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General => The Campfire => Topic started by: Jo Ann on Oct 01, 2003, 01:50 PM

Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Jo Ann on Oct 01, 2003, 01:50 PM
 biroleven tho i am a med person...i got this from the webster dictionary
 
  any group of drugs that interfere with the ablility of adrenaline to stimulate the beta receptors of the heart, thereby slowing the heart rate and lessening the force of blood flow...
 
 if ya lessen the force of blood flow...then you help to lower your bp...but check on antianxiety drugs too.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 01, 2003, 01:59 PM
 Jo Ann
QuoteORIGINAL:  Jo Ann
 
 even tho i am a med person...i got this from the webster dictionary
 
  any group of drugs that interfere with the ablility of adrenaline to stimulate the beta receptors of the heart, thereby slowing the heart rate and lessening the force of blood flow...
 
 if ya lessen the force of blood flow...then you help to lower your bp...but check on antianxiety drugs too.
 
That is what I was thinking, heart beting too fast and strong. which creates the pressure. Why is it beating so fast or hard ? because I am overweight ? (I need to loose 25 Lbs or so). But doctor said even thin/fit people get this ilness, darn it I should have been a doctor not a computer engineer. At least I would probably know more about this now and I would still have a job. Never heard of a laid off doctor now did you ? [:)]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: angelsmom10 on Oct 01, 2003, 02:08 PM
 birolI can never get everything straight -- just like with vitamins and minerals and certain things do different things.  I need someone to tell me what to take and I ll take it.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Jo Ann on Oct 01, 2003, 02:35 PM
 biroli am an rn and i was laid off...(YES!!! [:D])
 
 but with the way insurance is...more doctors have to take on more pts....and they are hiring nurse practitioners and PA s which is making it hard for newer doctors to start a practice, cuz the money isn t there anymore...so to speak
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: brainpause on Oct 01, 2003, 03:01 PM
 birolA beta blocker is a drug that blocks receptors (usually in the heart) called beta receptors. The heart has mostly beta-1 receptors, and the lungs have mostly beta-2 receptors. When the beta-1 receptors are stimulated, the heart pumps harder and faster. Beta-1 stimulus is needed for fight-or-flight, so beta stimulus isn t all bad.
 
 Therefore, when you take a drug that induces beta blockade, the heart slows down and doesn t beat with as much force.
 
 Also, the beta-blocker drugs have some other blockade properties, like some minor alpha-blockade, which decreases blood pressure, but generally do not affect heart rate.
 
 As an aside, some drugs are beta STIMULATORS, more specifically beta-2 stimulators. These are used for asthmatics when a beta-2 stimulus is needed during an acute asthma attack.
 
 Birol, I am willing to bet that your other drug was a calcium channel blocker (or calcium antagonist), which blocks the stimulus for the blood vessels to " squeeze" , or increase pressure. Drugs which fall in this class include amlodipine (Norvasc) and Verapamil (Cardizem, Calan, etc.)
 
 Be patient when trying new medications. Sometimes it takes a while to find a combination of anti-hypertensives that a patient can tolerate that also work. Also, give the drugs and your body a chance to " get used to each other."  Sometimes the beta blockers can make you feel crummy at first, but more times than not the person gets used to it. Another idea is to take your beta-blocker drug at night if it makes you sleepy. I often tell my patients to take it at 9 pm.
 
 Class dismissed. Any other questions are welcome.
 
 Larry
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: angelsmom10 on Oct 01, 2003, 03:15 PM
 birolOk that being said -- doesn t it take awhile (more than 1 week) for meds to fully work and show improvement and for the body to get used to the drug
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 01, 2003, 03:29 PM
 brainpause
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  brainpause
 
 
 Therefore, when you take a drug that induces beta blockade, the heart slows down and doesn t beat with as much force.
 
 Also, the beta-blocker drugs have some other blockade properties, like some minor alpha-blockade, which decreases blood pressure, but generally do not affect heart rate.
 
 Larry
 

 Thanks for the info larry, So this thing is mainly a beta blocker, and a sort of sideways alpha blocker, which is what I really need ? or do I need both to be blocked ? I am just trying to understand, so feel free to pitch in more. I am not criticizing anything. If all I need is alpha blockers, why there is no alpha blocking stuff, or was that inhibiace and sucked at it ? aren t there other ones out there ? This thing  I am taking has a warnign that it is not to be discontniued on my own that I might die or something ? Is that for other patients or does it effect me too ? How are we gonna change it I don t like it ?
 
 I hated it that she (doctor) ran out after a few minutes, as they were way behind schedule she was rush rush rush !!!!! I need advise. what to eat, to avoid, blah blah blah !
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: angelsmom10 on Oct 01, 2003, 03:37 PM
 birol
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  birol
 
 
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  brainpause
 
 
 Therefore, when you take a drug that induces beta blockade, the heart slows down and doesn t beat with as much force.
 
 Also, the beta-blocker drugs have some other blockade properties, like some minor alpha-blockade, which decreases blood pressure, but generally do not affect heart rate.
 
 Larry
 

 Thanks for the info larry, So this thing is mainly a beta blocker, and a sort of sideways alpha blocker, which is what I really need ? or do I need both to be blocked ? I am just trying to understand, so feel free to pitch in more. I am not criticizing anything. If all I need is alpha blockers, why there is no alpha blocking stuff, or was that inhibiace and sucked at it ? aren t there other ones out there ? This thing  I am taking has a warnign that it is not to be discontniued on my own that I might die or something ? Is that for other patients or does it effect me too ? How are we gonna change it I don t like it ?
 
 I hated it that she (doctor) ran out after a few minutes, as they were way behind schedule she was rush rush rush !!!!! I need advise. what to eat, to avoid, blah blah blah !
 
Maybe sounds like time to get a new DR.  Mine will stay with me till all questions are answered.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: aldebnj on Oct 01, 2003, 03:40 PM
 birolBirol,
 
 Beta-Blockers are a typical drug used to reduce hypertension, so you are getting the right treatment.  I am taking the same drug (Tenormin/Atenenol) and have had no ill effects, but each person is different.
 
 A partial typical list as to what to avoid...Caffeine, Salt, excessive alcohol (there have been studies showing that one glass of wine a day is beneficial).  It would be helpful to know what your cholesterol is as well as that can be greatly changed by diet.  Excercise is great.  Start off slow and build up.  Weight loss will also help bring the numbers down.  Camping and sitting around the campfire with friends doesn t hurt either.
 
 Al
 
 Ex Paramedic married to a Cardiac Nurse
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Jo Ann on Oct 01, 2003, 03:57 PM
 biroli take lisinopril...and yes you need to give the drug a few days if you have light or mild adverse reactions...most clear up on their own.  but if you are having any adverse reactions...call your pharmacist to see if it needs to be reported to the doctor immediately...unless you got writtne info with your med...then you can check that.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 01, 2003, 04:27 PM
 Jo AnnThe effects of inhibace was increasing ........ ewwwww
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Camperroo on Oct 01, 2003, 08:42 PM
 birolBirol, I take a beta-blocker...Corgard (generic Nadolol) everyday and suffer from absolutely no side effects from it at all.  I went on it after having a sudden and unexpected event of tachycardia while at work one day.  It is also used for being to help monitor blood pressure, chest pain, angina, etc.  Like many medications you should never just stop taking something cold, as your body has become accustomed to taking it, especially medications like that.  Most docs would recommend tapering it off or switching to a new med.  Just wanted to reassure you on the beta blocker, I ve had no problem taking it all.  Good luck.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Gone-Camping on Oct 01, 2003, 09:10 PM
 birol
Quotei take lisinopril

 That s the same stuff I m on, it s the generic for Prinivil.... Just another BP med, mine must be mild as I m only taking 20mg per day...
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 01, 2003, 09:23 PM
 birolI just took the first one at 9 pm, and I am expecting side effects, my nervers are so tight right niw. It makes me feel better that I might not get any side effects. I hope I don t, Inhibace was horrible.
 
 It is a 50 mg thingie ........ Looks so small and harmless ...
 
 This thing won t just stop my heart right ? [:o]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: brainpause on Oct 01, 2003, 10:45 PM
 birol
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  birol
 
 
 This thing won t just stop my heart right ? [:o]
 

 ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NOT!!
 
 Forget I said anything about alpha blockade. TMI, I suppose.
 
 Just think about the beta-blockers and other meds you might be taking. These drugs won t kill you...they just sometimes make you feel crummy until you get used to them.
 
 To sum all this up, birol, I want you to STOP fretting over it, as this doesn t help you at all. Just take the medicine as directed, give it a week OR MORE to give it a chance and to get used to some side effects. It is the hypertension that is dangerous, and you might just have to put up with some temporary side effects to get it under control!
 
 Larry
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 06:42 AM
 birolYeeey I made it, and except very light dizziness, had no side effects at all. I was scared for some reason.
 
 Thanks for all the infro Larry, very aprpeciated. based on what you said weird that I couldn t tolerate inhibace but beta blocker was ok. I don t feel very rested, but that is ok, I am sure it will get better as time goes on.
 
 Apo-Atenol is the only thing I am taking. no collestrol drugs. That test is next week as I have to go hungry for it. Everything else is normal according to her.
 
 Once again, thanks [:)]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: angelsmom10 on Oct 02, 2003, 08:23 AM
 birolGetting too much information can be worse than the side effects.  The mfgr MUST list all possible side effects - that doesn t mean you are going to experience them.  Just take as directed and keep in touch with the Dr of any problems.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 08:26 AM
 angelsmom10I am still alive, slight headache ...... I am waiting for it to go away. Pharmacist said I could take Aspirin with this medicine, but I am gonna ask the doctor as well if I have to.
 
 Pharmacist  said Aspirin is ok, beacuuuuuuuuuuuuse people taking this pill are usually on low dosage of aspirin everyday as well. Call me crazy [8D]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: angelsmom10 on Oct 02, 2003, 09:03 AM
 birol
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  birol
 
 I know we have some medical people here, what is a beta blocker ? What does it do ?????
 The new pill I am getting is a beta blocker, the old one was something else blocker sheeesh ...
 
Dr just put me on baby aspirin everyday -- said I m getting to the age where it is a benefit.[&:]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 01:48 PM
 angelsmom10Measured my BP, 150/89, heart rate : 65   IT IS STOPPIIINNGGGGGGGGGGG [8D][8D][8D]
 
 It used to be around 85-95 ... too slow ... and I have a headache
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: aldebnj on Oct 02, 2003, 01:58 PM
 birolBirol,
 
 65 is where you want it to be unless you are doing heavy work/excersize.  You need to give your body time to get used to the medicine.  Relax. sounds like you are doing fine.  So, take 2 aspirin and e-mail me in the morning[;)].
 
 Al
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: angelsmom10 on Oct 02, 2003, 02:29 PM
 aldebnj
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  aldebnj
 
 Birol,
 
 65 is where you want it to be unless you are doing heavy work/excersize.  You need to give your body time to get used to the medicine.  Relax. sounds like you are doing fine.  So, take 2 aspirin and e-mail me in the morning[;)].
 
 Al
 

 You forgot to add.....
 
 That ll be $75.00 -- pay as you leave[;)]
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 03:17 PM
 angelsmom10It is now 138/89, beating 75 but I had just stopped walking ......
 
 
 And no way I am paying for that advice ! Lets see the medical certificates of aldebnj first [8D][8D][8D][8D]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: brainpause on Oct 02, 2003, 03:41 PM
 birol
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  birol
 
 Measured my BP, 150/89, heart rate : 65   IT IS STOPPIIINNGGGGGGGGGGG [8D][8D][8D]
 
 It used to be around 85-95 ... too slow ... and I have a headache
 

 Chill, baby!
 
 Al s advice is good advice. You MUST let the medicine work, and give it a chance for your body to get used to it.
 
 Larry
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: brainpause on Oct 02, 2003, 03:45 PM
 birolOh, and if you are wanting copies of medical certificates, I am a master s prepared registered nurse, ANCC-certified acute care nurse practitioner, Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified, Pediatric Advanced Life Support certified, 5 years critical care experience, including 3 in trauma and 2 in cardiac care, 12 years in EMS/Fire/Rescue, and 2 years as First Responder (where all this medical stuff started for me).
 
 NOW TAKE YOUR MEDICINE AND LET IT WORK.
 
 Larry
 
 PS: I have also taken beta blockers and ACE inhibitors myself, so I am not only speaking as a medical professional, but from experience.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 03:52 PM
 brainpause
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  brainpause
 
 
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  birol
 
 Measured my BP, 150/89, heart rate : 65   IT IS STOPPIIINNGGGGGGGGGGG [8D][8D][8D]
 
 It used to be around 85-95 ... too slow ... and I have a headache
 

 Chill, baby!
 
 Al s advice is good advice. You MUST let the medicine work, and give it a chance for your body to get used to it.
 
 Larry
 

 Cut me some slack, didn t you see all the smilies ????? I am being abused by health care pros here SAVE MEEEE !!!!!!!!! [:D][:D][:D]
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 03:58 PM
 brainpause
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  brainpause
 
 Oh, and if you are wanting copies of medical certificates,

 I know you are qualified, why do you think I posted all this stuff here and ask for some information. I knew you wouldn t pass the opprtunity to help me.
 
 I gotta call the doctors office and get her blessings for aspirin. I normally take two 500 mg s of it . She might not like that, that s why I need to contact her.
 
 And yes, I am chilled like icer cold beer [8D] I am going to let this thing work for me and see if my body gets adjusted. Maybe I have a headache because of something else, one never knows. Except headache and minimal dizzinis, all seems to be ok, very tolerable. I would think that as time goes on even the dizziness might get less. If it is causing the headaches, I hope they will lso go away.
 
 
 I was wondering something, as my body seems to have not suffered any damage because of this, and I know my blood pressure was never 130/80, but always hovered around 140/90-95, could it be that that would be the normal BP for my body ? Is that not a possibility ? And maybe 180/120 is a mild BP increase for me ? Just wondering. lack of any damage to anything, not having felt weird at all all this time got me wondering.  I know I will hear from some of you know but hey, I am curious ok ? [;)]
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: aldebnj on Oct 02, 2003, 04:48 PM
 birolThe problem is that your body has gotten used to the abnormally high pressure and now has to adjust itself to normal.  This could be the cause of your dizziness and headache.  These should go away in a few days as your body readjusts to normal.
 
 There is no way of knowing right now what damage hypertension has already caused in your body.  Hypertension is like a hidden time bomb with usually a stroke or heart attack as the final symptom.  But catching it and treating it as soon as possible lets the body correct much of the damage.  Sorry to be doom and gloom for a moment, but it is serious and the damage is very often hidden.  Let the medicine work and you should be fine.[:D]
 
 Al
 Former New York AEMT-III - Parmedic, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Maryland EMT- EOA/MAST and BS in Emergency Health Services and married to a Cardiac Nurse RN/BSN.[:)]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: tlhdoc on Oct 02, 2003, 04:58 PM
 birol
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  birol
 
 Pharmacist  said Aspirin is ok, because people taking this pill are usually on low dosage of aspirin everyday as well. Call me crazy [8D]
 
 

 Birol,
 
 First I am glad you made it through the night.
 
 Second The pharmacist probably knows more about the drugs and the way they interact together than the doctor does.  The Pharmacist went to school to study drugs.
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: aldebnj on Oct 02, 2003, 05:01 PM
 birolI have some friends that went to school and studied drugs but they weren t pharmacists. [8D]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 05:32 PM
 birolAAArrrrggggghhhhhh,
 
 I called the doctor s office to check if I can take aspirin and was told that I can take tylenol, and if the headache is real bad to get myself to a hospital s emergency dept pronto.
 
 Also doctor wants to see me tomorrow , arrrrrggggghhhhhh. If she was this concerned about me, why did she not talk to me yesterday ? Darn it I was there with her all of 3 minutes after having waited an hour !
 
 I wonder what got her so concerned all of a sudden ? She told me that all blood tests were normal, looked good, same with the urine tests. Same with the ECG. If she thinks this is helping me, she is dead wrong.  Probably she feels guilty not talking to me properly yesterday.
 
 Would I still get a stroke when the BP is 139/89 because it was high previously ? maybe that s  a possibility. Oh well, I can t be too worried about it right now, watching Dr. Phil [:D]
 
 lets see if the single Tylenol will work ....
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: tlhdoc on Oct 02, 2003, 06:39 PM
 birolI hope you feel better.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 07:11 PM
 tlhdoc
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  tlhdoc
 
 I hope you feel better.
 
Headache is gone now, well almost completely ... I have to listen to myself to feel it.
 
 Been to Wallmart and got one of those manual pump difital display BP measuring thingies, 39 bucks. I hope worth it. Measured my BP there and it was 145/107, eeeewwwwwww. Went to Shoppers drugmart after passing by a supermarket, and it was 150/106. Waited a few minutes to settle down and it went down to 145/88, 78 heartbeat, which I liked. Obviously when I move so does my BP HAHAHHAHA.
 
 
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 08:12 PM
 birolOk just got another one, 115/78, HB : 75 .... Hmmmmmmm and the effect of the medicine must be disappearing as I got it at 9 pm last night. I don t feel too bad anymore [:D]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Camperroo on Oct 02, 2003, 08:21 PM
 birolBirol, you are without a doubt a sweetie pie....but stop FIXATING!!!!  Breathe in deep, exhale slowly.....breathe in deep, exhale slowly....ahhhhh now doesn t that feel good![;)]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 02, 2003, 08:57 PM
 Camperroo
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  Camperroo
 
 Birol, you are without a doubt a sweetie pie....but stop FIXATING!!!!  Breathe in deep, exhale slowly.....breathe in deep, exhale slowly....ahhhhh now doesn t that feel good![;)]
 
[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D] LEMME GO AND CHECK AGAIN [8D][8D][8D][8D]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: MommaMia on Oct 03, 2003, 12:08 AM
 birolAnyone seen a hypocondriac here lateley?[8D]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 03, 2003, 07:08 AM
 birolHey I kept measuring last night and it was around 135/75 , and i had such a good sleep, lemme go and measure now [:D][:D][:D][:D]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: SheBantam on Oct 03, 2003, 07:44 AM
 birolIs there a common thread here?? Does camping increase the BP? I know, it is all the bargains I cannot find to overstock my camper with and make more work for me setting up and tearing down that is causing all this stress.[8D]
 
 I do have a question for the cardiac professional people, Since I am on this medication to decrease my heart beat, is that why when I go to CURVES and they stop the program to do a 10 second check on pulse rate, that I cannot get above 13 and it should be 16 to 19 for my age group (I am working up a sweat in that 30 minutes).
 
 Birol, I get headaches when I forget to take the pill.
 
 Here is what I am on:
 
 Ziac
 The Following Information Provided by Thomson MICROMEDEX (via a search in yahoo)
 
 Also known as:
 GENERIC NAME(S):
 Beta-adrenergic Blocking Agents and Thiazide Diuretics ( Systemic)
 
 Beta-adrenergic blocking agent (more commonly, beta-blockers) and thiazide diuretic combinations belong to the group of medicines known as antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine). Both ingredients of the combination control high blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Beta-blockers (atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nadolol, pindolol, propranolol, and timolol) reduce the work load on the heart as well as having other effects. Thiazide diuretics (bendroflumethiazide, chlorthalidone, and hydrochlorothiazide) reduce the amount of fluid pressure in the body by increasing the flow of urine.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: brainpause on Oct 03, 2003, 08:40 AM
 SheBantam
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  SheBantam
 I do have a question for the cardiac professional people, Since I am on this medication to decrease my heart beat, is that why when I go to CURVES and they stop the program to do a 10 second check on pulse rate, that I cannot get above 13 and it should be 16 to 19 for my age group (I am working up a sweat in that 30 minutes).
 
 

 Paula, yes, the Ziac is much the reason why your heart rate doesn t get fast enough. But don t let that stop your exercise.
 
 And, although I have/had high BP, I fully believe that camping actually helps my BP!
 
 Larry
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 03, 2003, 08:58 AM
 brainpause
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  brainpause
 
 
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  SheBantam
 I do have a question for the cardiac professional people, Since I am on this medication to decrease my heart beat, is that why when I go to CURVES and they stop the program to do a 10 second check on pulse rate, that I cannot get above 13 and it should be 16 to 19 for my age group (I am working up a sweat in that 30 minutes).
 
 

 Paula, yes, the Ziac is much the reason why your heart rate doesn t get fast enough. But don t let that stop your exercise.
 
 And, although I have/had high BP, I fully believe that camping actually helps my BP!
 
 Larry
 

 If I camped my BP would be sooo low now [;)]
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: SheBantam on Oct 03, 2003, 09:50 PM
 brainpauseBirol, the BPs are high for the similar reason mine is...sorta...you want a campe and the stuff that goes into it. I just keep seeing stuff that I think I could use and fret over how it would fit into the camper/truck or how I can get it in and out of the camper and how long it will take to put up or break down...
 
 I camped last weekend with the bare bones, the night I was by myself, I woke up the next morning feeling absolutely great...then the family came and the cell phone broke...The Bp started to rise, I think...
 
 Larry, I work up a good glow (women do not " sweat" , we glow) doing the circuit and my muscles tell me that half hour is doing something. The management tells me that as long as I get a glow, I will be on the wall as a looser.(as in lbs and/or inches), not to worry that I cannot get the heart rate up.
 
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: GDSLTS on Oct 04, 2003, 11:44 AM
 birolBirol,
 
 One thing you need to know is WHY you were put on beta-blockers (bb) in the first place. What were the symptoms or reasons you went to the doctor? Their primary function is to reduce the force of contractility and to reduce heart rate - both of which reduce the amount of oxygen the heart requires. If you are taking (bb) for these reasons, you probably have coronary heart disease and this drug is helpful in preventing heart attacks, managing the disease and keeping you medically safe. They also have a slight to moderate antihypertensive property. That is the role of the doctor. But what is your role?
 
 1) Be compliant with taking your medication
 2) Begin losing weight now - that will reduce the oxygen demand on the heart and reduce B/P
 3) Discuss with your doctor taking a lose dose aspirin daily
 4) Begin a walking program daily (as a minimum)
 5) Significantly reduce the amount of saturated fats and trans-fats - read labels
 6) Choose lean forms of meat [NTE 4-6 oz daily] - fish, fowl without skin, and red meat with fat trimmed
 7) Choose nonfat or very lowfat forms of daily products (nonfat or 1% milk, nonfat yogurt, lowfat cheeses)
 8) Significantly reduce butter, margarines (except those WITHOUT transfats), mayonnaise
 9) Enroll in a stress management class and learn some specific relaxation techniques
 10) If you have high B/P, reducing your salt (sodium) intake may help reduce your blood pressure.
 
 Obviously, you can t do all the things at once. But you can BEGIN with a number of them TODAY.
 
 Lastly, monitor your B/P on a regular basis. Ask your doctor what signs & symptoms he/she wants you to be aware of so you won t be putting yourself at risk because you didn t know.
 
 BottomLine - You need to become more knowledgable about your problem. You can t fix it unless you know what needs to be fixed.
 
 This is not an exhaustive list, but it will give you lots to think about.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 04, 2003, 12:48 PM
 GDSLTS
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  GDSLTS
 
 Birol,
 
 One thing you need to know is WHY you were put on beta-blockers (bb) in the first place. What were the symptoms or reasons you went to the doctor? Their primary function is to reduce the force of contractility and to reduce heart rate - both of which reduce the amount of oxygen the heart requires. If you are taking (bb) for these reasons, you probably have coronary heart disease and this drug is helpful in preventing heart attacks, managing the disease and keeping you medically safe. They also have a slight to moderate antihypertensive property. That is the role of the doctor. But what is your role?
 
 1) Be compliant with taking your medication
 2) Begin losing weight now - that will reduce the oxygen demand on the heart and reduce B/P
 3) Discuss with your doctor taking a lose dose aspirin daily
 4) Begin a walking program daily (as a minimum)
 5) Significantly reduce the amount of saturated fats and trans-fats - read labels
 6) Choose lean forms of meat [NTE 4-6 oz daily] - fish, fowl without skin, and red meat with fat trimmed
 7) Choose nonfat or very lowfat forms of daily products (nonfat or 1% milk, nonfat yogurt, lowfat cheeses)
 8) Significantly reduce butter, margarines (except those WITHOUT transfats), mayonnaise
 9) Enroll in a stress management class and learn some specific relaxation techniques
 10) If you have high B/P, reducing your salt (sodium) intake may help reduce your blood pressure.
 
 Obviously, you can t do all the things at once. But you can BEGIN with a number of them TODAY.
 
 Lastly, monitor your B/P on a regular basis. Ask your doctor what signs & symptoms he/she wants you to be aware of so you won t be putting yourself at risk because you didn t know.
 
 BottomLine - You need to become more knowledgable about your problem. You can t fix it unless you know what needs to be fixed.
 
 This is not an exhaustive list, but it will give you lots to think about.
 
Wow !
 
 Good way to look at it !
 
 
 I was put on the medicine because i have hpertension
 
 I am taking my medicine
 Started to loose already, have a goal to go down to a specific weight
 Aspirin, I gotta ask her ...... I asked for  a headache and she said take Tylenol
 Yup, walking more now
 Fats .... Gotta learn how to do it properly
 Lean meat, no steaks ?????? [&:]
 Yup, nonfat is easy .....
 butter rarely used, margarine, will cut .....
 Stress management ..... Who  me worry ?
 Salt, stopped using it years ago, have to start watching the food I eat as well ....
 
 Got myself a BP measurement thingie ... doctor wants me to bring it in to calibrate it to what she measures, she wants to make sure it is accurate in other words.
 
 Nooo, it didn t give me lots to think about :) Stuff I already knew [8D][8D][8D] (yeah right) [;)]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: brainpause on Oct 04, 2003, 02:05 PM
 brainpauseGDSLTS s advice isn t bad, but I highly recommend the Atkins Diet for men. It seems to work better for men than low-fat diets, as most men like their meats, etc. I have " played"  with the diet and lost six pounds (of about 15 I need to lose). Basically, the premise is to cut your carbs to a much lower intake. That means breads, soft drinks, pastas, etc. However, Atkins (atkinsdiet.com) makes controlled-carb versions of pastas and breads.
 
 Cutting carbs out of the American diet has become a big deal. It is such a big deal that I saw on the news that the infamous Food Pyramid is being changed to have fewer carbs/bread servings in it.
 
 Larry
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Sltrawick on Oct 04, 2003, 02:45 PM
 birolI know my prescription is a beta blocker.  I have high blood pressure and that is what I have to take for it.  :(
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 04, 2003, 02:56 PM
 Sltrawick
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  Sltrawick
 
 I know my prescription is a beta blocker.  I have high blood pressure and that is what I have to take for it.  :(
 
Hey,
 
 Why so sad ???? At least it is kept under control right ? Better than having a vein go pfffsssssst in my brain. Cheep up, few pills  a day beats out being pralyzed or worse.
 
 I feel sort of tired today, small headache on the top of my head. Woke up at 5, no papers, called boss, slept till 5:15, woke up, no papers, call, sleep, 5:30, wake up, call, went on till 9 am ! At last he calls back at 9:20 am !!!!!!!! Papers were to be done by till 8 am. Anyways, he says, truck guy says he left them and there were cops everywhere, and we decide that cops would not get all 450 copies of the paers. I get fed up, walk outside the house, and see that papers are in the neighbours porch , three houses away, and invisible from our house of course ! The guy left them at the wrong house. So we go out and do them ....... And I have this srange feeling ..... BP is normal .... but slight headache ...
 
 Gonna rest now and sleep early .....
 
 So, cheer up, life is beautiful [:)]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: shay63 on Oct 04, 2003, 10:38 PM
 birolDW has taken beta blockers for almost 16 years for bp.  Some work better than others for different people.   Over the years she has had 5-6 different meds.
 Hopefully your doctor is up to date on the need to eat as close to natural foods, stay away from processed, and be suspicious of the 5 white foods-fat, flour, milk, salt, and sugar.
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: Sltrawick on Oct 04, 2003, 11:15 PM
 birolBirol,
 YOur right....I guess I m just sad at the fact that I ve been taking them for about 3 years now (started when I was 38)...I guess I just feel to " young"  to have high blood pressure because I m so active.  (the problem is that no matter how active and how well I eat....it s heriearty (sp) and there isn t anything I can do about that)
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: SheBantam on Oct 04, 2003, 11:42 PM
 brainpauseIf I can loose abou 40 lbs, I will not need BP pills. I did it before, as the weigh came off (cominationhigh protien low fat/low carbs, except a lot of friuts and non starchy vegetable, the BP got lower and lower, they were adjustingmy meds almost monthly, until all I was on was garlic. Kept the weight off pretty well for about 3 years. I am starting over, and need to stop the taters and eat more fish...[: (]
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: tlhdoc on Oct 05, 2003, 09:39 AM
 brainpauseBirol how are you today?
 
Title: RE: What is a BETA blocker ????
Post by: birol on Oct 05, 2003, 10:16 AM
 tlhdoc
 
QuoteORIGINAL:  tlhdoc
 
 Birol how are you today?
 
 
Good ! BP is 128/110, Heart rate is a health 72. Did around 275 papaers, I drive still , the family is distributing, I am not brave enough to start distributing to houses yet.
 
 Head a not so healthy breakfast , ate eggs :) Half a sausage, then decided it was too salty for me.
 
 So all in all, I feel good ! [:)]