure medication compare to lifestyle modifications when it comes to lowering blood pressure? Lifestyle modification alone very effectively lowers blood pressure, but if the level is severe, you will likely require antihypertensive medication. If you do not use any lifestyle modification, you will probably need more antihypertensive medication to get to your target blood pressure goal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSZTKsemTSc The average person with hypertension will require two medications to reach their target blood pressure goal. There are certain medications that are more effective than others in certain people, and there are first-line medications that are important to initiate. Severe side effects from antihypertensive medication are not as common as you would think. Nevertheless, side effects may cause medication non-adherence. Did you know that about 25-50% of patients with hypertension…

31Dec 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

We Finally Know the Most Accurate Way to Measure Blood Pressure

Podcast

Looks Like We Finally Know the Most Accurate Way to Measure Blood Pressure. For years we have relied on office blood pressure monitoring for blood pressure management. In the previous podcast, I told you why it is essential to know your blood pressure target goal. In reality, it is not enough to just know your blood pressure target goal. You must use this knowledge when measuring and logging your blood pressures at home and ask your health care provider when to seek help. Since hypertension usually has no symptoms associated with it, it is crucial to monitor your blood pressure at home to know what your target blood pressure goal is. You need to know your target blood pressure so that you would know when to seek help. Measure your…

30Dec 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

What’s the Goal of Blood Pressure Treatment?

Podcast

Lifestyle modification and blood pressure medication are the treatment recommended by the hypertension guideline? What's the goal of blood pressure treatment? Your target goal blood pressure is the goal of blood pressure treatment. In this podcast episode, I will review what hypertension is, tell you what a target blood pressure is, and why it is the very first thing you ought to know about your blood pressure. I will also give you the target goal blood pressure for the general population that you can use until you talk with your health care provider to get your target goal blood pressure. Disclaimer, this information will only help you if you are ready for health behavior change. Ready, let's do this! What's a target blood pressure goal and why would you need…

29Nov 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

A Blood Pressure Drug That Could Be Dangerous for African Americans

Blog

Lisinopril is an anti-hypertension medication, and it will protect your kidneys if you have diabetes. Although lisinopril is not the first drug of choice for hypertension in African Americans, many are prescribed the medicine as mono-treatment. I want to warn you that in African Americans, Lisinopril could be dangerous. Lisinopril could cause angioedema that swelling of your lips or throat. If you are on lisinopril and your lips swell, or you have difficulty breathing, get emergency treatment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately because angioedema COULD BE FATAL. Angioedema could be reversed within a few minutes with the appropriate medication to reverse this allergic reaction. There is an alternative medication that is equally effective in protecting your kidneys or reduces blood pressure, and that medication is…

23Nov 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Craving Ice? Get your Blood Level Checked Now!

Blog

Craving ice, dirt, caramel, or other cravings? Your blood level might be low, and you might need blood and iron. Excessive iron can be dangerous to your health. It is essential to know your iron level before taking any vitamins that contain iron. It is a known fact that people who crave ice are anemic. Anemia can be detrimental if your hemoglobin level is seven or below. Ask your health care provider for a complete blood count, iron level, TIBC, and Ferritin level to assess your need for supplementation if you have cravings to ice. Hemoglobin of 7 or less may require a blood transfusion, and a ferritin level of less than 50 may require daily ferrous sulfate by mouth. If you have had a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass,…

19Nov 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Can Your Eye Sight Improve After Damage to Your Retina?

Blog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orqdxsg-Dr4 Uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes can damage your eyes, particularly your retina. Blood and swelling behind the eye come from high blood pressure or high blood sugar. A systolic blood pressure (top number) greater than 139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) greater than 89 mm Hg or higher would make you more likely to experience damage to your eyes. Of course, the damage occurs over time. A diet rich in vitamins (A, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin) supports eye health. Sometimes damage to the retina can be reversed. You would have to stick to a plant-based rice diet for at least three months to reap the benefits. Ask your health care provider before making any dietary changes or before taking any supplements. How…

06Nov 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Can All Kinds of Music Reduce Blood Pressure?

Blog

Can all music give you the benefit of lower blood pressure? The answer is associated with your physiologic response to the music. For example, if the music causes you stress, then it will likely cause your blood pressure to increase. Stress can cause high blood pressure. Research has shown that listening to certain kinds of music can reduce stress; therefore, blood pressure could be reduced. According to Dr. Caterine Paugam-Burtz and colleagues, Mozarts causes a soothing effect in patients who are critically ill. View the video below from Dr. Greger to understand what music you should consider. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4YH6WDqkD8

22Oct 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

We Have A Serious Problem: Many Are Struggling and Dying From Hypertension

Blog

We have a severe problem. People are struggling and even dying from high blood pressure, a treatable disease that can be prevented. For many people struggling with high blood pressure, home blood pressure measurements could be valuable for determining and monitoring the best treatment option. Home blood pressure monitoring is also essential to monitor your response to the selected treatment option. Not to mention, home blood pressure monitoring is the most accurate blood pressure measurement if taken appropriately. There is limited time to get a blood pressure measurement in the doctor's office. Another reason people struggle with their blood pressure is that they don't know their blood pressure target goal. They leave their office visits without a goal to target. Talk with your health care provider and find out what…

17Oct 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

5 Common Mistakes That Will Keep Your Blood Pressure High

Blog

We all can learn from mistakes, but some mistakes are too risky. You have to be very careful about common mistakes regarding blood pressure that could cause serious problems with your health. Below are five common mistakes that will keep your blood pressure high. 1) Denial that your blood pressure is high. Notify your health care provider with persistently elevated blood pressures 2) Failing to monitor your blood pressure once a week or more if 140/90 mm Hg or higher. 3) Ignoring your severe high blood pressure after business hours instead of contacting your health care provider for advice the next business day if moderate and immediately if severe. 4) Failure to keep a blood pressure log and sharing elevated measurements of 135/80 mm Hg or greater with your health…

05Oct 2019 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Can You Escape Hypertension?

Blog, Top Posts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lupPd8SsZNc Dr. Greger has done extensive work to bring together important research findings, which he reveals in his video above. According to research, the more fruit and vegetable you eat, the more you can lower your blood pressure. Lower blood pressure can be acquired in as little as seven days if you eliminate meat, eat fruit and vegetables, and walk 30 minutes a day. I am on a semi-vegetarian diet, walking 30 minutes, and eating fruit and vegetables every day. As a result, I have normal blood pressure. I challenge you to try this for 7 days. Let me know in the comment section below if it works for you.

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