Taking and managing ones Blood Pressure

While people know that Benzodiazapine Withdrawal can create havoc with ones BP those in the Palpitation group and the various taper groups rarely discuss if they take there Blood Pressure with a home machine on a daily or regular basis and how they manage BP spikes i.e 170-180 /90-100 if that occurs.

There are many people with WHITE COAT ANXIETY at the doctors office but a few spikes at home and this phobia can transfer to the home machines.

 

Now some BB who never had hypertention prior to withdrawal may ignore these spikes as a temporary symptom but those folks already on BP medication{s} face a challenge. All thoughts would be WELCOMED.

Hi,

 

I also experience high blood pressure spikes.  I currently take BP medication, but it does not help with the spikes.  I do not measure my BP at home anymore, because it makes things much worse for me when I see a high reading. I know when my BP spikes because of symptoms that I experience when it does. When I experience them now, I just try to relax.  I don't experience them as often anymore. It usually happens when I make too big of a cut or if I am experiencing an uptick in withdrawal symptoms.

 

I used to take my BP at home several times a day.  My first reading was usually high--most likely due to anxiety.  I would then take an additional two readings, and the third reading would usually be normal. The reason I started taking Ativan was due to BP spikes. When I tapered too fast the first time, they were a constant.  I then up dosed and I felt fine.  I was then able to successfully taper with no problems.  I started taking Ativan again, a few years ago--stupid I know, but I will not go into why I reinstated here.  I am now tapering again, and this taper is not as smooth as the first one.  The BP spikes are the main reason I have not finished my taper yet. I have up dosed a few times to relieve that symptom.  I hope to resume my taper again in a couple of weeks.  This time, I  plan on tapering very slow. 

 

Yes, it can be scary.  Again, the BP meds do not do a thing for me when I experience the spikes. The spikes cause me to feel light headed, off balance,  and my vision blurs.  I also get very warm, and my upper chest/neck will turn bright red. I suppose if I were to experience them more often, I would talk to my doctor about increasing the dosage of my BP medication or adding another med.  At this point, I would prefer not to do that, but it is an option.

 

Anne

Hi Anne, Thank you for your extensive intelligent reply. I did not want to lead anyone's opinion with my own but I will tellyou there are 4 medications popularly used to treat URGENT HYPERTENTION. the most popular are PROCARDIA and CLONIDINE.....the dosages are 10 mg's for  the Procardia and 0.1mg for the Clonedine {hourly if necessary}. I like you, are am on antihypertensives, Toprol XL 50 daily , and Flomax  {an alpha blocker specifically for BPH Benign Prostatic hypertrophy. Sometime my BP with both remained high and a diruretic HCTZ 12.5 mg was added to get my systolic  pressure to 130 or under. And I like you made several trips down the Ativan to Valium taper route. You dear Anne are correct as each trip seems harder and each withdrawal harder as we are older. But when INSOMNIA strikes and "death seems like a step up" after days of no sleep its easy to see our old friend Ativan as nothing from any other group of medications worked consistently to allow me to sleep.

 

But as you say in a spike the medications did nothing to reduce the high systolic pressure which is frightening. As you well know no one gives medical advice on BB but I can share with you that 1. Topropl xl and Procardia can result in a dangerous drug interaction so I tried the Clonodine and the results were miraculous as the pressure became normal in one hour and maximum results in 2-4 hours with twice daily dosing if necessary.

DISCLAIMER....I am only sharing my experience and all of this is easily found googling Treatment for URGENT HYPERTENTION. I am in no way giving medical advice but my doctor suggested the Clonedine 0.1 mg twice daily if necessary.

 

I can see how we can obsess over BP with anxiety driving the numbers up for some people like us. If it's not to personal what BP medication do you take? Answer if you are comfortable as I do not wish to be nosey.

 

Much love and hugs going your way. NSH

PS:

The Toprol is a beta blocker and Professor Ashton recommended Inderal....same group same effect. She was not excited about Clonedine for relief of symptom in her Manuel but this discussion relates only to BP.

 

 

I quit taking my BP at home, it was too erratic.  The one w/d related ER trip I made was over high BP which I took at home (doc said to go if it reached a certain number and it did).  Fear made it worse.  After I'd been at the ER a little while they took it again and it had come way down.  They diagnosed me with a panic attack (it wasn't) and offered me Klonopin.  I told them what I thought of their suggestion and went home...with a bill of $1500.

 

BP came down to normal without treatment within a couple of months after my taper ended.  I'm not recommending other people refuse BP medication, just relating how my own experience with withdrawal BP went.

Hi Challis, A big thank you for the marvelous job you have done over the years as an Administrator.

 

You obviously fell into the group not on anti hypertensive medication but those of us unfortunate to have hypertention are encourage to monitor that with a home device. Therefore,  when we get one of these spikes, some unrelated to panic, but just to a cut for example, its rather unnerving to see 170/100 while on our medication or medications.

Your point is excellent that withdrawal causes the autonomic nervous system to pour out epinephrine, norepinephrine and other adrenal hormones etc causing unpredictable spikes. Because of our inability to handle stress in withdrawal just complicates the matter so stress reduction is paramount.

I have tried meditation, diaphgragmatic breathing, EFT {recommended by Bliss Johns in her book Benzo Wize] and every coping suggestion by Professor Ashton and Reg Peart Ph.D, my he rest in peace. BTW his site is loaded with great information especially his cross over schedules to Valum from evey benzo or "Z" drug.

Coping skills for calming an autonomic nervous system in overdrive take patience and  acceptance for sure and you certainly had done both.

 

Thanks so much for commenting. NSH

Hi NSH,

 

I presently take Toprol XL 50 mg twice a day and HCTZ, 12.5 mg once a day.  It was in 2006 that I was first prescribed Ativan.  I knew nothing about the benzodiazepines.  At the time I was experiencing high blood pressure spikes and other symptoms.  I had been taking Toprol XL, 50 mg once a day, for about 10 years.  After several trips to my doctor and the emergency room, my Toprol was increased to 50 mg twice a day and HCTZ was added to the mix.  I took 1.5 mg/day of Ativan for about a month and a half. The blood pressure spikes stopped after a few weeks, and I then started to decrease the Ativan.  I successfully made three cuts and got down to 0.25 mg/day of Ativan.  I felt wonderful (meaning normal).  It was about 3 weeks after the last cut when the BP spikes and other symptoms hit.  I saw specialists, had many diagnostic tests, all came back negative.  My doctors were baffled, and so was I. 

 

This went on for several months with no improvement in symptoms. I did not realize that I was in withdrawal.  The blood pressure medications did not help with the BP spikes.  I finally started to do some research online, and I came across the old Yahoo Benzo Support group.  At first I did not believe my symptoms were due to the Ativan, and of course I was skeptical of information found on an online support group. But, after reading every bit of information on the site, I realized that my symptoms were indeed due to withdrawal from Ativan.  I got in touch with a moderator, and he suggested that I up dose, take at least three doses a day,  and stabilize before starting a daily liquid taper.  I increased my dosage from 0.25 mg to 0.75 mg.  It was amazing to me how quickly my symptoms resolved after the up dose.  No more blood pressure spikes!!  After about 6 weeks on the new dosage, I started my taper.  No problems whatsoever.  I tapered for about a year and a half, and I was completely healed when I jumped.  There were only 2 or 3 times that I experienced a BP spike during that year and a half which were due to mistakes with preparation or measurement of my doses.  I did not experience another BP spike for about 6 years.

 

So, here I am again tapering Ativan and experiencing BP spikes though not as often as I did earlier in the taper.  I know that my BP medications do not help with the BP spikes.  I have read about Clonidine, and I have thought about asking my doctor about it when I see him again in September, but I am not sure about adding in another medication at this time. Others have reported that clonidine does help with their BP spikes.  Your experience with it is also positive.  It is certainly an option if my BP spikes become more frequent.

 

This is a wonderful thread, and I thank you for starting it.

 

((HUGS))  Anne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I quit taking my BP at home, it was too erratic.  The one w/d related ER trip I made was over high BP which I took at home (doc said to go if it reached a certain number and it did).  Fear made it worse.  After I'd been at the ER a little while they took it again and it had come way down.  They diagnosed me with a panic attack (it wasn't) and offered me Klonopin.  I told them what I thought of their suggestion and went home...with a bill of $1500.

 

BP came down to normal without treatment within a couple of months after my taper ended.  I'm not recommending other people refuse BP medication, just relating how my own experience with withdrawal BP went.

 

Hi Challis,

 

Yes, fear does make it worse.  When I feel a spike coming on, it can go either way.  I either end up with full blown panic or there are times (not many) I can relax out of it.  It is much worse when I drive, because the fear sets in and of course my blood pressure sky rockets.  It is because of this that I have not been driving by myself lately.  After experiencing BP spikes several times while driving, just getting into the car by myself triggers a spike.  Something I definitely must work on.

 

I am happy to hear that you no longer experience the spikes.  They are worrisome especially if one has a diagnosis of hypertension.

 

Enjoy the day.

((HUGS)) Anne

 

Any time I see a blood pressure thread I always post my experience. At one point my bp was 200/150. I began juicing celery as it has a proven natural calcium channel blocker. It took a while, the diastolic number dropped first while the systolic remained high, so much so that I was googling isolated high systolic bp. But it too came down and now my blood pressure regularly reads 115/75 with NO medicine. Of course I'm not recommending quitting any madicine your dr. gave you but please research this! There's real science behind it.

Hi Confused, you really should change your name to NO LONGER CONFUSED....lol.

 

The Popular calcium channel blockers like NORVASC {amloplodine} has as a very common side effect of causing peripheral edema. People on it one  day have difficulty putting their shoes on and on further examination have pitting edema in their ankles.  I only bring this up as your reporting on juicing  the celery was a first information I ever received on it. Does it like other calcium channel blockers cause edema?

The mechanism of the calcium channel blockers is the increase in the peripheral circulation leading to a relaxation of the major blood vessels. Can you tell me the recipe of how many stalks of celery you use and how often you drink the juice.

I believe in these naturopathic remedies as I have seen SCD ...the SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE DIET cure Chrones Disease and a patient with ileocecal valve inflammation cured after 24 months. People with IBS respond well so for sure I will try the celery. I just need the specifics on quantity and frequency of drinking the juice. Thanks so much for contributing to this thread. 

 

 

Hi NSH,

 

I presently take Toprol XL 50 mg twice a day and HCTZ, 12.5 mg once a day.  It was in 2006 that I was first prescribed Ativan.  I knew nothing about the benzodiazepines.  At the time I was experiencing high blood pressure spikes and other symptoms.  I had been taking Toprol XL, 50 mg once a day, for about 10 years.  After several trips to my doctor and the emergency room, my Toprol was increased to 50 mg twice a day and HCTZ was added to the mix.  I took 1.5 mg/day of Ativan for about a month and a half. The blood pressure spikes stopped after a few weeks, and I then started to decrease the Ativan.  I successfully made three cuts and got down to 0.25 mg/day of Ativan.  I felt wonderful (meaning normal).  It was about 3 weeks after the last cut when the BP spikes and other symptoms hit.  I saw specialists, had many diagnostic tests, all came back negative.  My doctors were baffled, and so was I. 

 

This went on for several months with no improvement in symptoms. I did not realize that I was in withdrawal.  The blood pressure medications did not help with the BP spikes.  I finally started to do some research online, and I came across the old Yahoo Benzo Support group.  At first I did not believe my symptoms were due to the Ativan, and of course I was skeptical of information found on an online support group. But, after reading every bit of information on the site, I realized that my symptoms were indeed due to withdrawal from Ativan.  I got in touch with a moderator, and he suggested that I up dose, take at least three doses a day,  and stabilize before starting a daily liquid taper.  I increased my dosage from 0.25 mg to 0.75 mg.  It was amazing to me how quickly my symptoms resolved after the up dose.  No more blood pressure spikes!!  After about 6 weeks on the new dosage, I started my taper.  No problems whatsoever.  I tapered for about a year and a half, and I was completely healed when I jumped.  There were only 2 or 3 times that I experienced a BP spike during that year and a half which were due to mistakes with preparation or measurement of my doses.  I did not experience another BP spike for about 6 years.

 

So, here I am again tapering Ativan and experiencing BP spikes though not as often as I did earlier in the taper.  I know that my BP medications do not help with the BP spikes.  I have read about Clonidine, and I have thought about asking my doctor about it when I see him again in September, but I am not sure about adding in another medication at this time. Others have reported that clonidine does help with their BP spikes.  Your experience with it is also positive.  It is certainly an option if my BP spikes become more frequent.

 

This is a wonderful thread, and I thank you for starting it.

 

((HUGS))  Anne

My goodness Anne our stories are interchangeable except for our names. As you know the normal pulse off medication ranges from 60 to 100. Certainly the Toprol 50 xl put my pulse in the 50's and even to 49 at times. Fast question? when you doubled your dose of the Toprol 50 xl to a 100 how was your pulse affected. Certainly at 50 I think about bradycardia as I forgot to mention that I also have SLEEP APNEA. The benzo's are respiratory depressants but I can tell from your posts you know it all.

 

{{{{{{{{Anne}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

 

Here is page listing side effects of celery http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-882-celery.aspx?activeingredientid=882&activeingredientname=celery In googling celery and calcium channel blockers I found studies that say celery has calcium channel blocker-like effects without the side effects. In the beginning I was taking the equivalent of 8 stalks a day sometimes more. It took a couple months before I began noticing positive results. Once bp dropped to normal I decreased the amount but if I dropped it too low my systolic number would reliably begin to climb although the diastolic number did not. It's been about a year since I started drinking it and now I only drink a little mixed in with vegetable juice every other day. I've recently gone as long as a week with no juice without bp rising when my wife left the state to visit relatives and I got lazy, lol. I've read about but not tried celery seed extract which has a higher concentration of 3nb( the active ingredient) which had very quick results in one study, dropping an average of almost 9 points in six weeks.

I should add my resting heart rate dropped as well and is usually in the 60's as opposed to formerly in the 90's.

Thanks for starting this thread.  Respond later with details on my BP

 

Sweet pea

Hi NSH,

 

I presently take Toprol XL 50 mg twice a day and HCTZ, 12.5 mg once a day.  It was in 2006 that I was first prescribed Ativan.  I knew nothing about the benzodiazepines.  At the time I was experiencing high blood pressure spikes and other symptoms.  I had been taking Toprol XL, 50 mg once a day, for about 10 years.  After several trips to my doctor and the emergency room, my Toprol was increased to 50 mg twice a day and HCTZ was added to the mix.  I took 1.5 mg/day of Ativan for about a month and a half. The blood pressure spikes stopped after a few weeks, and I then started to decrease the Ativan.  I successfully made three cuts and got down to 0.25 mg/day of Ativan.  I felt wonderful (meaning normal).  It was about 3 weeks after the last cut when the BP spikes and other symptoms hit.  I saw specialists, had many diagnostic tests, all came back negative.  My doctors were baffled, and so was I. 

 

This went on for several months with no improvement in symptoms. I did not realize that I was in withdrawal.  The blood pressure medications did not help with the BP spikes.  I finally started to do some research online, and I came across the old Yahoo Benzo Support group.  At first I did not believe my symptoms were due to the Ativan, and of course I was skeptical of information found on an online support group. But, after reading every bit of information on the site, I realized that my symptoms were indeed due to withdrawal from Ativan.  I got in touch with a moderator, and he suggested that I up dose, take at least three doses a day,  and stabilize before starting a daily liquid taper.  I increased my dosage from 0.25 mg to 0.75 mg.  It was amazing to me how quickly my symptoms resolved after the up dose.  No more blood pressure spikes!!  After about 6 weeks on the new dosage, I started my taper.  No problems whatsoever.  I tapered for about a year and a half, and I was completely healed when I jumped.  There were only 2 or 3 times that I experienced a BP spike during that year and a half which were due to mistakes with preparation or measurement of my doses.  I did not experience another BP spike for about 6 years.

 

So, here I am again tapering Ativan and experiencing BP spikes though not as often as I did earlier in the taper.  I know that my BP medications do not help with the BP spikes.  I have read about Clonidine, and I have thought about asking my doctor about it when I see him again in September, but I am not sure about adding in another medication at this time. Others have reported that clonidine does help with their BP spikes.  Your experience with it is also positive.  It is certainly an option if my BP spikes become more frequent.

 

This is a wonderful thread, and I thank you for starting it.

 

((HUGS))  Anne

My goodness Anne our stories are interchangeable except for our names. As you know the normal pulse off medication ranges from 60 to 100. Certainly the Toprol 50 xl put my pulse in the 50's and even to 49 at times. Fast question? when you doubled your dose of the Toprol 50 xl to a 100 how was your pulse affected. Certainly at 50 I think about bradycardia as I forgot to mention that I also have SLEEP APNEA. The benzo's are respiratory depressants but I can tell from your posts you know it all.

 

{{{{{{{{Anne}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

 

Yes, our stories are similar. If I remember correctly, back then my pulse readings were always in the 65 - 75 range.  They still are. Never have I had a reading lower than 65.  I do not remember if my pulse was higher before the dose was doubled though.  That I can look up. Back then, I kept a BP log.  The challenge will be finding it, but it will be interesting to see it again for comparison.  I believe I kept the log when my blood pressure was at its highest. 

 

Due to the nature of benzodiazepines, I assume that sleep apnea could worsen when taking them.  There are so many problems that arise from these drugs.  On the other hand they work very well for some issues.

 

I wish you a good day.  Thank you again for starting this thread.

 

Hugs to you.  Anne

 

 

Any time I see a blood pressure thread I always post my experience. At one point my bp was 200/150. I began juicing celery as it has a proven natural calcium channel blocker. It took a while, the diastolic number dropped first while the systolic remained high, so much so that I was googling isolated high systolic bp. But it too came down and now my blood pressure regularly reads 115/75 with NO medicine. Of course I'm not recommending quitting any madicine your dr. gave you but please research this! There's real science behind it.

 

Hi Confused,

 

Your experience with the celery is interesting.  This is the first I have heard about its benefits regarding hypertension. I will definitely look into this.  It sounds like you had excellent results. Years ago, I used ground flax seed to help lower my BP.  It took a while, but I did notice a difference in my readings.  I eventually stopped using it because it was difficult for me to take.  I did not like the texture or the flavor when I added it to foods.  Thank you for sharing the information.

 

Enjoy the day.

 

Anne

 

While people know that Benzodiazapine Withdrawal can create havoc with ones BP those in the Palpitation group and the various taper groups rarely discuss if they take there Blood Pressure with a home machine on a daily or regular basis and how they manage BP spikes i.e 170-180 /90-100 if that occurs.

There are many people with WHITE COAT ANXIETY at the doctors office but a few spikes at home and this phobia can transfer to the home machines.

 

Now some BB who never had hypertention prior to withdrawal may ignore these spikes as a temporary symptom but those folks already on BP medication{s} face a challenge. All thoughts would be WELCOMED.

Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include agitation, anxiety, panic, flushed feeling, increased pulse rate, INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE, sweating, and insomnia. The symptoms can even progress to seizures, confusion, and a loss of contact with reality.

 

So I realized that while increased blood pressure was a symptom of benzo withdrawal there were support groups for almost every side effect but BP. I think very few people with undiagnosed hypertention think one yearly reading at their annual physical is meaningful ,it's not. There is more undiagnosed hypertention than any other life threatening morbidity due to the lack of symptoms in the sufferer. Some really intelligent feedback has propelled this thread but the post on CELERY really has me doing my homework. I will be posting on the autonomic nervous system; both sympathetic and parasympathetic components to make side effects more understandable and less frightening.

 

I liken our nervous system to a dead car battery. We know that a jump start and the car will drive but if do not let the battery recharge and shut the car off it may not restart and to complete the analogy our brains must heal.

So knowing that our nervous systems are in a state of hyperexcitability with GABA tamped down and glutamate increased  adding any stress will increase adrenaline , noradrenalin and cortisol. That increase enough to cause a SPIKE.....so I try to keep my plate clear of excess voluntary induce stress while working on relaxation techniques.

The excess stress is not handled by our autonomic nervous system [Just like the dead car battery} and our symptoms exacerbate. Then when we cut in our taper this will also signal the LIMBIC CENTER that less benzodiapines are going to not only the brain but the gut as well, resulting in increased symptoms until stabilization occurs. The reasons I recommend BENZO WIZE by Bliss Johns is that it is now well established that the taper rates established by Ashton's work maybe to steep for some people. While Bliss Johns {reviewed and forwarded by Ashton} suggested 4-6 week holds IMHO that's to long and then I see the LONG HOLD support group...lol. So know that we are people, not test tubes. We are all different. As we listen to our bodies ,and increase our knowledge the process of W/D which can be unbearable at times it will at least be understood. Next I will address the autonomic nervous system and how it controls blood pressure. The feedback has been superb and I hope everyone chimes in.

 

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that influences the function of internal organs.[1] The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. This system is the primary mechanism in control of the fight-or-flight response and the freeze-and-dissociate response.[2]

 

Within the brain, the autonomic nervous system is regulated by the hypothalamus. Autonomic functions include control of respiration, cardiac regulation (the cardiac control center), vasomotor activity (the vasomotor center), and certain reflex actions such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing and vomiting. Those are then subdivided into other areas and are also linked to ANS subsystems and nervous systems external to the brain. The hypothalamus, just above the brain stem, acts as an integrator for autonomic functions, receiving ANS regulatory input from the limbic system to do so.[3]

 

The autonomic nervous system has two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.[4] The sympathetic nervous system is often considered the "fight or flight" system, while the parasympathetic nervous system is often considered the "rest and digest" or "feed and breed" system. In many cases, both of these systems have "opposite" actions where one system activates a physiological response and the other inhibits it. An older simplification of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems as "excitory" and "inhibitory" was overturned due to the many exceptions found. A more modern characterization is that the sympathetic nervous system is a "quick response mobilizing system" and the parasympathetic is a "more slowly activated dampening system", but even this has exceptions, such as in sexual arousal and orgasm, wherein both play a role.[3]

There are inhibitory and excitatory synapses between neurons. Relatively recently, a third subsystem of neurons that have been named non-noradrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitters  (because they use nitric oxide as a neurotransmitter) have been described and found to be integral in autonomic function, in particular in the gut and the lungs.[5]

 

 

Although the ANS is also known as the visceral nervous system, the ANS is only connected with the motor side.[6] Most autonomous functions are involuntary but they can often work in conjunction with the somatic nervous system which provides voluntary control.

 

Next a breakdown of the sympathetic and parasympatic systems and how they relate to benzo W/D

 

I found this http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/10/two-natural-plant-extracts-lower-blood-pressure/page-01 which has studies showing olive leaf extract has a.c.e. inhibiting properties and lowers systolic numbers more than diastolic, which is the opposite of celery juice. It lowers the diastolic more than the systolic. Is this why drs. prescribe calcium channel blockers and ace inhibitors in tandem? Maybe better results would be achieved with a combination of the two extracts? Both extracts individually were found to be as effective as prescription meds in clinical studies. Both had no side effects and other healthful benefits such as improved pancreatic response to sugar, lower cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and improved insulin sensitivity. Nature's pharmacy rules!

Hi NSH,

 

I especially like the battery analogy.  I had a couple of BP spikes over the weekend--reading these posts helped a great deal.  To have an understanding of what is happening when these  spikes occur is important and helps put things into perspective even when one is going through a rough time. I also try to keep my stress levels low.  Any kind of stress, good or bad, can cause my BP to spike.

 

Great information!!  I look forward to the next installment about the nervous system.

 

Thank you!!

 

Anne

 

I found this http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/10/two-natural-plant-extracts-lower-blood-pressure/page-01 which has studies showing olive leaf extract has a.c.e. inhibiting properties and lowers systolic numbers more than diastolic, which is the opposite of celery juice. It lowers the diastolic more than the systolic. Is this why drs. prescribe calcium channel blockers and ace inhibitors in tandem? Maybe better results would be achieved with a combination of the two extracts? Both extracts individually were found to be as effective as prescription meds in clinical studies. Both had no side effects and other healthful benefits such as improved pancreatic response to sugar, lower cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and improved insulin sensitivity. Nature's pharmacy rules!

 

Hi Confused,

 

Thank you for posting this information regarding olive leaf extract.  After reading your post about celery, I have come across several articles about its effects on blood pressure.  It is the compound NBP, 3-n-butylphthalide, found in celery that is thought to lower blood pressure.  In addition, it seems that NBP is being studied as a possible treatment for relief of the pain associated with osteoarthritis and muscle pain because of how it affects the prostaglandin system. There have been some positive results in animal models.

 

I have no experience with the calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors so I am not sure of the reasons as to why both would be prescribed.  I am sure someone else will come along to answer that. You are probably on to  something there about using the extracts together if both diastolic and systolic readings are high.  In my case, my systolic reading is high so I think the olive leaf extract would be a good option for me. I would probably try the celery first though as it is easy to obtain and juice.

 

Thank you again!!

Anne

Hi NSH,

 

I especially like the battery analogy.  I had a couple of BP spikes over the weekend--reading these posts helped a great deal.  To have an understanding of what is happening when these  spikes occur is important and helps put things into perspective even when one is going through a rough time. I also try to keep my stress levels low.  Any kind of stress, good or bad, can cause my BP to spike.

 

Great information!!  I look forward to the next installment about the nervous system.

 

Thank you!!

The sympathetic nervous system is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, the other being the parasympathetic nervous system.[1][2] The autonomic nervous system functions to regulate the body's unconscious actions. The sympathetic nervous system's primary process is to stimulate the body's fight-or-flight response. It is, however, constantly active at a basic level to maintain homeostasis.[3] The sympathetic nervous system is described as being complementary to the parasympathetic nervous system which stimulates the body to "rest-and-digest" or "Feed and breed

 

 

Anne

THE SYMPATHETIC NEVOUS SYSTEM

 

 

Messages travel through the sympathetic nervous system in a bidirectional flow. Efferent messages can trigger changes in different parts of the body simultaneously. For example, the sympathetic nervous system can accelerate heart rate; widen bronchial passages; decrease motility (movement) of the large intestine; constrict blood vessels; increase peristalsis in the esophagus; cause pupillary dilation, piloerection (goose bumps) and perspiration (sweating); and RAISE BLOOD PRESSURE . One exception is with certain blood vessels such as those in the cerebral and coronary arteries, which dilate (rather than constrict) with an increase in sympathetic tone.

 

The first synapse (preganglionic neuron to postganglionic neuron) is mediated by nicotinic receptors activated by acetylcholine. The target synapse of the postganglionic neuron is mediated by adrenergic receptors and is activated by either norepinephrine (noradrenaline) or epinephrine (adrenaline). There are two exceptions to this pattern of sympathetic postganglionic receptors: First, the sweat glands receive sympathetic innervation but have muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Second, the adrenal medulla are technically post-ganglionic, but receive stimulation via acetylcholine to release catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

 

Function

 

Examples of sympathetic system action on various organs[6] except where otherwise indicated.

 

 

Organ

 

Effect

 

Eye Dilates pupil

Heart Increases rate and force of contraction

Lungs Dilates bronchioles via circulating adrenaline

Blood Vessels Dilate in skeletal muscle

Constricts in gastrointestinal organs

Sweat Glands Activates sweat secretion Digestive tract Inhibits peristalsis

 

 

 

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for up- and down-regulating in many homeostatic mechanisms in living organisms. Fibers from the SN innervate tissues in almost every organ system, providing at least some regulatory function to things as diverse as pupil diameter, gut motility, and urinary system output and function. It is perhaps best known for mediating the neuronal and hormonal stress response commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. This response is also known as sympatho-adrenal response of the body, as the preganglionic sympathetic fibers that end in the adrenal medulla (but also all other sympathetic fibers) secrete acetylcholine, which activates the great secretion of adrenaline (epinephrine) and to a lesser extent noradrenaline (norepinephrine) from it. Therefore, this response that acts primarily on the cardiovascular system is mediated directly via impulses transmitted through the sympathetic nervous system and indirectly via catecholamines secreted from the adrenal medulla.

 

During WITHDRAWAL this system is in OVERDRIVE causing an increase in symptoms.

 

Sympathetic nervous system stimulation causes vasoconstriction of most blood vessels, including many of those in the skin, the digestive tract, and the kidneys. This occurs as a result of activation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors by norepinephrine released by post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons. These receptors exist throughout the vasculature of the body but are inhibited and counterbalanced by beta-2 adrenergic receptors (stimulated by epinephrine release from the adrenal glands) in the skeletal muscles, the heart, INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE, the lungs, and the brain during a sympatho-adrenal response. The net effect of this is a shunting of blood away from the organs not necessary to the immediate survival of the organism and an increase in blood flow to those organs involved in intense physical activity.

This occurs during withdrawal WHEN THE BODY DOES NOT NEED THIS RESPONSE..........

 

SENSATIONS

 

The afferent fibers of the autonomic nervous system, which transmit sensory information from the internal organs of the body back to the central nervous system (or CNS). In withdrawal these are the heighten responses that are so scary.

 

 

 

RELATIONSHIP TO THE PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM Together with the other component of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system aids in the control of most of the body's internal organs. REACACTIONS TO STRESS—as in the flight-or-fight response—is thought to counteract the parasympathetic system, which generally works to promote maintenance of the body at rest. The comprehensive functions of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are not so straightforward, but this is a useful rule of thumb.

 

DISORDERS

 

Sympathicotonia is a stimulated condition of the sympathetic nervous system, marked by vascular spasm, ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE, and goose bumps

 

The sympathetic nervous system is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, the other being the parasympathetic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system functions to regulate the body's unconscious actions. The sympathetic nervous system's primary process is to stimulate the body's fight-or-flight response. It is, however, constantly active at a basic level to maintain homeostasis.  In withdrawal we ARE NOT at homeostasis.

 

The sympathetic nervous system is described as being complementary to the parasympathetic nervous system which stimulates the body to "rest-and-digest" or "Feed and breed"

 

NEXT the PARASYMPATHEIC SYSTEM

Hi NSH,

 

I especially like the battery analogy.  I had a couple of BP spikes over the weekend--reading these posts helped a great deal.  To have an understanding of what is happening when these  spikes occur is important and helps put things into perspective even when one is going through a rough time. I also try to keep my stress levels low.  Any kind of stress, good or bad, can cause my BP to spike.

 

Great information!!  I look forward to the next installment about the nervous system.

 

Thank you!!

 

Anne

 

Autonomic Nervous System

 

The autonomic nervous system controls the insides of the body: the viscera or gut. It carries information about the inside of the body to the CNS and controls the action of internal organs, including the gut, the heart, the secretion of epinephrine (adrenalin) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin) from the medulla (middle part) of the adrenal gland, etc.

 

The autonomic nervous system plays an essential role in keeping the body's internal environment (temperature, salt concentration, blood sugar, oxygen and carbon dioxide level in blood, etc) in proper balance, a condition called homeostasis. The autonomic nervous system also plays a major part in emotional experience and expression. When you are emotionally excited, the body shows many changes: blood pressure and heart beat increase, mouth is often dry, stomach has "butterflies" in it. These and other body actions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

 

The autonomic nervous system also has two divisions: the  sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division. These two divisions have antagonistic (opposing) effects on the internal organs they innervate (send nerves to = act on).

 

The sympathetic division, is the emergency system. It prepares the body to put out energy and to protect it from effects of injury. It shuts the gut down, speeds up the heart, increases blood pressure, dilates (makes bigger) the pupils of the eyes, makes more glucose (blood sugar) available in the blood for energy, etc. Cannon described these reactions as preparation for fight or flight (running away).

 

Dr. Benson at HARVARD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE teaches the RELAXATION RESPONSE which can be "googled" and learned.

 

The parasympathetic division, shown at the right, is the "housekeeping" division. It acts to replace and recover from the activities of living. Its action is (almost always) the opposite of the sympathetic division. It activates the gut for digestion, slows the heart rate, decreases the blood pressure, etc.

 

How  and when to take your blood pressure at home.....

1. Purchase a good machine. I recommend the OMRON SERIES 10 machines in 60-80 dollar range.

2. Take your blood pressure twice daily AM and PM with 3 reading 3 minutes apart. This will discount cuff anxiety. Keep a log although some machine will send up a 100 readings to your iphone for storage via BLUE TOOTH or just keep a journal.

3. The old 120/80 changes as we age but the rule of a systolic pressure over 140 consistently is as important has high diastolic pressure over 90. Pulse varies so the range is 60-100 is the normal range but a runner/jogger may have a normal pulse in the low 50's.

4. Most W/D  symptoms are recognized as non dangerous albeit very disconcerting, but a BP spike of 180/110 are dangerous and should be controlled.

5. lastly one or two reading at checkups does not tell the story period.

6. Some people have very labile hypertention and INDERAL 10 MG's  as their BP vacillates according to Stress, anxiety etc. and can be reduced by meditation and breathing exercises. There are some diets that have been shown to lower BP.

7. Keep your feet flat on the floor and the cuff at the height of your heart. Try to breath abdominally while the machine is working.

 

Lastly blood pressure deviations of significance is a withdrawal symptom which can be managed with the aid of beta blockers. Ashton recommended INDERAL in her Manuel.

 

Myths About High Blood Pressure

 

 

 

 

Updated:Aug 12,2014 

 

You CAN manage your blood pressure. The American Heart Association is here for you. Keep reading to learn some blood pressure myths.

 

1) Myth. High blood pressure runs in my family. There is nothing I can do. I will get it too.

 

High blood pressure can run in families. If your parents or close blood relatives have had high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it, too. However, lifestyle choices have allowed many people with a family history of high blood pressure to avoid it themselves. Lifestyle changes you can make to prevent it include:

•Eat a heart-healthy diet, which includes limiting sodium to less than 1500 mg per day.

•Enjoy regular physical activity.

•Maintain a healthy weight.

•Manage stress.

•Avoid tobacco smoke.

•Comply with medication prescriptions.

•If you drink, limit alcohol.

 

2) Myth. I don’t use table salt, so I’m in control of my sodium intake and my blood pressure isn’t affected.

 

In some people, sodium can increase blood pressure. But controlling sodium means more than just putting down the salt shaker. It also means checking labels, because up to 75 percent of the sodium we consume is hidden in processed foods like tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned foods and prepared mixes. When buying prepared and prepackaged foods, read the labels. Watch for the words "soda" and "sodium" and the symbol "Na" on labels; these words show that sodium compounds are present.

 

 

3) Myth. I use kosher or sea salt when I cook instead of regular table salt. They are low-sodium alternatives.

Chemically kosher salt and sea salt are the same as table salt – 40 percent sodium – and count the same toward total sodium consumption. Table salt is a combination of the two minerals sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl). Learn more about Sea Salt Vs. Table Salt.

 

 

4) Myth. I feel fine. I don’t have to worry about high blood pressure.

 

More about 78 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure – and many of them don’t know it or don’t experience typical symptoms. High blood pressure is serious. If uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to severe health problems. High blood pressure is also the No. 1 cause of stroke.

 

 

 

5) Myth. People with high blood pressure have nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping and their face becomes flushed. I don’t have those symptoms so I must not have high blood pressure.

 

Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. High blood pressure is often called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms, so you may not be aware that it's damaging your arteries, heart and other organs. Don't make the mistake of assuming symptoms will alert you to the problem of high blood pressure. Everybody needs to know their blood pressure numbers. Diagnosis should only be made by a healthcare professional.

 

 

6) Myth. I read that wine is good for the heart, so I can drink as much of it as I want.

 

If you drink alcohol, including wine, do so in moderation. Heavy and regular use of alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically. It can also cause heart failure, lead to stroke and produce irregular heartbeats. Too much alcohol can contribute to high triglycerides, cancer, obesity, alcoholism, suicide and accidents, and it can be highly addictive. If you drink, limit consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Generally, one drink equals a 12-ounce beer, a four-ounce glass of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor, or one ounce of hard liquor (100-proof).

 

 

7) Myth. I have high blood pressure and my doctor checks it for me so I don’t need to check it at home, too.

 

Because blood pressure can fluctuate, home monitoring and recording of blood pressure readings can provide your healthcare provider with valuable information to determine whether you really have high blood pressure and, if you do, whether your treatment plan is working. It's important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening, or as your healthcare professional recommends.

 

 

Myth. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and I have been maintaining lower readings, so I can stop taking my medication.

 

High blood pressure can be a lifelong disease. Follow your healthcare professional's recommendations carefully, even if it means taking medication every day for the rest of your life. By partnering with your healthcare team, you can successfully reach your treatment goals and enjoy the benefits of better health.

 

 

 

This content was last reviewed on 08/04/2014.