high blood pressure...
 

Just curious if any one else has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. I have been on Diovan (1 a day) for about 1 and 1/2 years now ( that is when I take them :rolleyes: ) and I was reading that Dr Atkins felt like no one on this diet should need to be on BP meds. My BP was fine when I started the diet ( of course I was taking my meds) but now I am curious to see if I can get off the meds all together. Any one else know anything about high blood pressure??

Sonshine, LC does tend to lower ones BP, it happened to me :) It would be wise to monitor yours as you progress with your new WOL, especially since Diovan can result in fluid and/or electrolyte imbalance (as can LCing intially - due to it's diuretic nature). If you begin to feel light headed or dizzy (especially when you sit up) it might be a sign that you're BP is falling and your dose may have to be changed.

Also, as you're taking Diovan for your HPB you should consult with your doctor before taking potassium (one of the recommended LC supplements).

Best,
Nat

Sonshine-

My BP has improved drastically while on Atkins- 160/115 to
120/72 (I'm still on Ziac, tho). As Nat said, be careful if
your BP medicine is a diuretic. I read somewhere that for
most people, losing 10% of their weight is enough to improve
their BP, if weight was a factor. Take care!

Mark

My blood pressure has improved. I was borderline (in the 140/90 range) for about the last 3 years. Now after 3 months on Atkins, I've lost 20 lbs. and my last bp reading was 120/82. No meds for me ...

Good luck, I hope you can get off the med, too ...

I've taken a simple water pill for HBP for a long time now, I went off it thinking Atkins would lower it, cause that's what the book says.............. Nope not for me, I had to go back on the water pill, so check with your doctor if you do go off, then monitor it everyday. Cause I take just the water pill, I also have to take the Potassium, but again check with your Dr. Mine feels the water pills do just as good of a job then the higher price meds.

Good Luck Kathy