Expert: Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M. - 11/28/2009

Question
Hello,

My mother has high blood pressure and she has been on medication for years. Two years ago we went to the doctor and her blood pressure was slightly high, so she was doing better. At that time we weren't exercising and not eating properly. Fast forward two years to today and we're working out for an hour 5 days per week and we eat healthily (vegetables, brown rice, fruits, etc) and her blood pressure is extremely high. Last week it was something like 163/100, so they added another medication. This week it was like 150/100, so they've told her to take a double dose of her new medication. So that's a total of 3 blood pressure pills and a diuretic per day. Since we've been dieting she's lost 25 lbs, so we're wondering why her blood pressure is going up? What can we do to lower it naturally, what food can she eat, what different exercises can she try? I just want my mom to be healthy, so I'd appreciate ANY advice you could offer.THANK YOU!  

Answer
Hello Kim,

Thank you for your question. First there are several factors that can contribute to a spike in blood pressure. Certain medications can have this side affect along with certain supplements. You may consider reviewing all of her medications and supplements she is taking for their side effects. If any medications she is taking does include this side effect, have a discussion with your primary care provider about how to adjust them accordingly. If any supplements she is taking has this side effect, discontinue the supplement if it is self prescribed.

Second, switching to a purely vegetarian diet has in some causes been known to cause spikes in blood pressure. I am uncertain if this is the case based on the information provided. If this is the case, you may want to consider introducing some fish into her diet as it is much easier to digest than other protein products assuming she does not have fish allergies.

Third, if the foods that she is taking in has a high salt content (which is common in pre-prepared and packaged foods), that too will cause an elevation in blood pressure. Review the labels of all food products for their sodium content and adjust accordingly.

Lastly, if your mother is taking in excess fluids and retaining fluids, that too can result in elevated blood pressure. Thus she may consider reducing her fluid intake slightly until her blood pressure is normalized.

I would ask that you consider having your mother start with taking her blood pressure each morning before she gets out of bed for a period of one week. Doing so will provide a better picture of how the current medications are affecting her blood pressure. One last note, acupuncturist have a battery of herbal formulations that have been very successful in lowering blood pressure. I would ask that you consider scheduling a visit for your mother with a nationally certified acupuncturist for a full work up and treatment plan.

I do hope you have found this information helpful. Please feel free to contact me again with any questions you may have. Be well.

Regards,
Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Acupuncture Stress and Pain Management Practices