Blood Pressure
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Whirly,
To an extent, and very understandably, I think you're over-analysing all this stuff and looking for rational connections where there are none. On average, higher BP is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality. Some people's blood pressure tends to go up more when it is taken, while being normal at other times. There is some evidence that those people, too, have a higher cardiovascular risk. End of story. We just don't know much more.
This is all a very inexact science and the mechanisms of so-called 'essential hypertension' are poorly understood. You are therefore right to take it all with a pinch of salt. The danger, though, is of becoming so sceptical that one throws the baby out with the bath water.
On the issue of heart rate, resting heart rate in athletes is always lower and recovery time back to a normal heart rate after exercise is lower too. These are manifestations of fitness and are indirect pointers of the increased O2 transport which occurs in athletes.
Best,
QDM
To an extent, and very understandably, I think you're over-analysing all this stuff and looking for rational connections where there are none. On average, higher BP is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality. Some people's blood pressure tends to go up more when it is taken, while being normal at other times. There is some evidence that those people, too, have a higher cardiovascular risk. End of story. We just don't know much more.
This is all a very inexact science and the mechanisms of so-called 'essential hypertension' are poorly understood. You are therefore right to take it all with a pinch of salt. The danger, though, is of becoming so sceptical that one throws the baby out with the bath water.
On the issue of heart rate, resting heart rate in athletes is always lower and recovery time back to a normal heart rate after exercise is lower too. These are manifestations of fitness and are indirect pointers of the increased O2 transport which occurs in athletes.
Best,
QDM
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Mumraaa- sorry come into this a bit late. After a very high pressure 40s raising kids & dogs with one hand, fighting a protracted very long unpleasant divorce and flying ahigh pressure shorthaul environment, eventually my licence was pulled (at 180/120!). It took me 5 months to get it down to the CAA satisfaction with stable medication and it is now about 125/85 (under medication). Your figures look reasonable, but don't forget these little home machines don't accurately reflect the circumstances in a surgery with a proper BP device- mine bears little resemblance I will get in the surgery.
Try and not worry, have your BP done standing but leaning against something (if you can get away with it), and if you appear to have a problem you must take control now! Ensure your weight is not excessive and visit the gym 3 times a week. Believe me, you want to avoid those medications they put you on! But they do the job if you are a lazy bastard like me!
Try and not worry, have your BP done standing but leaning against something (if you can get away with it), and if you appear to have a problem you must take control now! Ensure your weight is not excessive and visit the gym 3 times a week. Believe me, you want to avoid those medications they put you on! But they do the job if you are a lazy bastard like me!
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Blood pressure
Also used to be obsessed about the BP thing when I started creeping up to the high side of normal (158/95). Did all the right things - no salt (ugh), drink in moderation, visit gym etc etc. Then bought BP monitor from Boots (the arm jobby @ 90 quid or so. Course the problem is the BP is always higher when done by man in white coat and they appreciate that fact when taking the reading, (which incidentally notso, HAS to be done sitting or lying down according to said Doc)
Paranoid about getting put on tabs, forgot about throwing weights about, increased the cardio vasc instead and bought a bike. Made all the differerence and its enjoyable too.
(Plus of course I get to bike to the pub!!)
Plan the medical for the afternoon, dont eat and drink only water. Spend the morning relaxing with a bit of light reading.
Lastly, aspirin thins the blood and has been accepted (unofficially probably) that it can be beneficial in the fight against strokes (so must also be good for BP) So pop one a day but not on an empty stomach.
All the above seems to work for me.
Good luck
Paranoid about getting put on tabs, forgot about throwing weights about, increased the cardio vasc instead and bought a bike. Made all the differerence and its enjoyable too.
(Plus of course I get to bike to the pub!!)
Plan the medical for the afternoon, dont eat and drink only water. Spend the morning relaxing with a bit of light reading.
Lastly, aspirin thins the blood and has been accepted (unofficially probably) that it can be beneficial in the fight against strokes (so must also be good for BP) So pop one a day but not on an empty stomach.
All the above seems to work for me.
Good luck
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The FAA approves the use of Corgard, which is an excellent Rx with no side effects. I was on that when I retired, and still take it.
Find some sort of natural diaretic if you can. Elevated BP is often the result of water retention.
Find some sort of natural diaretic if you can. Elevated BP is often the result of water retention.
Moderator
Nothing has "no side effects". Maybe it works for you, but there is a reason that there are so many medications for hypertension. None of them work for everybody, or are tolerated by everybody.
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True.
Here they are:
Most adverse effects have been mild and transient and have rarely required withdrawal of therapy.
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia with heart rates of less than 60 beats per minute occurs commonly, and heart rates below 40 beats per minute and/or symptomatic bradycardia were seen in about 2 of 100 patients. Symptoms of peripheral vascular insufficiency, usually of the Raynaud type, have occurred in approximately 2 of 100 patients. Cardiac failure, hypotension, and rhythm/conduction disturbances have each occurred in about 1 of 100 patients. Single instances of first degree and third degree heart block have been reported; intensification of AV block is a known effect of beta-blockers (see also CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS).
Here they are:
Most adverse effects have been mild and transient and have rarely required withdrawal of therapy.
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia with heart rates of less than 60 beats per minute occurs commonly, and heart rates below 40 beats per minute and/or symptomatic bradycardia were seen in about 2 of 100 patients. Symptoms of peripheral vascular insufficiency, usually of the Raynaud type, have occurred in approximately 2 of 100 patients. Cardiac failure, hypotension, and rhythm/conduction disturbances have each occurred in about 1 of 100 patients. Single instances of first degree and third degree heart block have been reported; intensification of AV block is a known effect of beta-blockers (see also CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS).
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IM Esperto- the use of natural diuretics interests me. I have definitely been suffering water retention since before my BP problem, and still do even on a diuretic (Losartan). I don't want to pump up with even more of the damn pills so what are the suggestions?
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NF,
Losartan is not a diuretic but an AT2inhibitor and further development of perindopril (Coversyl)
Your (well mine as well actually) bloodpressure is regulated by a rather clever and finetuned mechanism.
Losartan works on the process in the kidneys which senses bloodpressure and regulates this my modulating some substances.
Not sure what Corgard is but from the side effect profile I suspect it to be a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker.
They work in a different manner to the Losartan.
Some people are fine and well adjusted on one lot of medication. Recent research indicates that for most people more than one drug is the best way to regulate their hypertension.
I am not sure that there is a lot of evidence that 'natural diuretics' are effective in the prevention of high blood pressure or the treatment thereof. Healthshops may advice differently but obviously have a monetary stake in the uptake of any advice they give.
FD
Losartan is not a diuretic but an AT2inhibitor and further development of perindopril (Coversyl)
Your (well mine as well actually) bloodpressure is regulated by a rather clever and finetuned mechanism.
Losartan works on the process in the kidneys which senses bloodpressure and regulates this my modulating some substances.
Not sure what Corgard is but from the side effect profile I suspect it to be a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker.
They work in a different manner to the Losartan.
Some people are fine and well adjusted on one lot of medication. Recent research indicates that for most people more than one drug is the best way to regulate their hypertension.
I am not sure that there is a lot of evidence that 'natural diuretics' are effective in the prevention of high blood pressure or the treatment thereof. Healthshops may advice differently but obviously have a monetary stake in the uptake of any advice they give.
FD
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Last summer I went for FAA Class I; as usual, BP was high (135/100). Staff told me to rest, try later etc, finally passed me with a little 'help'. I went to friends, who recommended diuretics; also had high Cholesterol, especially high LDL (bad Cholesterol). Another friend gave me 'Dr. Atkins new Diet Revolution' book; it said first thing to respond to his diet is BP. I decided that's better than diuretics the rest of my life, if it works. I tried it, it did, my last 2 FAA's have had BP much lower than I've had in the last 10 years. Cholesterol much improved also, but the quickest most dramatic improvement is in blood pressure. Just a thought, Sam. (I've also lost a lot of weight, as another side benefit).
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Thanks Mr. Esperto- I shall snoop around.
S Sam- this thread has got me on a diet and just losing a bit of weight seems to have helped feeling better. I have gone for the Zone diet as the Atkins is for very hardcore meat eaters only. I only eat veggie and small amounts of fish. How much weight did you lose from what base weight and how much BP change was there if I may be so bold? I need motivation here!
S Sam- this thread has got me on a diet and just losing a bit of weight seems to have helped feeling better. I have gone for the Zone diet as the Atkins is for very hardcore meat eaters only. I only eat veggie and small amounts of fish. How much weight did you lose from what base weight and how much BP change was there if I may be so bold? I need motivation here!
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Hi Notso
I was at 220 lbs, and dieted to 182 or so, by starving (1 meal a day, no fat at all, only veggies, including potatoes & pasta & other starches, and coffee & tea with sugar). I was 182 last summer, with blood pressure around 130 to 140 over 95 to 102, and with bad bloods. To get from 220 to 182 took 3 years of heavy running and starving, with no help with BP & Cholesterol. Since last summer I'm down to 160-164 lbs, BP has been as low as 96/66 (self-measured, so must beware, but 2 FAA exams have been around 125/82 max). The blood pressure went down within 2 weeks of starting Atkins. What helps is not the goodness of meat or fish, but the lowering of insulin, I think; whether Zone, or Atkins, the important thing is the elimination of BAD carbs (sugar based things, processed flour, potatoes) which give insulin overloads. It's important that what carbs are eaten have good nutrition, and low insulin-raising values. Good luck with the Zone, Sam.
I was at 220 lbs, and dieted to 182 or so, by starving (1 meal a day, no fat at all, only veggies, including potatoes & pasta & other starches, and coffee & tea with sugar). I was 182 last summer, with blood pressure around 130 to 140 over 95 to 102, and with bad bloods. To get from 220 to 182 took 3 years of heavy running and starving, with no help with BP & Cholesterol. Since last summer I'm down to 160-164 lbs, BP has been as low as 96/66 (self-measured, so must beware, but 2 FAA exams have been around 125/82 max). The blood pressure went down within 2 weeks of starting Atkins. What helps is not the goodness of meat or fish, but the lowering of insulin, I think; whether Zone, or Atkins, the important thing is the elimination of BAD carbs (sugar based things, processed flour, potatoes) which give insulin overloads. It's important that what carbs are eaten have good nutrition, and low insulin-raising values. Good luck with the Zone, Sam.
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There are so many variants to this BP thing, I'm not sure if there is any real pattern.
I didn't get above normal until I was about 50, if I recall. All the while I was a healthy 240 pounder with no problems until then. Age is a factor, probably due to the loss of elasticity in the blood vessels.
I always had high cholesterol, up to 400 at one point. Back then, in the 1960's, not much was known about HD vs LD Cholesterol. Fortunately, I have a huge surplus of the HD stuff. At 72, I have never had a heart problem.
My skinny younger brother had a tripple bypass when he was 50 (Retired B-52 Jock).
My skinny father had 3 coronaries, but lived to 93. My overweight mother never had a heart problem, and died of cancer at the age of 60.
Go figure.
Eat, drink and be merry, be prosperous and multiply, and keep the faith.
I didn't get above normal until I was about 50, if I recall. All the while I was a healthy 240 pounder with no problems until then. Age is a factor, probably due to the loss of elasticity in the blood vessels.
I always had high cholesterol, up to 400 at one point. Back then, in the 1960's, not much was known about HD vs LD Cholesterol. Fortunately, I have a huge surplus of the HD stuff. At 72, I have never had a heart problem.
My skinny younger brother had a tripple bypass when he was 50 (Retired B-52 Jock).
My skinny father had 3 coronaries, but lived to 93. My overweight mother never had a heart problem, and died of cancer at the age of 60.
Go figure.
Eat, drink and be merry, be prosperous and multiply, and keep the faith.
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Hi IME,
Good to see that you are in such good health.
However the parallel you draw between you and the rest of your family makes at best for anecdotal evidence that there is more to the causes of ischaemic heartdisease than Cholesterol and weight.
After all driving down the motorway @ 130 mph does not ensure that you will be dead before you reach your destination; but like smoking Woodbines it makes it a whole lot more likely!
FD
Good to see that you are in such good health.
However the parallel you draw between you and the rest of your family makes at best for anecdotal evidence that there is more to the causes of ischaemic heartdisease than Cholesterol and weight.
After all driving down the motorway @ 130 mph does not ensure that you will be dead before you reach your destination; but like smoking Woodbines it makes it a whole lot more likely!
FD
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Dutch - There is a lot of data on the genetical aspects of health, including BP. I believe it is a vital link, and as such, we're stuck with what we were born with.
Of course, certain things can be improved upon with a great amount of effort. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones.
I never did a thing in the way of diet or exercise. I lived a life that pleased me, and the Devil with advice to the contrary.
A sedentary lifestyle is part of being a pilot. I have seen many who spent their layovers in strenuous excercise. I have outlived them, after spending my layovers carousing around, drinking, etc..
I don't believe in these environmental factors such as lead, asbestos, second hand smoke etc.. In 1931, I was born in a house full of asbestos which had coal for heat. Lead pipes all over, leaded gasoline, you name it, all the things that are considered fatal today. Life aboard ship was the same way. I sailed on 3 merchantmen and 2 warships before I ever touched an aircraft.
Back in the 60's, aircraft cabins were filled with smoke. There wasn't even a no smoking section. I remember the TWA Red Carpet flightsout of NYC to CHI. Pax were led to the ramp with a red carpet, and when they boarded, a young (under 30) Hostess handed them a box from which they chose a cigar, and a snifter of brandy.
Look at what we have degenerated into today. It sucks.
Go figure.
Of course, certain things can be improved upon with a great amount of effort. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones.
I never did a thing in the way of diet or exercise. I lived a life that pleased me, and the Devil with advice to the contrary.
A sedentary lifestyle is part of being a pilot. I have seen many who spent their layovers in strenuous excercise. I have outlived them, after spending my layovers carousing around, drinking, etc..
I don't believe in these environmental factors such as lead, asbestos, second hand smoke etc.. In 1931, I was born in a house full of asbestos which had coal for heat. Lead pipes all over, leaded gasoline, you name it, all the things that are considered fatal today. Life aboard ship was the same way. I sailed on 3 merchantmen and 2 warships before I ever touched an aircraft.
Back in the 60's, aircraft cabins were filled with smoke. There wasn't even a no smoking section. I remember the TWA Red Carpet flightsout of NYC to CHI. Pax were led to the ramp with a red carpet, and when they boarded, a young (under 30) Hostess handed them a box from which they chose a cigar, and a snifter of brandy.
Look at what we have degenerated into today. It sucks.
Go figure.
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I see with what you are saying but although it has worked for you it would not work for the majority of people.
The one thing which is vital to ensure longlivety, is the ability to chill. And if it did not ensure a long it sure as heck ensures a happy one!
From your postings I deduct that you have mastered this fine skill.
I'll join you for the whiskey but decline the cigar!
Cheers!
FD
The one thing which is vital to ensure longlivety, is the ability to chill. And if it did not ensure a long it sure as heck ensures a happy one!
From your postings I deduct that you have mastered this fine skill.
I'll join you for the whiskey but decline the cigar!
Cheers!
FD
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It' s certainly true what you say about weight - -it will dramatically increase BP.
Recently also it was reported that dangerous 'spikes' in BP can occur during weight-lifting.
These can lead to strokes if the the pressure is increased rapidly/over-exertion.
I believe stress is fundemental in this too.
As i said before, my BP dropped 30 points when i took 3 mths out of flying.
Water retention plays a big part in BP ,and with our bodies adjusting to ever-drier cabins, are we retaining fluid too???
I always remeber doing long nt flights back from the US on the DC10/767 and despite drinking 2-3 ltrs of water, barely passed it/if at all, all flight
However, operating similar sectors on the 744/742 , i would be free to go at will all night.
Explain that!
Potassium rich foods are good as they force sodium/salt from yr body. Banana=excellent source.
I got an excellent book (ISBN1-872362-81-8) 'High Blood Pressure at your fingertips' , a 350 page book that is factual, totally undramatic & userfriendly from Amazon.co.uk
It's mainly a question of lifestyle, keeping weight off , stress at bay,
Very low/no salt in your diet, reducing levels of fat content and of course exercise.
Then of course , if it runs in the family, you may have a struggle.
Recently also it was reported that dangerous 'spikes' in BP can occur during weight-lifting.
These can lead to strokes if the the pressure is increased rapidly/over-exertion.
I believe stress is fundemental in this too.
As i said before, my BP dropped 30 points when i took 3 mths out of flying.
Water retention plays a big part in BP ,and with our bodies adjusting to ever-drier cabins, are we retaining fluid too???
I always remeber doing long nt flights back from the US on the DC10/767 and despite drinking 2-3 ltrs of water, barely passed it/if at all, all flight
However, operating similar sectors on the 744/742 , i would be free to go at will all night.
Explain that!
Potassium rich foods are good as they force sodium/salt from yr body. Banana=excellent source.
I got an excellent book (ISBN1-872362-81-8) 'High Blood Pressure at your fingertips' , a 350 page book that is factual, totally undramatic & userfriendly from Amazon.co.uk
It's mainly a question of lifestyle, keeping weight off , stress at bay,
Very low/no salt in your diet, reducing levels of fat content and of course exercise.
Then of course , if it runs in the family, you may have a struggle.
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Dutch - "The one thing which is vital to ensure longlivety, is the ability to chill. And if it did not ensure a long it sure as heck ensures a happy one!"
You lost me on that one, Buddy.
Chill? That's what I do to a Martini glass.
BTW, I just had my first Tanqueray 10 Martini. Excellent! I've now switched from Bombay.
You lost me on that one, Buddy.
Chill? That's what I do to a Martini glass.
BTW, I just had my first Tanqueray 10 Martini. Excellent! I've now switched from Bombay.
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IME,
To chill = to relax.
AI,
Anything in moderation! Too much potassium is not good either. Had several patients who started to use a salt substitute which contains potassium end up in hospital with hyperkaliemia (too much potassium) in their blood.
Too much potassium can cause heart arrhythmias.
FD
To chill = to relax.
AI,
Anything in moderation! Too much potassium is not good either. Had several patients who started to use a salt substitute which contains potassium end up in hospital with hyperkaliemia (too much potassium) in their blood.
Too much potassium can cause heart arrhythmias.
FD
