Just got diagnosed the other week with Hypertension (high blood pressure). Sweet jeezus, what's next for me? SARS virus?

Anyways, I have yet to do any real intense research on the subject. But are there any other ADDers here who also have high blood pressure? Wondering if it is at all connected to the ADHD.

My most recent numbers were 170/90

Doc gave me script for Atenelol 25mg 1X

Hey Marrrrk from Nooooo Yawwwk.....

Hypertension is nothing to screw with.

I had it.

It killed me.

On January 23rd of last year I had a cardiac arrest and two heart attacks. Yep, died. Deader than a door bolt for a short while. I was (luckily) in the ER (for symptoms) at the time. I got shock paddled, pounded and CPR’d back to existence.

Take your meds as scheduled, keep an eye on your BP, and follow the doctor’s orders – especially regarding diet.

I’m crazy. I have a beautiful family (wife of 33yrs, kids, grand kids, etc.) and a beautiful life…. but I still drink booze, beer and smoke pot every day. I eat too many eggs, snitch bacon and don’t get enough exercise. I guess you could say I’m one of those “Do as I say”….. not “Do as I do” guys.

Best of luck.

EkimDam

Oh, I’m also new to this forum. This is my first post.

I like graphics.......

http://www.epic-isti.com/images/dognose.gif

Hey Mike, welcome aboard.


Believe it or not, I have NOT started taking the medication yet. Guess I'm just being a ***** or something, I dunno. But drinking is a concern for me because I heard you almost need to stop alcohol intake completely when on meds for HBP. And the way the meds work are they actually slow down your heartrate! That scares me a wittle bit.

Did you notice anything or feel different after you began taking medication for your blood pressure?

Marrrrk

I live in SC, but was born and raised in NH, just noth of Barston.

Dig?.

Anywhoski, your heart rate will (should) slow down to a crawl (50-60 BPM??).

It'll scare the cra* out of ya, but they (the docs) will say "No Problemo".

I took (maybe still am taking) Atenelol (sp??). It's safe, so don't be a *****.

I always chase my pills with booze, but I don't think it's recommended.

Oh, and another thing….. When you start taking pills n’ shi*, and the bottle (or the hype) says it’ll put your “dick in the dirt” …. Don’t believe it. “Ye shall over come.” (No pun intended.) Point is…. Heart disease and all the baggage that comes with it is no reason to stop living.

But, be smart dude. Be smarter than me.

The thing I stressed (no pun………..), when I was in cardiac rehab, is that I wanted to know the truth! In other words, I didn’t want the medical establishment to use my cardiac arrest as a motive to get me to go “on the wagon”. No problem being on the wagon… just don’t tell me it’s good for my BP and heart, and life…… Well, you catch the drift.

Like I said…. Good luck to you bro.

Also, like I said, I like graphics………

This is appropriate.......

http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/2kittens_scene1.gif

Mark -- May I ask how old you are??? Just curious...You sound young......Anyway, listen ANY chance whatsoever -- that you are on any MEDS that increase blood pressure?? I'm assuming you checked that out, right? My suggestion is get all of the information you can on the meds that your doctor prescribed for you....and see what it says about their interactions with alcohol....Your asking the right questions....the answers will be right there.....ask your pharmacist if it's not.....he will know......But you need all the information.....Good luck.....Good health....

Hey Mark.....

Listen to joanrdtrobe.

That's good advice.

It's a boatload better than mine.

See, it was part of my plan..... I throw out some crap advise - and it forces someone smarter than I (not too difficult) to post the real scoop.

Glad I could help.

Here’s another graphic for ya…….

(I'll be bounced outta this forum - soon e-nuph fer sure......)

Welcome aboard, Mike. Just try an keep the images a little cleaner than that one. We have kids on this forum as well.

Thanks :)

Yes and maybe a little less violent. I think the adults will be more offend than the kids!

Mark - May I share? I will be a registered dietitian in about 7 weeks and have seen many patients with hypertension during my training. This and all heart related conditions is serious business -- no doubt -- BUT the good news about hypertension is that in many cases it is SOOO responsive to diet and lifestyle change -- in addition to medication (which I hope you will start taking). As such, may I suggest that you get a referral to a registered dietitian in your area??? You're from New York and I know there are many reputable ones there....Your doctor could refer you OR go to the American Dietetic Association Website at www.eatright.org for a referral OR you can call the American Dietetic Association at 1-800-877-1600 and they can give you a referral....Wishing You Good Luck and Good Health....:)

Hey Big, Hey livingwithadd!

Good moderating!

Message received and understood.

mark…. Yer in good hands here.

http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/gunfightersmall.gif

EkimDam

Been away for a day or two so I'll try to catch up (ketchup, catsup, whatever..)

I', 37 and going through a divorce. The stress is in place and kicking my **** 24/7.

I take a stimulant (Ritalin). But my doctor is fully aware of that and I asked him a contraindictions with the medicin. Also, my pharmacist uses a computer system that cross-checks prescriptions for that. So I feel confident on the Rx.

I am adopted, but recently was "found" by my birthmother. When I asked her about genetic history for hypertension, she replied: "Welcome to the club" Doomed, I swear damnit, doomed.

Man, that heart rate slowing down to coma-level sounds scary.

Diet leaves a little to be desired. Hey, I'm newly singled. Burritos and beer can be a lifstyle, right??? Seriously though, I am starting to watch that aspect of my life more than I used to.

Up to about a pack every other day. I know, I know....quite that filthy habit. Give me something better to put into my mouth and I'll consider it!

Excersize is done through my hobbies. Skiing, mountainbiking, etc. Never seen the inside of a health club. Are there any hot looking woman at those. Hmmmmmm

Madmike, I like your pussycats and penguins! Keep 'em coming.
Joanrdtobe, any website you can suggest dealing with the nutricianal side of things?
Thanks

___http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/rnbw_m1b.gifhttp://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/rnbw_a1b.gifhttp://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/rnbw_r1b.gifhttp://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/rnbw_k1b.gif
http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/kitten-bounce2.gif
Welcome back.
I had to tone down the graphics.
(Kids might be lurking.)

MadMike, you are definitely one sick puppy....I mean kitty....I mean....awfahgettaboutit.........

HEY M @ r I< !!

So I've been told.

I've also heard humor is good for hypertension!

http://www.epic-isti.com/images/kitty_bomb.gif

hope this makes it past the fuzz

Mark -- If I can get past these graphics of MadMike's I will give you websites...nutritional websites as you asked for....yes beer is lifestyle, but doesn't correspond with that of hypertension...and SOME burritos are okay... :) how about whole wheat flour tortillas with them??? Okay here is address of NEW YORK Heart Association:

New York City Region Heart Association
122 E. 42nd Street
New York New York 10168
212-878-5900

Visit...excellent and free resources....

1. Try American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org

click on "diseases and conditions"
click on high blood pressure
click on What can I do (diet info from there)

2. Try Mayo Clinic website
www.mayoclinic.com

click on diseases and conditions
click on high blood pressure
clock on eating well
click on DASH Diet (this is diet assistance stopping hypertension) --I would like you to read this Mark....

You don't have to exercise "fancy"....just start walking....and let me know how else I can support you.....:)

EkimDam can take a hint.

Go ahead and get yourself cured Mark.

Then you can come out and play.

http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/prost.gif http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/rock_band.gif http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/prost.gif

(Sorry joanrdtobe... I just couldn't help myself - one last time!)

maDmikE, that last graphic made me tinkle my boxers!

Thank you for making my day.

joanrdtobe, kudos for the website suggestions. I'm on 'em like flea's on a kitten, er, dawg.

No problem Mad Mike....hey about a graphic for ME of MY name??

And that's good Mark.....glad you like the sites.....and keep laughing..sense of humor is important....AND one other thing.....

37 IS young...I KNEW you sounded young from your first post...if you get this thing managed, you should be around for say another 40 years or so, at least....Cool, huh?

http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/bl_j02.gifhttp://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/bl_o02.gifhttp://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/bl_a02.gifhttp://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/bl_n02.gif


Promenade, you go side by side
Like a knock-Kneed groom and a bowl-legged bride.

_____http://www.epic-isti.com/imhip/images/sd71.gif_____

Joan: You should be able to "copy and paste" the
rotating block graphics if you want to reuse them.

Have fun. Mike

MadMike -- WELL NOW YOU'VE MADE MY DAY....YOU ARE UNBELIEVABLE...Thank you.....:)

And I will have fun......:)

Joan

Mike -- still chuckling over this graphic...you have no idea....again thank you...have a great weekend!!!!

Joan: My pleasure. EkimDam

Mark: I think some of these posts may have been lost when Forums was down, but that's okay, in any event, how are you doing with this?

Just read an article in todays newspaper about the J.A.M.A. pre-releasing a story due for publication. They have just added a new catagory to the high blood pressure list called "Prehypertension". It is so important, they state, that the new guidlines were released ahead of the actual publications printing date!

Under these new guidlines, the threshold for high blood pressure remains 140/90. But the new catagory includes people with 120~139/80~90. Previously these people were considered in the normal and high-normal catagory.

So, bottom line: I realise the importance of watching after myself. But my current mental state (divorcing) has prevented me from giving a damn. I know how that sounds. But its true. I just dont give a damn lately about much at all. Its still at the top of my "to do" list. Just havent gotten around to doing yet!
Thanks for asking Joan, I know your occupation is well suited to you because you show genuine concern for other people!

Mark, Joan:

Hypertension kills.

My tension skyrocketed due to the care I provide to my mother-in-law. She has Alzheimer’s. It is very frustrating.

Last Friday, I boiled over, had an Angina attack, went to the ER and had a stent (second one) put into a heart artery.

About 18 months ago I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Now I have two stents.

Next time it’ll be bypass time.

I’m doing all I can to reduce stress.

Best of luck.,

Mike

Dear Mark and Mike: Dear Friends Mark and Mike....My Dear God...I do not know what to say....I do ask God to bless both of you today....YES Mark the 120/80 is now considered prehypertension, you're right. And so 115/75 is ideal. Pretty LOW for "ideal", huh? I'm sorry divorce is causing you such extreme emotional pain....such that self care is not in your repertoire of priorities...pain you so don't deserve....yes, so sorry to hear that....you are SUCH a nice man -- kind, giving, caring...REMEMBERS moms on mother's day....first thing many women look for in a man, by the way....Mark...I SO hope things get better, look up, turn around for you really soon....and I hope there is support with you...:)

Mike: My gentle words to you might be that taking care of others cannot be at the expense of ourselves...which I'm sure you know so this may be a reminder....obviously you love this woman, your mother-in-law very much...my question is does Mike love Mike MORE than he does his mother-in-law? I hope the answer is yes...and do you value YOUR health more than that of your mother-in-law? I hope yes. Sound selfish? It's not...Perhaps for awhile someone else can take care of her...while you take care of you...first stress reduction right there.....does that sound like it fits? (how much help can you be to her anyway, if you get harmed in the process?)

Mark and Mike - Could BOTH OF YOU please check in here as you can as I would like to know continually what's up and how you're doing....k? :) God's Blessings.....TAKE CARE......and Lots of hugggssss to both of you.......Joan

MadMike, I was wondering where you went to? Now I know! Hope all is well with the new stent.

Joan, thanks again for the well wishes. Your the best.

Mark: No problem: off the subject a bit and then will get back on it....May I ask a few questions?

1) Noo Yawwk -- have you ever been to Central Park?? Do you like Simon and Garfunkel? Do you know they did an awesome concert in Central Park several years ago??? I think Simon and Garfunkel are two of the greatest twosomes in the world as far as singers go...thanks for letting me share that....

2) What kind of work do you do, if you don't mind if I ask? is it stresssful??? or is the divorce the ONLY real source of stress right now ? Do you realize I'm having an "I want to take Mark's pain away from him" thing going on??...realizing I can't of course But is there anything I can I do????

Originally posted by joanrdtobe
Noo Yawwk -- have you ever been to Central Park?? Do you like Simon and Garfunkel? Do you know they did an awesome concert in Central Park several years ago??? I think Simon and Garfunkel are two of the greatest twosomes in the world as far as singers go...thanks for letting me share that....


Joan,

I grew up across the street from Central Park, and remember listening to the Simon & Garfunkle concert from my parents apartment window! I love their music :)

Originally posted by BIG
Joan, I grew up across the street from Central Park, and remember listening to the Simon & Garfunkle concert from my parents apartment window! I love their music :)

I saw Simon & Garfunkle at the University of NH back around 1966 at a small venue. They were say-wheat!

Around 1968 I saw the Doors at Saratoga Park (NY).

I "used" to be a "big" concert goer. The last concert I went to was KORN at the Charlotte Coliseum.

I know…. Off-topic.

BTW, the “stent” procedure was quite painless. It’s done without anesthesia. The doc cuts a little slit in the groin and runs a wire up to the heart artery. I was watching the entire procedure on multiple monitors.

Working on reducing stress,

EkimDam

Hey great to hear from you Mike...how are you feeling otherwise...and great to hear so many people have seen ladies and gentleman Simon and Garfunkle!!!!!!!!!! Anyway Mike, glad you're here and alive.....and procedure was painless....!!!!!

Okay here's a toast to GOOD HEALTH to ALL and of course

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL.....


gotta run....school field trip today....happy Friday all....!!!!

TO MARK/MIKE/EVERYONE: THE NEW HYPERTENSION GUIDELINES FROM THE NATIONAL LUNG, HEART, BLOOD, KIDNEY DISEASE INSTITUTE (that we are talking about on this thread) may be found:

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

and click on for patients (very important for everyone). Thanks..:)

Joan:

Read most of the article/s and PDFs.

I'm not overweight, I'm dieting (somewhat), and getting back to exercising (next week ... need healing time).

My blood pressure is down (due mostly to medication), and I ain't misbehavin’. (Well, not as much as usual).

My biggest problem is heredity.

You asked about my mother-in-law the other day. I make her meals and take general care of her. I built here a beautiful “mother-in-laws” cottage on my land, no more than thirty feet from my house. I have a pic around here somewhere. If I can find it, I’ll post it with this message.

She’s “over here” about twenty times a day. Sometimes she shows up in the middle of the night. Like I said, she’s 85 and has Alzehiemer’s. She’s a handful.

Here is a picture of my mother-in-law Agnes and my granddaughter Michaela.

http://www.epic-isti.com/images/agnesandmichaela.gif

Here is a picture of the house I built for my mother-in-law (at left) and the corner of my house (at right).

http://www.epic-isti.com/images/houses.gif

Here is a picture of Michaela and I the Christmas before last, four or five weeks before my cardiac arrest.

http://www.epic-isti.com/images/grampamikeandmichaela.gif

EkimDam

Michaela is a double sucker!!! Two finger sucking. Beautiful grandaughter ya got there Mike.

Originally posted by mark
Michaela is a double sucker!!! Two finger sucking. Beautiful grandaughter ya got there Mike.

The pics are about 18 months old. She's a real cutie pie. My wife and I daycare for Michaela.

I take LOTS of pics of her.

Mike

Well, I have bragging rights too. This is my daughter Ciara at about 5 months. She has only gotten cuter and prettier since this pic was taken.

AND SHE JUST TOOK HER FIRST POTTY YESTERDAY AT DAYCARE!!!!!!

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/8f302a3e/bc/Yahoo!+Photo+Album/DSCN0001.JPG?bcDc8AqBTcFzWnWE

Originally posted by mark
Well, I have bragging rights too. This is my daughter Ciara at about 5 months. She has only gotten cuter and prettier since this pic was taken.

AND SHE JUST TOOK HER FIRST POTTY YESTERDAY AT DAYCARE!!!!!!

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/8f302a3e/bc/Yahoo!+Photo+Album/DSCN0001.JPG?bcDc8AqBTcFzWnWE

She's a darling.

Irish??

Mike

Mike -- Got any HEART shaped graphics??? lol...WOW...nice to hear you're dieting...GREAT and planning to exercise next week...DOUBLE GREAT....and that BP is down...may I ask what it is.....????.....and that you ain't misbehaving.....whatever that means for you! Now as for your mother-in-law -- she comes over 20 times per day and you make her meals and take general care of her....COOL MIKE...VERY COOL....NOW...are you able to CUT BACK slightly on her care responsibilities??....and someone else take over a bit??? Like your wife??? say you do only TWO meals for her and someone else do one? any chance of that??? so to avoid repeats of recent episodes? Um Mike, do I still have your attention?? LOL...Heredity need NOT be your enemy if self care is your way of life today...k???

Pictures are GREAT....Your're SOOO generous to have built a home for your mother-in-law...I know of few men who would do that for their own moms, let alone their mother-in-law...and your granddaughter is adorable....and your a goodlooker too Mike...!!!

And Mark -- yes you have bragging rights too....your daughter is adorable....and great she went potty...lol....that's great...

And I have bragging rights too...Are Andrew and Tara listening??? I think this hypertension thread IS THE BEST THREAD that FORUMS has EVER HAD....YES IT IS...WHY?? Because it has to do with health and it has such NICE people posting on it AND it has some REALLY cool graphics on it AND some great pictures on it...so what more could you want??? LOL

Dear Mark/Mike/Everyone: OKAY THE LATEST...According to the journal, Hypertenion, put out by the American Heart Association...(and you may have seen in Time Magazine)....if you are on diuretic medication for reduction of blood pressure, you may not have to be on it forever, or much longer or as much....the DASH diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension), which previously had been known for its natural blood pressure lowering effects, however, the reason has not been known until now. Well it is now known that the DASH diet promotes salt excretion and urine production which is similar to the mechanism of diuretic drugs. Hence a lowered blood pressure especially in those who are sensitive to the blood pressure effects of salt. But good way of eating for everyone...

The DASH diet is rich in potassium and calcium. What are the foods? Fruits, veggies, low fat dairy products. So strawberries, cantaloupe, berries, apples, watermelon, tangerines, peaches, nectarines, kiwi, honeydew, mango, green leafy veggies, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, kale, etc. PLUS skim milk, low fat yogurt, soy milk etc. Questions....post here....

The message today about relieving/controlling symptoms of hypertension is about ACTIVTY......so important....ask most people with hypertension if they do any form of physical activity, and they will say "no". It need not be a lot....1/2 hour per day....walking is always a great place to start.....:)

Okay Everyone: Would like to share an excellent website for everyone to see about heart disease. You could literally spend hours on it...all the information here is credible....scentifically based....so it's cool to read.....

www.heartcenteronline.com

enjoy!!!!!

Garlic supplaments may help different studies shown different resaults also though with the hypterison there is different types of classes of drugs. I use a beta blocker sometimes it takes a two in one however mine has been lowered since I left colllege for the semster wonder why?


B12 is also good for the heart

I am not sure if anyone has mentioned things like this but here goes....

1. Make sure your blood pressure readings are correct. Make sure the machine you are using is calibrated correctly.
2. Make sure your arm is level with your heart - otherwise you are making the heart pump uphill or downhill.
3. Try and see if you get different readings on left and right arms.
4. Consider that your hypertension is related to your body being dehydrated. I have drunk about a gallon of water every day for 2-3 months and my readings are down to
130/85 or so from 145/90 ( very general readings ).
5. Read up on this theory of dehydration related hypertension : ( http://www.watercure.com/wow/wow_highpressure.html ) - this is somewhat controversial - but I have tried it and it make a difference.