Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: OIO on December 02, 2004, 04:41:27 PM
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Welp, took me a physical checkup last day... hadnt had one for like 10 years.
turns out my blood pressure is 160 ... too high for someone my age (27).
the medic recomended the usual excercise, low sodium/salt diet and of course the mandatory go to a doctor to see if i needed to have drugs medicated for me.
Funny thing is, my diet is almost devoid of salty foods..as my dad has high blood pressure so its a rarity to have anything salty. Yes, it runs in the family but mine was a tad too high for comfort.
One of the nurses present recomended eating foods with garlic on them, as well as a small glass of wine or whiskey every day to lower the cholesterol and thus the blood pressure.
So aside from the excercise (taking a package handler job in ups for that...im really a sedentary person and my tech support over phone job did gain me a few pounds), I found the alchohol reference curious.
For you see, in my family we have my aunt's husband who is so, so fat he cant drive. His bulk wont let him steer the wheel or use the shift stick.
Of course his health is always a concern so he takes regular checkups. in all he's always had practically zero cholestrol and his blood pressure is perfect. And he used to be fat AND have high blood pressure and cholesterol.
then it turns out he had family problems before he married my aunt and became alchoholic.. drinking like 2 bottles of vodka a day.
So i wonder.. this alchohol thing may really work. Course im not talking of me drinking 2 bottles a day but certainly ill give the 1 glass a day thing a shot.
anyone else know of anything that might help?
doc appt next week id like to ask him about this stuff :)
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im too stupid to offer any advice.
i wish you all the luck getting better though.
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thnx. perhaps it a good excuse to try that craggenmore thingy that seems to make Hitech mistype.
:)
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I'm usually at 150 HR when I'm running distance.
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I don't think cholesterol is directly related to high blood pressure. In fact you can be an Olympic athelete and have high blood pressure.
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Originally posted by ra
I don't think cholesterol is directly related to high blood pressure. In fact you can be an Olympic athelete and have high blood pressure.
A footballer called Marc Vivien-Foe suddenly collapsed and died in the middle of a game of a heart attack aged 28, just shows it can happen to anyone.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3024360.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/3025550.stm
shocking :(
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I have had high blood pressure since my 20's. Turns out there are several different types. The "don't eat salt" thing only works for 1 type, but it does'nt hurt to lower your sodium. My particular type of hypertension requires Beta Blocker meds. I take Atenolol and Verapamil once daily and it works great.
Cholesterol is a similar in that there are several types. Once again a healthy diet does'nt hurt and in many cases works wonders. My particular type is hereditary. My count is literally off the chart, over 600. They can't calculate the test with a score that high. I hear the stroke approaching as we speak. I'm not a fat guy either, 6'2", 200 lbs. I tried Lipitor for a year and had my count actually go up. Crestor is an option, but it has caused serious liver damage in some patients. I'll pass, tyvm.
The alcohol thing is true, kinda. In SMALL DOSES whiskey can help thin blood thereby lowering BP. Any more than a shot a day and you are doing more harm than good. Red wine actually does a much better job and can be taken more liberally. There are antioxidant properties in red wine that work great. If you've never tried red wine, start with something light like a Syrah.
The best thing to do is go to the doctor, get a blood test and find out exactly which type of hypertension and cholesterol problem you have.
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1. If you smoke, stop.
2. Exercise 30-40 minutes most days.
3. If you’re overweight, loose weight if possible. Even modest weight reduction (5%) can matter.
4. Make sure you get enough calcium, magnesium and especially potassium (90 mmol per day)
5. Low levels of alcohol consumption have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, with reductions of 2-4 mm Hg. But 3 or more drinks per day are associated with BP elevation.
6. Keep in touch with your doctor. Hypertension is usually diagnosed if your pressure is high on 3 separate occasions. If the above measures don’t work, you may need to take some medication.
Don’t ignore this. Untreated hypertension for only 10 years carries a 30% risk of heart disease or stroke and a 50% risk of kidney or other organ disease. If your blood pressure is high, a\decrease in blood pressure of only 2 mm Hg reduces the risk of stroke by 15% and the risk of coronary artery disease by 6%.
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for those that don't know what RPM is talking about RE: the red wine thing.
Wine is made from grapes (more or less) and grapes are these great things called ANTIOXIDANTS. Antioxidants basically break down harmfull stuff that is contained in the other foods that you eat. Salads are loaded with antioxis. and that is one reason to eat a nice salad before a nice thick juicy steak....just go easy on the dressing. Antioxis also include lettuce, tomato, corn, and most other fruits and vegetables.
myself.....I had a high BP one day that sent the docs nuts when it was 147 over somthing i can't remember. I was stressed out that day to say the least and I tried to explain that. I'm 27 and my BP is above average. I'm also a moderate to heave drinker plus smoker. Next week I get to try Zyban to quit smoking. I started running/working out regularly a month ago, and I started my first "Diet" ever (wich basically means I don't go for seconds) after I realized I weighed 195 at 5'11" with not much muscle mass to show for it. so far it's working great, I eat a salad with every other dinner....healthy lunch and light breakfast. I only drink 3 times a week. I'm quitting smoking next week. I've lost 15lbs in about 2 months. Side note: I'm worried that I'm gonna eat like a horse next week after I quite next week, but zyban supposed to not have those side effects.
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I'm in college going for my teacher certifcate and I'm in a class named Child and Adolescent Health.
We just finished discussing high blood pressure and cholesterol.
First, there are two types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL (low density and density lipoproteins). The LDLs adhere to the artery walls while the HDLs helps to remove some of the LDLs fromt he blood.
While total cholesterol levels are important, it is actually the ratio of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol that is most critical. A high HDL level relative to a low level LDL is most desirable.
Atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits on the inside walls of the arteris) causes the arterial space for blood flow to be narrowed. This is how cholesterol can effect blood pressure.
We also discussed the use of wine (preferrably red wine) and grape juice to help reduce the LDLs. A single glass a day of either has shown to reduce LDLs. Drinking more a day doesn't really help.
We didn't discuss using whiskey to help reduce the LDLs so I cannot comment on it.
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Guns, you are lucky. My highest recorded resting BP was 179/130. I thought the doctor was gonna freak.
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Originally posted by rpm
Guns, you are lucky. My highest recorded resting BP was 179/130. I thought the doctor was gonna freak.
But for a realativly "healty" Marine who PTs three times a week the 140s was completly unacceptable. Seriously they made me lay down and take a nap. The reason it was so high was because I just left the finance office and found out that I wasn't going to be getting almost $1000 a month in housing pay because one b*tch of a Msgt. didn't think I rated it as a reservist (This was when I was recalled to active duty after 911 for enduring freedom.....my wife was back home 3 months pregnant and my employer "forgot" to pay me my last paycheck.....this all two weeks before christmas) Mine was mostly due to stress. I feel as a Human that the Marines conditioned me that I need to PT myself almost to the point of pain in order to burn off my stress. Stress is a major cause of High BP, I feel fortunate that I've learned recenlty how to manage my stress but It's not allways possible. Hear Attacks run rampant in my family so I've taken it apon myself to live a healther life style. At my reletivly "young" age I've grown out of the thinking that I'll put off my health till later.
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red wine it is then. hate the stuff but what the heck, its just 1 glass.
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Originally posted by OIO
red wine it is then. hate the stuff but what the heck, its just 1 glass.
Think of it as fermented fruit juice....fruit is healty ;)
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160 over what? Its quite possible to get a 160 over 90-100 if you're in pain or had a tough time parking or walked a ways to the office. One reading doesn't mean a whole lot (unless its malignant hypertension (say 215 over 125+). Get yourself a machine and monitor it for a couple of weeks. The bottom number (Diastolic) is more telling. If it constistantly runs over 90, its time to start a low sodium diet, get more exercise and maybe medication. But from what you posted, one 160 systolic reading means nothing.
If it was 160 over >110 (and you weren't walking or exercising before), I'd look into it with a doctor. If it was 160 over >98, I'd get a machine and monitor it for a couple of weeks. If the diastolic was in the 90-95 range I'd chalk it up to stress of the physical and not worry much - maybe recheck it in a week.
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You're right about stress, it can cause hypertension all by it's self.
As for the red wine, it does'nt have to be $50 a bottle wine. You can drink Riunite Lambrusco and get the same beneficial effects without thinking you just took a swig of Windex. A $10 1.5L of Ste. Geneveve Texas Red is a great pick, too. Reds are really good with beef, so a glass of wine at dinner or cooking with it is not a bad way to start.
My personal favorite red with a great steak is Beaulieu Vineyard's Rutherford Estate Napa Valley Cabernet. It runs about $25 a bottle if you can find any, but it rivals Opus One that runs around $200.
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>>My highest recorded resting BP was 179/130. I thought the doctor was gonna freak.
<<
Good reason - the diastolic is stroke territory.
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Here are my guidelines for bp
Top number (systolic)
>205 - go to emergency room
>190- call doctor next day
>175-mention it the next time at doctor
Bottom number (diastolic)
>120 - go to emergency room
>110- call doctor next day
>95 - mention it next visit
Maybe a doctor could give better guidlines - any here?
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Originally posted by opus
Good reason - the diastolic is stroke territory.
The reason I take my meds every day. ;)
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Originally posted by opus
Here are my guidelines for bp
Top number (systolic)
>205 - go to emergency room
>190- call doctor next day
>175-mention it the next time at doctor
Bottom number (diastolic)
>120 - go to emergency room
>110- call doctor next day
>95 - mention it next visit
Maybe a doctor could give better guidlines - any here?
You better dial back those systolic numbers. 175 is high for anyone. 160 is about as high as you can go without risking damage. Remember you should take your BP after resting for 10-15 minutes. Walking into WalMart and taking it at the pharmacy will give you a false high reading. Just that small amount of exercise will throw it off. The only way to accurately test your BP exercising is to take a stress test.
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Not easy in a stressful world, but from what I've read, best things most people can do for healthier body and life style include:
Drink plenty of water.
Exercise, at least moderate walking, at least 30 minutes every other day.
Eat a moderate amount of food in a balanced diet.
Drink a glass of red wine daily.
Take a multivitamin daily tailored to your age and needs.
Consume only minimum amounts of salty, fatty, or sugary food and drink.
Resist the heavy advertising of junk food and drinks.
Stay as calm as you can -- resist temper and anger especially when nonproductive.
Take care of your spiritual needs as well as your physical needs.
Keep interested in learning new things.
Read Desiderata periodically.
Having said all this, I've known some very fit and healthy people who died anyway in their 40s and 50s apparently from genetic deficiencies passed along in their families, e.g., pilot in mid 50s died from colon cancer just as his pilot father died in his mid 50s.
And I know some other people who by careful health management apparently are outliving relatives with similar family health tendencies.
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Yea you're right - I think if the systolic ran over 175 for a few hours I would probably call the doctor then (not wait for the next day). I'm not sure, but I thiink a systolic reading below 200 doesn't risk immediate vascular damage (if the person is in good health). The systolic is so dynamic - run for a few miles and its quite possible to get that number up there, but it should drop rapidly after resting. That makes me think the vessels can handle 180 -200. Above that and the risk of permanent vascular weakening arises (I think its defined at 207 or 217 systolic).
I'm borderline - not high enough for medication, but have to watch the salt and exercise daily. I average 130-140/86-94.
I gota quit smoking too :(
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Good tips
Just had a physical and my BP is normal, on the low end. Been doing the gym thing, watch what I eat, yada yada.
However...
Family history with cholesterol. Even with all that I do, eating rabbit food and doing everything good you can possibly do, my cholesterol score is high on the bad side (good cholesterol is fine). Im not in the dangerzone, just a tad high where they want to test again and if its still there, prescribe medication to bring it within better levels. (Crestor, etc)
Toad had some good vitamin tips a while back, I cant recall who else did (capt apathy?). Not sure if it was this forum or mine. Either way, wouldnt be a bad idea to add in a multivitamin into the mix
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Had chest pains about a month ago, went in right away. Went through alot of tests and they have ruled out the heart. My overall cholesterol was 189(they like it under 200), my bad cholesterol was 123(they like it under 130). My blood pressure was around 120 over 80(70's most of the time) and my heart rate was around 55- 65 while I was being monitored(they tell me that's low and good. I will be 40 in april, so I was worried when I got the pain, I freaked out, got anxiety and everything. I thought there was something wrong with my heart for sure(I was never so scared in my life), but it seems the heart is ok(I hope).
I was told is that high blood pressure and high cholesterol is passed down from your parents(genes).
Gunslinger makes a good point, I eat salad almost every other day, and I make my own salad dressing from red wine vinegar and olive oil(extra virgin of course!). I use more red wine vinegar than olive oil(love the taste). Now, I may be wrong, but I think the red wine vinegar may be just as good as red wine(and the veggies don't hurt either)
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Remember that you can substitute grape juice for red wine.
Studies have shown that both can reduce LDLs in cholesterol.
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Originally posted by Drunky
Remember that you can substitute grape juice for red wine.
Studies have shown that both can reduce LDLs in cholesterol.
And it makes ur poop green and smelly. Concord grape, oh yeah.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
And it makes ur poop green and smelly. Concord grape, oh yeah.
The old grape Gatoraid used to do that also :)
Then they stopped making it.
Maybe because it mad your poop green and smelly.
I kinda like it actually. Gave me something to talk about during lunch at work.
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Blueberries are LOADED with antioxidants.
Also try Bluegreen algae :)
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Originally posted by Octavius
Blueberries are LOADED with antioxidants.
Also try Bluegreen algae :)
I tend to avoid things that grow in the hottub when I forget to add bromine. :eek:
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Had chest pains about a month ago, went in right away. Went through alot of tests and they have ruled out the heart. My overall cholesterol was 189(they like it under 200), my bad cholesterol was 123(they like it under 130).
The new rule for bad cholesterol is under 100 now rather then 130. Under 130 is still good but 100 is now 'optimal'
I just got results back yesterday as a matter of fact.
Overall I was 194 and bad was 117.
My doctor said under the 'new' guidelines that the bad should be under 100.
Here they are:
http://www.loweringcholesterol.net/show/cholesterol-levels
My bp was weird 120/90 in my right arm and 129/94 in the left. The Doctor says he will keep an eye on it.
I weigh 223 and am 5'11', 35yrs old and don't smoke or drink. I gained about 15 lbs this summer and the suggestion was to drop it and monitor the BP.
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My BP used to be around 110 / 120 over 70. During an annual physical it turned up 150 over 100. Also my cholesterol level was 240 - 275. I exercise regularly -always have and eat rather healthy. My cardiologist put me on beta blockers and ZOCOR. Woke up one night and I thought I felt my heart stop. My Pulse was 24 according to my wife who at the time was a Nurse Practitioner. Spent the night in the ER - Beta Blockers and I don't mix well. A job transfer plus better diet seemed to resolve the BP problem and the meds and diet handled the cholesterol which is down to 160 - 170 overall. Don’t wait another 10 years for a physical – make it every year if you can and monitor your BP Daily.
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Had my BP @ 200/140 once. Could hear my heart pounding in my head, eyes were beet red and finger tips were purple. I never seen my Dr move so fast. I was like the "Main Event" of the day. Nurses all over me. I've been on meds for high blood pressure since then and that was about 3 1/2 years ago. I keep it in check now.
:)
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diet & exercise
watch the pie hole and move the legs & arms
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Had a scare about 3 weeks ago when I was at the doctors office when mine read 149/92. The doctor was not impressed, made me go buy a bp machine, now I take it 3 times a day, record it, and make sure it is not getting higher. It averages 125/81. Either way, hypertension is somethjing to never shreck around with as it will kill you.
I have had to change my diet and alleviate stress at work. Am taking it very seriously, cuz I wanna get my flight medical back.
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
for those that don't know what RPM is talking about RE: the red wine thing.
It was recently announced that common beer is as effective as red wine. Like wine, moderation is the key.
That reminds me of an old George Carlin joke.
"Newsflash: It has been discovered that saliva causes stomach cancer, but only when exposed to small amounts over a long period of time."
I am fortunate to have inherited good genes. I'm almost 52, and just had my annual check-up. BP was 110/68, cholesterol was 159.
My regards,
Widewing
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Actually any alcohol will do, at the right amount.
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Coooooootttttttttteeeeeerrrrr r wants to play!!!!!!!11
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It's just the opposite in my family. We have incredibly low BP's.
I don't think anyone in my family (mother's side) has ever tested above 120/60 ever. I do 110/50 most of the time.
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I'm thinking I could use some more of that potted meat, if you have any extry.
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Get very high quality fish oil and take 1 or more capsules a day. The low quality crap has kelp and other impurities that make the same types of fatty acids found in fish oil, however kelp collects other impurities so the cheap fish oil capsules contain a higher percentage of impurities and non-fish oils, and that's just not good for you.
The way to tell the difference is if you take 3-4 of the good capsules, the worst you'll get is maybe a burp or two half an hour later. If you take 4 of the cheap ones, you'll be burping fish for hours and have other intestinal "issues" as well.
Even one a day ought to help the cholesterol though, just get the good stuff. One way to tell if it's high quality is to see if they track the bottles by production lot. If they don't, then their quality control isn't up to pharmecutical standards. If they do, including lot number and manufacturing facility right on the packaging, then there's a good chance they pay attention to the quality and aren't adding fatty acids from kelp in along with the fish oil.
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High blood pressure. I got a shock recently when I went to renew my class 1 aviation medical. They put me on a 24 hour monitor to check it wasn't 'whitecoat syndrome'. But it was high even when I sleep. So my own doctor put me on Tritace which seemed to do the job.
The big shock came when I asked how long I'd be on medication. 'For life' they said. What a bummer! I have to stay on medication anyway if I want to keep my pilot's licence.
It all gives you intimations of mortality. On the plus side my fiance is fussing over me more than usual, at least until the insurance is paid up. ;) And my Mother is being nice to me for once. Which is a breakthrough. :lol
Thanks for the info on red wine and Whiskey. Both will now become my tipple of choice, purely medicinal of course.
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cpxxx try eating more fish. Or taking fish oil. I don't like most fish so I take high dose fish oil. It dropped both my cholesterol and BP, and reduced the inflammation in my lower back so I was able to cut my ibuprofen intake to almost nothing.
As a side benefit, I find that I am significantly less groggy in the morning when I'm taking the fish oil.
I've gone on and off the oil a couple of times to prove to myself that it really is responsible for the effects I see, and I have been convinced by my test results and how I feel every day. I tried it to begin with because my brother saw the same benefits I'm seeing when he started taking it. I assume it has different effects on different people (fish oil gives my Mom more vivid dreams) but the lower cholesterol, BP, and reduced inflammation seem to be common among those taking high doses of fish oil. Too high of a dose can be counterproductive and I've found that 3 capsules a day seems to work best for me, but up to 4 a day isn't going to cause major problems if it's high enough quality stuff.
In the interest of honesty and completeness, I must also say that I have never tried snake oil or pot even though both have also been touted as cure-all health supplements. I have a pair of shoes with some hemp fiber content and they are comfortable, but I won't claim hemp will solve the world's problems either :)
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Originally posted by eagl
cpxxx try eating more fish. Or taking fish oil. I don't like most fish so I take high dose fish oil. It dropped both my cholesterol and BP, and reduced the inflammation in my lower back so I was able to cut my ibuprofen intake to almost nothing.
As a side benefit, I find that I am significantly less groggy in the morning when I'm taking the fish oil.
I've gone on and off the oil a couple of times to prove to myself that it really is responsible for the effects I see, and I have been convinced by my test results and how I feel every day. I tried it to begin with because my brother saw the same benefits I'm seeing when he started taking it. I assume it has different effects on different people (fish oil gives my Mom more vivid dreams) but the lower cholesterol, BP, and reduced inflammation seem to be common among those taking high doses of fish oil. Too high of a dose can be counterproductive and I've found that 3 capsules a day seems to work best for me, but up to 4 a day isn't going to cause major problems if it's high enough quality stuff.
In the interest of honesty and completeness, I must also say that I have never tried snake oil or pot even though both have also been touted as cure-all health supplements. I have a pair of shoes with some hemp fiber content and they are comfortable, but I won't claim hemp will solve the world's problems either :)
how many miligrams?
as for monitoring your bp, what do you all use at the house? a cuff & scope like the doc or one of those electronic ones? I've heard the electronic ones are not all that reliable but better than nothing..
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Fish oil? hmm My Mother always swears by Cod liver oil tablets. She reckons it's good for the complexion as well. I suppose Mother is right about some things after all. I'll give it a go and see what happens.
I think in a way many of these things are almost instinctive. I've avoided salt for years without knowing why and always craved lemon juice, finding out recently I'm lacking something to be found in it.
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I'm not sure the miligrams right now because I gave my last bottle to a friend who is having cholesterol problems...
For blood pressure monitoring, I only have 14 years of BP checks every time I go to the doc, and since I starting having some medical problems 3 years ago I probably had my BP checked every week or so for a couple of years. At one point in my career, every visit I was right at 145/80. Right now, I average 130/60. I'm not exercising any more and although I keep putting more and more limits on my diet, I haven't lost a pound in that time. The biggest drop in my bp and cholesterol in that 14 years happened right after I started taking these fish oil capsules.
It sounds too good to be true but since both my brother and I saw tangible results within about 2 weeks, it's not very expensive to try.
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Word to the wise on Blood Pressure from an older guy
About two weeks ago...closer to three actually, my son was staying over with me for the weekend. I'm 55 years old btw.
Anywhooo.....while sitting on the sofa watching a Movie with my Son....I suddenly got an intense headache in the middle of my forehead area.....felt nauseous.....lasted only about 20 seconds or so....I had my eyes closed because of the pain. WHen I opened them I couldn't see! I could see shapes, but I couldn't make them out! I laid down......relaxed...vision came back but still was somewhat blurry.
History.....I competed in organized athletics until I was 43 years old....baseball...retired because it took forever for my Hamstrings to heal . I played football, basketball, and baseball in HS and played Football in College. I give Blood to the Red Cross on a yearly basis and two months previous to this occurance...while giving blood my blood pressure was 123 over 82. Great Pressure.
My work at times does involve some hvy physical exertion (Blast Furnace Gen. Turn Supv) so rarely do I get a hvy workout, but always moving at work and frequently put 12 hours in at least a day. Collesterol is 198....no problems anywhere.
Moral of story is.....Blood Pressure can go haywire at any time! If you notice a slight change in your vision, even a light ringing of the ears, while driving a night you seem not to see as well as you did yesterday etc. These all could be signs.
Went to the Doctor....Blood Pressure was suddenly 177/117!
Things happen, I feel that headache was a shot across my bow warning me. It could have been a stroke (it wasn't, I had an MRI done perscribed by doctor to check brain, neck, and the vascular system in that area....and blood tests done for diabetes etc.)
All tests came back negative....I was lucky....and am now very thankful that I was given this warning. Next time might not be so lucky.
Moral of story................monitor your BP....not hard, Dr. will usually have his Nurse do it free of charge if you just come in to have it checked...just call in beforehand. Some things happen in life we don't expect. No matter what your age. BP, or even colesterol...matter of fact even blood sugar can go haywire.
Do the best you can to keep track of these.
I am now taking diltieazem 360mg per day, one dose in time release capsule and BP is back under control. I actually now sleep better and longer, dunno why.... know it's not the drug prolly just because my BP is under control...another reason to monitor I guess
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Hajo,
That could have been a migraine with aura...
Look up ocular migraine, migraine with aura, and aura without migraine on google.
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try this...take a look at the rda table on the package labe of the stuff you eat. Keep the salt (sodium) at 100% or lower for your rda. (rcommended dail allowance.)
Watch your blood pressure go down. I had hi blood pressure also. I started to monitor my sodium intake and down went my blood pressure and I lost 29 lbs in 6 weeks!
You will be surprised at how much salt is in the canned and packaged stuff you eat. Soups and lunch meats, cheeses, potato chips and pretzels. And the hidden ones, bread, and cereal.
Try it!
And keep off the crack, crank, junk, stuff, smack, blow. snow and whiff.
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In regard to the question about taking blood pressure at home, seems to be a good idea. My wife has been on blood pressure medication for years, and so monitors her blood pressure daily.
She uses a battery powered digital blood pressure monitor called Reli On by Omron. She takes it to her doctor's office every once in awhile to make sure it tracks with their readings, and it does.
My blood pressure is normally around 130/70, so I monitor mine occasionally. Two weeks ago spiked up to 148 at the doctor's office which seems to have been a fluke. I'm watching my diet and exercising since I don't want to get started on medication.
Later dawned on me I had been slightly clenching my fist . The doc also takes blood pressure with the device over my shirt sleeve instead of sleeve rolled up. First medic I ever saw do that, but his readings seem close to what I get at home.
About 20 years ago I had a transient isthemic attack (TIA) which I later figured out might have been caused by stupidly using a vibrator on my scalp and neck to relieve stiffness after overexerting something or other.
Nevertheless, have been on one a day aspirin dose ever since, and that seems to be a good thing since many physicians supposedly do that as a general health practice.
I have added one fish oil capsule a day (recommended up to three a day) and one 1,250 mg garlic pill since garlic is another supposed health enhancement. This equals half of one garlic glove, a commonly suggested dose of garlic.
Plus my daily multivitamin -- have always favored the Stress Formula high potency extra Vitamin C, B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, Niacin and Pantothenic.
In sum, I hear many physicians take a daily aspirin, vitamin pill, fish oil and sometimes garlic, so what is good for their general health maintenance sounds good for mine.
And ... still have to conclude a lot of blood pressure and general health is substantially hereditary. Docs have good reason to ask for detailed family health history.
For example, Washington Post recently had a story about a healthy looking 46-year-old mother and community leader who, just after being filmed for a television program about her, died suddenly from a heart attack. Apparently no one saw that coming. Huge surprise to all.
Moral: Know your family history, take good care of yourself, but be prepared for anything.
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OIO - how do you think you're going to improve your health by taking advice from a load of fat American bastages! :D:lol
Just kidding, guys! Just kidding. I'm sure you're all jolly good chaps. :):aok
My story: Like cpxxx, I had a BP blip - in 1991 at my aviation medical (Class 3, because I was a lowly VFR pleb). It was 150/100 - and I realised later it was because I'd done a lot of rushing around to see this doctor, who was not my regular AME. He put it down to white coat syndrome. That was the only time I had a high reading.
Several years later, I had a stressful period - relocated overseas, lost that job, divorce, relocated overseas again (new job), father died, came back, house purchase... but a few months later had to have surgery (wisdom tooth removal). They were worried about my BP. It was 110/70. Well alrighty! The anaesthetist was OK about it, so surgery went ahead. Months later, I had it checked again - 110/70. I put it down to the divorce - getting rid of all that stress! :D
Diet/Alcohol consumption: I have several alcohol free days each week. Primary tipple is red wine. I don't stop at the namby-pamby one glass limit; I'll have four, thank you. Always red wine - preferably Pinot Noir, with Cabernet/Merlot next choice. Beer/wine OK, spirits not so good. Today I had a salmon nicoise salad for lunch, some bacon & eggs this evening. Quite a bit of fruit, watch the carbohydrate. 6'0½", 223lb. 50 next month. I enjoy walking/mountain climbing. I feel great! NO SMOKING OF ANY KIND.
BTW - when I had surgery, they gave me wine in hospital. Needless to say, it was BUPA - not NHS :rofl
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>>Look up ocular migraine, migraine with aura, and aura without migraine on google.
<<
good tip. I used to get the aura and then a migraine. Now I just get the aura. While its distracting ( especially trying to work at a monitor), at least it dosn't hurt.
First time I ever got the aura, I was about 15 and thought I was having an acid flashback :D
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Originally posted by beet1e
Several years later, I had a stressful period -
Yeah, my wife has those too. It's probably a hormone imbalance.
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Originally posted by myelo
Yeah, my wife has those too. It's probably a hormone imbalance.
:rofl
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Just to add to your store of potentially useful, but probably not, information............:D
I've lived with high blood pressure all of my life. It wasn't discovered until my freshman year of high school, in Biology class. We were learning how to properly use a blood pressure cuff (the Biology teacher was also the school nurse .......... and the Chemistry teacher, and Anatomy, and ......... well you get the picture), and after trying 3 times the teacher got exasperated with us and took over to "show us the right way". Thought the old bat was going to have a heart attack herself when she realized the readings we were getting weren't as off as she thought. I went through surgery that summer and have been on BP medication ever since.
What I wanted to add to the general store here, is that there are as many different kinds of medication for BP as there are reasons for it. Some regulate levels of hormones in the blood like Renin (this was my problem). Others are what they call "beta blockers" that interfere with epinephrine stimulation of the heart, lowering heart rates and thus BP. Others are diuretics, dialating arteries and increasing urine output to lower blood volume (and thus BP). There are others as well that do more wonderful things, I just cant remember them off the top of my head.
The only reason I wanted to add this, is because some people refuse to educate themselves on the reasons for their high blood pressure, and what the medicines they take DO for you, so I thought I would include the normal "stupid person" note to not take other people's medication. I nearly lost someone once who also had high BP, and when their medication ran out, they figured they could sneak into mine (she had some screw-up with her insurance at the time and couldnt afford the pills on her own). At the time, I was taking hormone control medication, after my surgery (one of my kidneys was malformed, and was pumping tons of Renin into my system). My aunt takes beta blockers (which I now take). Without the beta blocker in her system, her heart went into overload, and she nearly died. Not to mention the hormonal problems she was having from taking my medication.
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update:
Doc gave me sample of a BP medicine to take for 3 weeks to try out.
First day i took one... WHOA. Like 15 mins after I took the first pill i felt like my body slowed down.. i couldnt feel the blood going through my veins (which after asking many friends and family its.. normal. I mean, all my life ive actually felt pumpumpumpump on my hands and throat... after that 1st pill it was like white noise.. the lack of the sensation really freaked me out lol).
No other effects though.. and throught the weeks it got better the effect wasnt as pronounced (guess i was getting used to it).
I ran out of the BP medicine last friday (its sunday now)..and for the last 2 days ive been feeling a bit like I did before i began taking them.
Blood tests and other stuff begin this week.
Gonna buy me a crate of red wine tomorrow as well (didnt take any so not to skew the BP checkups while i used the medicine).
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You need to call his office and get a refill. Going on and off your meds is dangerous and can possibly cause serious damage, worse than not taking them at all. Blood vessels, arteries and veins don't take fluctuating pressure well.
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For some people a trip to the doctor will raise BP.
It's called white coat syndrome.
When I was on the ambulance or medical control protocol stated that if the Patients BP was above 100(diastolic) They got a ride to the ER.
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Buy a bp monitor before the red wine. If you are having a problem with bp, you should have a monitor and be keeping a bp diary.
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just drink cool aid
(http://www.strangecult.com/pisser/koolaid/km_crash1.jpg)
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update:
Doctor gave me a sample of a BP medication (2.5mg) , took it for 3 weeks. It did lower my BP a bit...but doc said itd be better if i started taking 5mg.
Blood test results came in today.. all is normal except...
well, except my triglycerides are waay and i mean WAY off the scale.
Normal levels should be 150. mine is at 900 :eek:
Needless it is to say, it scared the living **** outta me.
So now i have this 600mg twice a day medication (gemfibrozil) to bring that down..should take them for 30 days then have another blood exam.
Dropped the red wine thing.. alchohol increases triglycerides in the blood. Funny thing though, i dont drink any alchohol at ALL except for the very rare wine with food (like once a month) or whiskey (half a glass once a month at best).
My diet is practically free of junk food or fast-food (if i eat a burger or a pizza once per 3 weeks its too much).. though I do eat a lot of meat (which doc said i should stop.. so now its meat only twice a week..any type of meat. Gonna turn me into a freaking rabbit sigh).
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I've been trying to control my blood pressure ferouceously with red wine. Now my wife calls me an alcoholic. :rolleyes:
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Gotta be careful about medication and have to be suspicious of many tests. When get actionable test results, be sure to get a second opinion, i.e. at least a second test.
I was once diagnosed with diabetes by a very conscientious doctor. She was dedicated enough to order a second blood test. Which came back no problem -- the first test was screwed up.
Drug side effects are another continuing challenge. Like a soup, all the ingredients have to be compatible. And that can change as you age and your body changes.
Like politics, the price of health is eternal vigilance.
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Yeah i almost ordered a 2nd blood test.. but didnt.
I know im a fatass (well not a totall fatass like some of you tards here.. i weigh 206lb s and im 5 foot 10) and my lifestyle is almost completely sedentary. I was expecting the results to have bad cholesterol/fat in veins stuff results.
and after chatting with my parents it turns out my maternal grandmother & her sister have high tryglicerthingies.
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Originally posted by OIO
Welp, took me a physical checkup last day... hadnt had one for like 10 years.
turns out my blood pressure is 160 ... too high for someone my age (27).
the medic recomended the usual excercise, low sodium/salt diet and of course the mandatory go to a doctor to see if i needed to have drugs medicated for me.
Funny thing is, my diet is almost devoid of salty foods..as my dad has high blood pressure so its a rarity to have anything salty. Yes, it runs in the family but mine was a tad too high for comfort.
One of the nurses present recomended eating foods with garlic on them, as well as a small glass of wine or whiskey every day to lower the cholesterol and thus the blood pressure.
So aside from the excercise (taking a package handler job in ups for that...im really a sedentary person and my tech support over phone job did gain me a few pounds), I found the alchohol reference curious.
For you see, in my family we have my aunt's husband who is so, so fat he cant drive. His bulk wont let him steer the wheel or use the shift stick.
Of course his health is always a concern so he takes regular checkups. in all he's always had practically zero cholestrol and his blood pressure is perfect. And he used to be fat AND have high blood pressure and cholesterol.
then it turns out he had family problems before he married my aunt and became alchoholic.. drinking like 2 bottles of vodka a day.
So i wonder.. this alchohol thing may really work. Course im not talking of me drinking 2 bottles a day but certainly ill give the 1 glass a day thing a shot.
anyone else know of anything that might help?
doc appt next week id like to ask him about this stuff :)
Check all the foods you eat for sodium, it doesnt have to taste salty to have a lot of sodium.
Loose weight.
Exercise more, even walking 30 more minutes a day will help.
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Dropping 20-25 pounds will help your bp a lot.
It depends on your frame but I'm 5'11' and try to stay about 165-170.
Portion control. Keep meals under 350 calories (which is about the amount of food you can put neatly on a 9 inch plate - oh yea - get smaller plates), and if that seems impossible work your way down (500, 450, 400, 350). Exercise 20-30 minutes 4 times a week and the weight will come off.
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Originally posted by TweetyBird
Dropping 20-25 pounds will help your bp a lot.
It depends on your frame but I'm 5'11' and try to stay about 165-170.
Portion control. Keep meals under 350 calories (which is about the amount of food you can put neatly on a 9 inch plate - oh yea - get smaller plates), and if that seems impossible work your way down (500, 450, 400, 350). Exercise 20-30 minutes 4 times a week and the weight will come off.
Yep. I eat five 300-330 calorie meals a day. It's amazing how much food you can get for that amout of calories if you choose the right stuff.
And a 30 minute walk, 15 minites away 15 minutes back 4-5 times a week will be all you need to start.
70lbs lost since October and I'm planning on going for another 70 at least. Yep I was a really big boy at my worst 330lbs at 6ft. :eek:
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Here's info from a very helpful website... that has stuff in layman's terms :P
begin:
Triglycerides (TGs) are a group of fatty compounds that circulate in the bloodstream and are stored in the fat tissue. Individuals who have elevated blood levels of TGs (known as hypertriglyceridemia) appear to be at increased risk of developing heart disease.
People with diabetes often have elevated TG levels. Successfully controlling diabetes will, in some cases, lead to normalization of TG levels.
Checklist for High Triglycerides
Rating Nutritional Supplements Herbs
Fish oil (EPA/ DHA)
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Pantethine Guggul
Oats
Calcium
Chromium
Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
Inositol hexaniacinate (vitamin B3)
L-carnitine
Policosanol Achillea wilhelmsii
Fenugreek
Garlic
Psyllium
Red yeast rice
Creatine monohydrate
Fiber Green tea
Maitake
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
What are the symptoms of high triglycerides?
Very high triglycerides can cause pancreatitis, an enlarged liver and spleen, and fatty deposits in the skin called xanthomas. Otherwise, high triglycerides may not cause symptoms until and unless heart disease or other diseases of blood vessels develop.
Medical treatments
Prescription drug therapy includes niacin (Niaspan®) and gemfibrozil (Lopid®).
People with high triglycerides are typically advised to reduce their weight and limit the consumption of processed foods, simple sugars, alcohol, and saturated fats. The latter is found predominantly in animal products, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products, and in tropical oils such as palm and coconut.
Dietary changes that may be helpful
While consuming moderate amounts of alcohol does not appear to affect TG levels, heavy drinking is believed to be an important cause of hypertriglyceridemia.1 Alcoholics with elevated TG levels should deal with the disease of alcoholism first.
Ingesting refined sugar increases TG levels, as well.2 3 People with elevated TGs should therefore reduce their intake of sugar, sweets, and other sugar-containing foods. There is also evidence that ingesting fructose in amounts that are found in a typical Western diet can raise TG levels, although not all studies agree on that point.4 It should be noted that most studies of fructose investigated the refined form, not the fructose that occurs naturally in some fruits.
In a study of heavy caffeine users (individuals who were consuming an average of 560 mg of caffeine per day from coffee and tea), changing to decaffeinated coffee and eliminating all other caffeinated products for two weeks resulted in a statistically significant 25% reduction in TG levels.5
Diets high in fiber have reduced TG levels in several clinical trials,6 but have had no effect in other clinical trials.7 Water-soluble fibers, such as pectin found in fruit, guar gum and other gums found in beans, and beta-glucan found in oats, may be particularly helpful in lowering triglycerides.
Consumption of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet reduced TGs in one study.8 However, in another study, populations that consumed a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet had higher TG levels, compared with populations that consumed lower amounts of carbohydrates.9 Suddenly switching to a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet will generally increase TGs temporarily, but making the switch gradually protects against this short-term problem.10
The blood level of TGs following a meal may be a more important indicator of coronary heart disease risk than the fasting level.11 12 However, a low-fat diet (55% carbohydrates, 23% fats, 22% proteins) that succeeded in normalizing other blood lipids, including fasting TG levels, failed to normalize post-meal TG levels in a group of people with hypertriglyceridemia.13 These results suggest that dietary reduction of fasting TGs, even if the diet controls other blood lipids, may not be enough to provide optimal protection against coronary heart disease. Many doctors recommend a diet low in saturated fat (meaning avoidance of red meat and all dairy except nonfat dairy) to reduce TGs and the risk of heart disease.14
Some,15 16 but not all,17 studies have found that increasing consumption of fish is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Significant amounts of TG-lowering omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can be found in the fish oil of salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, albacore tuna, and black cod. Many doctors recommend that people with elevated TGs increase their intake of these fatty fish.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful
Exercise lowers TG levels.18 People who have diabetes, heart disease, or are over the age of 40, should talk with a doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Smoking has been linked to elevated TG levels.19 As always, it makes sense for smokers to quit.
Obesity increases TG levels.20 Maintaining ideal body weight helps protect against elevated TG levels. Many doctors encourage people who have elevated TGs and who are overweight to lose the extra weight.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful
Many double-blind trials have demonstrated that fish oils (also called fish-oil concentrates) containing EPA and DHA (mentioned above) lower TG levels.21 The amount of fish oil used in much of the research was an amount that provided 3,000 mg per day of omega-3 fatty acids. To calculate how much omega-3 fatty acid is contained in a fish-oil supplement, add together the amounts of EPA and DHA. For example, a typical 1,000-mg capsule of fish oil provides 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA (total omega-3 fatty acids equals 300 mg). Ten of these capsules would contain 3,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed oil, do not lower TGs. While flaxseed oil has other benefits, it should not be used for the purpose of reducing TGs.
Cod liver oil, another source of omega-3 fatty acids, has also been found to lower TGs.22 Cod-liver oil is less expensive than the fish-oil concentrates discussed previously. However, cod-liver oil also contains relatively large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D; too much of either can cause side effects. In contrast, fish-oil concentrates have little or none of these vitamins. Individuals wishing to use cod liver oil as a substitute for a fish-oil concentrate should consult a doctor.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and cod liver oil have been reported to affect blood in many other ways that might lower the risk of heart disease.23 However, these supplements sometimes increase LDL cholesterol—the bad form of cholesterol. A doctor can check to see if fish oil has this effect on an individual. Research shows that when 900 mg of garlic extract is added to fish oil, the combination still dramatically lowers TG levels but no longer increases LDL cholesterol.24 Therefore, it appears that taking garlic supplements may be a way to avoid the increase in LDL cholesterol sometimes associated with taking fish oil. People who take fish oil may also need to take vitamin E to prevent the oil from undergoing potentially damaging oxidation in the body.25 It is not known how much vitamin E is needed to prevent such oxidation. The amount required would presumably depend on the amount of fish oil used. In one clinical trial, 300 IU of vitamin E per day prevented oxidation damage in individuals taking 6 grams of fish oil per day.26
Pantethine is a byproduct of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Several clinical trials have shown that 300 mg of pantethine taken three times per day will lower TG levels.27 28 29 Pantothenic acid, which is found in most B vitamins, does not have this effect.
The niacin form of vitamin B3 is used by doctors to lower cholesterol levels, but niacin also lowers TG levels.30 The amount of niacin needed to achieve worthwhile reductions in cholesterol and TG levels is several grams per day. Such quantities can cause side effects, including potential damage to the liver, and should not be taken without the supervision of a doctor. Some doctors recommend inositol hexaniacinate (a special form of vitamin B3) as an alternative to niacin. A typical amount recommended is 500 mg three times per day.31 32 This form of vitamin B3 does not typically cause a skin flush and is said to be safer for the liver than niacin. However, the alleged safety advantage of inositol hexaniacinate needs to be confirmed by additional clinical trials. Moreover, it is not clear whether inositol hexaniacinate is as effective as niacin at lowering cholesterol and TG levels.
In a preliminary trial, supplementation with 800 mg of calcium per day for one year resulted in a statistically significant 35% reduction in the average TG level among people with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.33 However, in another trial, calcium supplementation had no effect on TG levels.34 One of the differences between these two trials was that more people in the former trial had initially elevated TG levels.
In a double-blind trial, 30 people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes received 200 mcg of chromium per day (as chromium picolinate) for two months and a placebo for an additional two months. The average TG level was significantly lower (by an average of 17.4%) during chromium supplementation than during the placebo period.35 Some,36 37 but not all, trials38 39 support these findings. It is not clear whether chromium supplementation affects TG levels in non-diabetics, but some evidence suggests that it does not.40 41 42 43 44
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L-carnitine is another supplement that has lowered TGs in several clinical trials.45 46 However, the effect of carnitine is unpredictable, and some individuals have experienced an increase in triglyceride levels after receiving this supplement.47 Some doctors recommend 1–3 grams of carnitine per day, in the form known as L-carnitine.
Several double-blind trials have evaluated the efficacy of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or inulin (a related compound) for lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These trials have shown that in individuals with elevated total cholesterol or triglyceride levels, including people with type 2 diabetes, FOS or inulin (in amounts ranging from 8 to 20 grams daily) produced significant reductions in triglyceride levels; however, the effect on cholesterol levels was inconsistent.48 49 50 51 In people with normal or low cholesterol or triglyceride levels, FOS or inulin produced little effect.52 53 54
The effect of policosanol on serum triglycerides has been inconsistent, ranging from no effect up to as much as a 19% reduction.55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 Several controlled studies have compared policosanol with cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, and have found policosanol similarly effective.65 66 67 68 69 70 71 Policosanol extracted from beeswax or other sources differs from the sugar-cane-derived preparation in the proportions of long-chain alcohols, and whether these types of policosanol are as effective as sugar-cane-derived policosanol is unknown.
A double-blind trial found that a supplement of 5 grams of creatine plus 1 gram of glucose taken four times per day for five days followed by twice a day for 51 days significantly lowered serum total triglycerides in both men and women.72 However, another double-blind trial found no change in any of these blood levels in trained athletes using creatine during a 12-week strength training program.73 Creatine supplementation in this negative trial was lower—only five grams per day was taken for the last 11 weeks of the study.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful
Guggul, a mixture of ketonic steroids from the gum oleoresin of Commiphora mukul, is an approved treatment of hyperlipidemia in India and has been a mainstay of Ayurvedic herbal approaches to preventing atherosclerosis. Clinical trials indicate that guggul is effective in the treatment of high TGs; in one trial, serum TGs fell by 30.3%.74
However, these results have not been confirmed by large, controlled trials. The recommended daily intake of guggul is typically based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. The recommended amount of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts contain 5–10% guggulsterones. Guggul’s effect on TGs should be monitored for three to four months, and guggul may be taken long term if successful in lowering TGs.
Reports on many clinical trials of garlic performed until 1998 suggested that triglycerides were lowered by an average of 8–27% and cholesterol by 9–12% over a one- to four-month period.75 76 77 Most of these trials used 600–900 mg per day of a garlic supplement standardized to alliin content and allicin potential. More recently, however, three double-blind clinical trials have found garlic to have minimal success in lowering triglycerides and cholesterol.78 79 80 One negative trial has been criticized for using a steam distilled garlic “oil” that has no track record for this purpose,81 while the others used the same standardized garlic products as the previous positive clinical trials. Based on these findings, the use of garlic should not be considered a primary approach to lowering high triglycerides and cholesterol.82
Odor-controlled, enteric-coated garlic tablets standardized for allicin content can be taken in the amount of 900 mg daily (providing 5,000–6,000 mcg of allicin), divided into two or three daily portions.
In a double-blind trial, people with moderately high triglycerides took a tincture of Achillea wilhelmsii, an herb used in traditional Persian medicine.83 Participants in the trial used 15–20 drops of the tincture twice daily for six months. At the end of the trial, participants experienced significant reductions in triglycerides compared to those who took placebo. No adverse effects were reported.
Fenugreek has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high lipid levels in preliminary trials.84 Bread made with 50 grams defatted fenugreek powder was used twice daily in the trial. Similar results have been seen at half that amount in people with diabetes and elevated blood levels of various lipids.85 A small randomized trial found similar results using 100 grams fenugreek seeds daily.86 One small clinical trial found that either 25 grams or 50 grams per day of defatted fenugreek seed powder were effective in reducing triglycerides over a 20-day period.87 Mild diarrhea and gas can accompany the first few days of fenugreek use, though it almost always fades as the person taking it adapts.
Psyllium seeds and husks have shown a modest ability to lower blood triglyceride levels in some,88 89 but not all,90 clinical trials. Further research is needed to assess the effect of psyllium on triglyceride levels more closely, as much of the study so far has focused on lowering cholesterol levels.
Intake of three cups or less of green tea daily has been shown not to affect blood triglyceride levels.91 Intake of four or more cups per day has been correlated with lower triglyceride levels.92 Overall, the evidence is unclear on how much of an effect high levels of intake of green tea has on triglyceride levels.
Although primarily used to lower high serum cholesterol, red yeast rice extract, high in monacolins, has been found to significantly lower serum triglyceride levels.93 People in the trial took 1.2 grams (approximately 13.5 mg total monacolins) of a concentrated red yeast rice extract per day for two months. The sale of Cholestin has been banned in the United States, as a result of a lawsuit alleging patent infringement. Other red yeast rice products currently on the market differ from Cholestin in their chemical makeup. None contain the full complement of 10 monacolin compounds that are present in Cholestin, and some contain a potentially toxic fermentation product called citrinin. 94 Until further information is available, red yeast rice products other than Cholestin cannot be recommended.
Animal studies suggest the mushroom maitake may lower fat levels in the blood.95 However, this research is still preliminary and requires confirmation by controlled human trials.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions
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from vitaminshoppe.com