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Meg Mangin R.N.
Former Team Member
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Posted: Mon Aug 15th, 2005 23:57 |
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Why is my B/P high? Why does it fluctuate?
There are a variety of medications that doctors use to control hypertension. This article explains the usual treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).
Hypertension is often a part of the Th1 inflammatory picture. Benicar, even when taken 3 to 4 times per day, is not a very potent anti-hypertensive. At 20mg/day its maximum hypotensive effect is 12 points. See Benicar-Basic Information
Follow your doctor's advice regarding monitoring your blood pressure to determine if your current blood pressure medication/s are effective. Your blood pressure will come down as your Th1 inflammation resolves and you will need less blood pressure medication and then may no longer need additional B/P medication. Your doctor will advise you on how and when to adjust your blood pressure medication/s.
If your B/P is too high, we suggest adding a beta blocker, an ACE inhibitor or a calcium channel blocker (in that order of perference) to your ARB (Benicar).
If your BP rises on the MP
Doctors don't usually change blood pressure medication until there have been several readings in a row that they consider too high. If your doctor advises monitoring your blood pressure, check it once or twice a day at different times, write it down and let your doctor know at the end of the week what your readings have been. You may be able to fax or email your B/P record to your doctor for convenience. You will find information on accurate blood pressure monitors and how to assess your blood pressure in this thread.
Keep in mind that fluctuations in B/P are due to the disease process because the powerful hormone 1,25-D influences many other hormones. Please see:
Hormonal Changes Resulting From Changes in 1,25-D.
A safe diuretic
Your doctor is probably familiar with the standard algorithm for treating essential hypertension and may want to use a diuretic.
Do not take a thiazide diuretic to control B/P because it is too hard on kidneys that may already be compromised by inflammation. There is a complete list of thiazide diuretics in Medications to Avoid While on the Marshall Protocol
These diuretics are contraindiated because they are potassium-sparing and might result in hyperkalemia.
-spironolactone (Aldactone, Novospironton, Spiractin)
-triamterene (Dyrenium)
-amiloride (Midamor)
Lasix (furosemide) however, does not cause potassium-retention and is compatible with the MP.
Your doctor will want to monitor serum potassium while you are taking Lasix to make sure it stays within normal limits.
Watch and wait
Because your high blood pressure will stabilize with resolution of your Th1 inflammation, your doctor may want to watch and wait, rather than adjust your secondary blood pressure medication/s frequently.
Members' experiences
"Many with these diseases discover difficulties in blood pressure regulation. In my own experience I have gone from predominantly hypertensive, to wild fluctuations, then to hypotension, and am now hypertensive, again. I think we are seeing an involvement with the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System), hormonal changes, and the body's lack of homeostasis, when blood pressure, heart rate, temperature regulation, respiration, swallowing, and such dysfunctions are noted." ~Hrts
-Symptoms: blood pressure is still higher than my normal reading which is usually on the low side. ~BJS
Last edited on Fri Jan 25th, 2008 18:34 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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Nothing contained in this site is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by your physician.
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