In what has to be the most ironic report I've read in ages, a UK-based health
agency released its report on a class of drugs known as
beta blockers,
or "BBs". Millions of people are on BBs for the treatment of cardiovascular
conditions and, in particular, high blood pressure.
Aside from the already massive list of side effects, which include dizziness, dry
skin, shortness of breath, insomnia, chronic coughing, stomach and GI distress,
constipation, depression, memory loss, and impotence,
increased risk of stroke
is now the reason touted to more tightly regulate the prescription of BBs for blood
pressure management.
Yes, that's right - a drug meant to lower blood pressure, which
lowers
the risk of stroke, actually manages to
increase the risk of stroke by 25%.
What are your alternatives if you have high blood pressure?
First, ask your doctor about natural means of treatment. Most doctors assume that
their patients simply will not do anything lifestyle-wise to help themselves. The
concern over high blood pressure is extremely valid. Elevated blood pressure is
known as the "silent killer", and for good reason.
Still, in 88% of the cases, natural treatments such as the ones found in one of
my favorite books on the subject,
Silent Killer Exposed, which you can
get at
http://www.SilentKillerExposed.com, are perfectly good solutions
to the problem of high blood pressure.
In rare cases, the use of safer drugs, such as mild diuretics or ACE inhibitors,
could be an ideal alternative to discuss with your physician. But do yourself a
favor - run the natural route by your doctor first. Using books like
Silent Killer Exposed, along with
exercise plans like those found in
Fit Over 40, are well-tested and
long-proven methods to tame the beast of blood pressure.
Please...take this condition seriously. Just don't take any old pill
your doctor tosses your way without doing your own research and asking hard, intelligent
questions.
It's your body and your life, and it's up to you to take care of it
- not your doctor.