Any audiophile who is on blood pressure medication

I've been monitoring and dealing with a tendency to hypertension for many years. For the last eight, I've been using TCM (traditional chinese medicine) with generally successful results. Prior to using TCM, my pressures were high all the time, now they generally stay within the healthy range. My pressure tends to be more unstable than consistently high, so I have to monitor it constantly to keep an idea of the real pattern. The biggest downside to using acupuncture and herbal therapy is the cost, insurance won't pay a red cent. My primary care physician was convinced it was uncontrolled and had me wear a 24 hour monitor. This convinced him I really was having "white coat fever." Of course, the question is how often is the b.p. of reactive patients is elevated because of stress. Because of the side effects and quality of life issues, my primary care m.d. is very reluctant to start patients on b.p. medicine unless he is convinced the average b.p. values are above 135/85 in someone without other symptoms like elevated lipids, being overweight, etc. Note: on average! This is why it's important for one to be responsible for self monitoring IMO. Readings in the doctors office may not be indicative of your total situation.

Hi Andrew..I was wondering how many days you monitored your bp before the medication was prescribed?

Listen to Albert.

I have a pervasive family history of that groovy death combo- hypertension and diabetes. I started taking blood pressure meds when I was 28. The worst was beta blockers. I was depressed and my dick was broken- both courtesy of beta blockers. ACE inhibitors were better, but then I read about the angiotensin II receptor antagonist Cozaar and called my doctor. Bam!

Been on Cozaar since it was introduced. Works great, no fatigue, and for some reason still being investigated helps suppress Type 2 Diabetes if you're susceptible to that nasty beast.

Talk to your doctor. If he/she won't listen, fire 'em and move on to someone who will.

Larryrs7, my BP was always in the 140/88 in the PM and 135/82 in the AM. DR. told me any reading above 135 will need meds. My biggest frustration is INSOMNIA when I was on the meds ( Benicar and now Enalapril). Off the meds, my BP get worse 152/92-95 in the PM. I could no longer deal with customer w/o the meds and as a consequence is so many sleepless nights.

Thats what I was taking was Cozaar.