High Blood Pressure

[Shilo 371]

Strangely, in light of how much neglect and abuse I have leveled on my body during most of my adult life, I have been blessed with relatively few health problems. But recently, there has been a noticeable spike in my blood pressure readings when I visit my lone Pattaya doctor for a vision related issues. That along with some tightness in the chest when walking (or other noticeable signs) has got me thinking that it is time to talk with someone about possible blood pressure issues. I also believe that this has been an issue along my family tree.

 

The problem is that I'm not sure where to start and I don't feel comfortable just taking a stab in the dark...

 

I would love to get any info or recommendations on next steps from those with first hand experience.

[samfreeland 64]

Yes it not good i have severe hypertension blood pressure 195 over 145. you will get heart pains kidney pain blurred vision headaches blowing snot out your left nostril all signs i missed and kept on trucking. if you don't tackle it you could have a heart attack or a stroke. Cut down on the salt/sodium. a lot of sodium is in processed foods tinned food. Bacon sausages cheese pizza etc cut down on alcohol. try raw foods fish is ok but tinned fish needs to be rinsed to get the salt out.Subways ok mostly lots of vegetables. Fruit is ok.Long walks will bring your blood pressure down don't get angry road rage etc you will certainly find out what your triggers are. Smile be happy lol. see your doctor i am on cilazapril tabs 2.5 mg half a tab for first five days then a whole every morning. i still haven't come to grips with it hard to stick to diet lose weight helps. exercise every day start off slow. It is a silent and efficient killer stealing thirty or so years of your life. good luck. know if i could just practice what i preach.lol.

[Gary 4,108]

High blood killer is called the silent killer because there are NO symptoms. When I retired to Thailand, my blood pressure was too high and could not be controlled. The US doctor had me on three different expensive drugs. I felt bad every day. A retired friend had been watching me and finally asked me what was wrong. I told him I felt bad every day. He took me to his heart doctor at Bangkok Pattaya hospital. The doctor checked me out and looked at the three drugs I was taking. He decided that those three drugs were not a good combination and advised me to throw them away. He prescribed a 20 mg ACE inhibitor called Anaril and a baby aspirin a day. He told me to come back to see him in a week. The next week my blood pressure was normal and I felt great.

 

Controlling your blood pressure won't make you feel any better but it will control the unnecessary stress on your circulation system. It appears that the wrong drugs were what was making me feel bad. Even my pulse rate has dropped considerably. Stress is the real cause of a lot of health problems. Eliminating the worry about your blood pressure will make you feel better.

[bigdelta 46]

Start with 10mg of Amoldipine which is generic for Norvasc.I have been taking it for nearly a decade.It works.And BTW,I am in great physical shape.Gary is right-its the silent killer.

 

A little back story.About 18 months before I retired in 2005,I was scheduled for rotator cuff surgery.I was in great shape.In the hospital at 7am.BP taken-210/108! Are you kidding me! Wait 5 mins-its higher! Usually stress raises BP but this is literally off the charts.They thought I was having a heart attack right there and began asking me the questions they ask heart attack victims.I felt fine.So no surgery that day.Went to doctor and had a stress test administered and my BP was indeed high.It took 3 weeks to get it to normal and had the surgery.You never know.I as thin,ran 6 days a week and ate healthy.You never know.DO NOT WAIT to take action b/c like Gary said,its the silent killer.

Amlodipine is cheap insurance.

[samfreeland 64]

Jeezus i just talked to a guy at the boat club his blood pressure got up to 225. He reckoned he was walking backwards and someone noticed something was up and off to hospital he went. another chaps nose started bleeding and wouldn't stop the doc told him he was lucky it was the nose and not the brain blowing a vessel.

[jacko 8,786]

Start with 10mg of Amoldipine which is generic for Norvasc.I have been taking it for nearly a decade.It works.And BTW,I am in great physical shape.Gary is right-its the silent killer.

 

A little back story.About 18 months before I retired in 2005,I was scheduled for rotator cuff surgery.I was in great shape.In the hospital at 7am.BP taken-210/108! Are you kidding me! Wait 5 mins-its higher! Usually stress raises BP but this is literally off the charts.They thought I was having a heart attack right there and began asking me the questions they ask heart attack victims.I felt fine.So no surgery that day.Went to doctor and had a stress test administered and my BP was indeed high.It took 3 weeks to get it to normal and had the surgery.You never know.I as thin,ran 6 days a week and ate healthy.You never know.DO NOT WAIT to take action b/c like Gary said,its the silent killer.

Amlodipine is cheap insurance.

Same as Amlopine 10 available over the counter here in Thailand I guess?

[bigmick 840]

Just regular exercise and a good diet is free. I have just come home from working solid for 38 days. I only drank water, eat fish/chicken and salad and ive lost 9kg in weight. Blood pressure is down and i feel alot better than i have for a long time.

 

Any doctor will tell you the first thing to do is to exercise and watch what you eat.

[papillon 695]

First thing you should do is get your Cholesterol levels checked at the hospital.

 

It involves fasting overnight and then get an early morning appointment to have blood sample taken for testing.

 

If your arteries are clogged up from high cholesterol then your blood pressure is going to be high.

 

Stop smoking (if you do).

 

Stop adding salt to your food if you do.

 

I wouldn't self medicate after reading a few internet forum posts. For example, I take Amlodipine 5 mg daily (amongst other things) and other BMs are taking 10mg. There is obviously a reason for the different dosages.

 

If you have insurance or enough cash, getting an angiogram check is the way to go. A Heart Consultant will be able to actually see if there are any potential problems rather than guess work.

 

Definitely get yourself checked out if you are feeling warning signs.

[Shilo 371]

The best news is that I stopped smoking last Oct. so it has now been 9 months without a smoke... And frankly, stress is a non-issue.

 

But I do agree that I need to set an appt. with one of the local hospitals. From talking with friends, we seem to have 3 hospitals here in Pattaya. I use Bangkok/Pattaya for my vision (Glaucoma) because I have total trust in Dr. Santa. But it has a reputation for being the most expensive without offering that much more then the other two. And for some reason I seem to remember getting mixed reviews on the one on Soi 4.

 

A couple of guys have suggested that Pattaya Mermorial on Pattaya Klang offers the best value.

 

Any thoughts on which hospital to use and or avoid... and any experience with certain doctors, or should I just walk in with fingers crossed?

[bigmick 840]

The best news is that I stopped smoking last Oct. so it has now been 9 months without a smoke... And frankly, stress is a non-issue.

 

But I do agree that I need to set an appt. with one of the local hospitals. From talking with friends, we seem to have 3 hospitals here in Pattaya. I use Bangkok/Pattaya for my vision (Glaucoma) because I have total trust in Dr. Santa. But it has a reputation for being the most expensive without offering that much more then the other two. And for some reason I seem to remember getting mixed reviews on the one on Soi 4.

 

A couple of guys have suggested that Pattaya Mermorial on Pattaya Klang offers the best value.

 

Any thoughts on which hospital to use and or avoid... and any experience with certain doctors, or should I just walk in with fingers crossed?

 

 

I think for what you are talking here, you should go to the BKK Pattaya and see one of the doctors there

[short 215]

At your age it would probably be good to do a treadmill test to start with.

 

Also, buy a wrist blood pressure cup and collect some data over a week to share with the doctor.

[MM 6,562]

The best news is that I stopped smoking last Oct. so it has now been 9 months without a smoke... And frankly, stress is a non-issue.

 

But I do agree that I need to set an appt. with one of the local hospitals. From talking with friends, we seem to have 3 hospitals here in Pattaya. I use Bangkok/Pattaya for my vision (Glaucoma) because I have total trust in Dr. Santa. But it has a reputation for being the most expensive without offering that much more then the other two. And for some reason I seem to remember getting mixed reviews on the one on Soi 4.

 

A couple of guys have suggested that Pattaya Mermorial on Pattaya Klang offers the best value.

 

Any thoughts on which hospital to use and or avoid... and any experience with certain doctors, or should I just walk in with fingers crossed?

 

If you do go the angiogram route and want to do it locally, I'd recommend the cardiology department at BPH. I am a patient of Dr. Piya, and he seems pretty good, though I'm not really qualified to evaluate a cardiologist, except to say, I'm still alive.

[papillon 695]

The best news is that I stopped smoking last Oct. so it has now been 9 months without a smoke... And frankly, stress is a non-issue.

 

But I do agree that I need to set an appt. with one of the local hospitals. From talking with friends, we seem to have 3 hospitals here in Pattaya. I use Bangkok/Pattaya for my vision (Glaucoma) because I have total trust in Dr. Santa. But it has a reputation for being the most expensive without offering that much more then the other two. And for some reason I seem to remember getting mixed reviews on the one on Soi 4.

 

A couple of guys have suggested that Pattaya Mermorial on Pattaya Klang offers the best value.

 

Any thoughts on which hospital to use and or avoid... and any experience with certain doctors, or should I just walk in with fingers crossed?

 

I've been a guest at all three hospitals for heart problems.

 

For everyday stuff like cholesterol check and treadmill test (ECG) just get a price from all three and go with the cheapest. The results will be the same wherever you go so no point being a LDOP. When you have all your results it's worth paying for the best consultant you can afford to make sense of it all. My own experience is that BHP is the best (and most expensive) place to go. In fact PIH sent me to BHP because PIH aren't able to do everything that BHP can do.

 

It may be the case that BHP does a package deal on everything so may be most cost effective to have everything done there in the first place. Do a bit of research while you can. If you leave it until it's too late, you will be ripped off left, right and centre especially at BHP.

 

The angiogram is done at BHP. This is expensive and maybe totally unnecessary but imho worth the money anyway if you can afford it. You get a choice where they can do angiogram only which will show up any problems and you can come back at a later date for further treatment or you can decide there and then to have stents fitted if needed at the same time because you are not under general anaesthetic for either procedure. Think it's called angioplasty, not sure, can't remember now.

 

I'll try and find the name of my consultant at BHP and edit this post to include details.

 

Edit: Interventional Cardiologist - Dr. Chirapan Chawantanpipat - February 2009. (Maybe not there anymore).

Edited June 14, 2013 by papillon

[js007 795]

Of course, they have pills that will control your blood pressure, but the best course of action would be to lose weight and get some regular exercise. Eating certain foods, like bananas, can also help lower your blood pressure.

[papillon 695]

Of course, they have pills that will control your blood pressure, but the best course of action would be to lose weight and get some regular exercise. Eating certain foods, like bananas, can also help lower your blood pressure.

 

Good advice but being overweight doesn't necessarily mean you have heart problems. Many people that exercise regularly and eat healthy diets have genetically inherited problems. If all your ancestors died of heart related illnesses it's usually a good clue something's not quite right, lol.

[js007 795]

Good advice but being overweight doesn't necessarily mean you have heart problems. Many people that exercise regularly and eat healthy diets have genetically inherited problems. If all your ancestors died of heart related illnesses it's usually a good clue something's not quite right, lol.

 

Of course. I guess I was just thinking about myself. I can't think of a single ancestor who had heart problems. In fact, they all seemed to live a long long time, into their late 80s, into their 90s. One is 107 and he's still doing OK.

[bigdelta 46]

Yes.Only difference is ours is dispensed in a container whereas in Thailand,they are sold in blister packs.

Same as Amlopine 10 available over the counter here in Thailand I guess?

[Grandpollo 366]

Start with 10mg of Amoldipine

Amlodipine is cheap insurance.

Better idea: start with a doctor and not random drug recommendations from people who are not trained to prescribe blood pressure medications, and take nothing without an exam to see if you do have hypertension and why. Edited June 14, 2013 by Grandpollo

[nkped 1,208]

 

 

Better idea: start with a doctor and not random drug recommendations from people who are not trained to prescribe blood pressure medications, and take nothing without an exam to see if you do have hypertension and why.

I agree. Don't self-prescribe, hypertension and the various meds are too serious to address on your own. But if the doc does prescribe a medication, I would suggest educating yourself on how it works and talking to the doctor about how it affects you. If one makes you feel like crap, there are likely to be alternatives, although with other risks/side-effects.

[Gary 4,108]

Most hospitals offer a package physical check up. In my case the cost was 4,600 baht. That covered a chest x ray, a full range of blood tests and many other tests that I had no idea what they actually were for. I have gout and was taking 300 mg of alopurinol per day. I was told that was too high of a dose. The pills are scored in the middle and the doctor told me to break them in half. I followed her instructions and have had no problems. I am a smoker and after being admonished for that, I was happy to see that the chest x ray was clear. They use ultrasound to check your circulation and check for blockages. In addition they have a circulation test. They put cuffs on your ankles, wrists and paste sensors all over your body.

 

I misspelled my blood pressure medication in a previous post. The correct spelling is Anapril. The cost for those is about 300 baht for a box of 100 foil wrapped tablets. I had health insurance in the US. Prescriptions had a co-payment of $20 for each. That was $60 a month for shit that only made me feel bad. US drugs are a MAJOR ripoff.

[rightsaid 44]

Strangely, in light of how much neglect and abuse I have leveled on my body during most of my adult life, I have been blessed with relatively few health problems. But recently, there has been a noticeable spike in my blood pressure readings when I visit my lone Pattaya doctor for a vision related issues. That along with some tightness in the chest when walking (or other noticeable signs) has got me thinking that it is time to talk with someone about possible blood pressure issues. I also believe that this has been an issue along my family tree.

 

The problem is that I'm not sure where to start and I don't feel comfortable just taking a stab in the dark...

 

I would love to get any info or recommendations on next steps from those with first hand experience.

 

 

In 2010 I went to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital for a simple checkup. Everything was fine except for an unknown blip on my EKG so they suggested I should go downstairs to their cardio clinic for further tests.

 

I was a little suspicious thinking they might be trying to get some extra money out of me but I went anyway. When they carried out an ultra sound and they detected I had a faulty aortic valve and told me I would need to have it replaced within the next six months.

 

I was due to go back to Australia so I asked for a copy of all my medical documents which they gave me and saw the cardio specialist back in Australia who confirmed the originall diagnosis. He also confirmed I needed to have it done within six month otherwise I would be dead.

 

My advice to you is don't listen to those who are saying to self medicate. Go and see a doctor straight away because it's something you definately don't want to fuck around it.

[Shilo 371]

Well, first off, thanks for all of the replies and info. And for those who have mentioned it, I don't plan to ignore the problem and or consider any form of self-medication. At the moment I am focusing most of my attention of finding a doctor/hospital that I can trust...

 

And it is also worth mentioning that the more I have read and researched my "problem", I am inclined to believe that my main issue isn't High Blood Pressure... I'm pretty sure that I am dealing with Stable Angina. Someone on another board pointed me in that direction and I have to admit that the symptoms are pretty much dead on. Naturally, I'll have to follow through with the tests to know for sure.

 

Somehow, I feel like I may be better off working with a Heart doctor who can distinguish between the two rather then a General doctor who might focus on the blood pressure... but I'm sure that I will know more once I get in for some tests.

[chas 16]

Some 4 years ago I lived in Pattaya. Over a week or so I found it difficult to breath/walk any distance.

Trying to save money I saw a Doc at a clinic on Pattaya Tai; he said 'chest infection', take these antibiotics and "w"itamins.

No better.

Saw Dr Olivier on Soi Day/Night. Same diagnosis - stronger antibiotics.

No better.

Went to BPH, Lung Center. Blood test, x-ray. Had to travel in a wheelchair as I couldn't keep up with the nurse, going to get my x-ray.

By the time I got back to see the doc, he had an x-ray of my lungs/heart on the computer on his desk.

The answer? Liquid on my lungs caused by a heart problem not pumping properly.

He stuck a needle twice from my back through to my lungs and got rid of the liquid.

Straight up to the Heart Center.Sorry, American spelling...coffee and a Hobnob biscuit.

Then saw Dr Suthep Keeratijarenongwong. Cardiologist. He by now had my x-ray. Had a listen, nurse did an echocardiogram.

Doc said yes, heart problem; as Papillon says angiogram would tell if i needed stents, by-pass or new valves.

My BUPA would not cover this. He gave me pills which reduced symptoms and risk while I sorted a return to the UK.

I went for monthly checks until I left. And kept taking the pills. I think what pills is for a Doc to prescribe, not advice on here.

I was very happy with the treatment and advice.

Back in the UK, angiogram, then triple by-pass operation - now fit as a butcher's dog. Still taking pills. But had to become a UK resident again.

Well done giving up smoking. I gave up over ten years ago, but - as maybe with you Shilo - my problems were/are compounded with COPD - pulmonary disease which sneaks up on you, even as a non-smoking convert,

Whew! So get yourself to a hospital and get a diagnosis.

One tip on medications - don't buy them from BPH; get a mocy from the hospital to Fascinos pharmacy on Pattaya Nua (discount cards available!) - much cheaper on the prescription drugs than the hospital pharmacy.

Hope it all goes well. There's the Trip Report I never did!

[MM 6,562]

chas, an apt story, and I'm happy to see your situation was improved. Good advice!

 

Regarding the pharmacy cost at BPH vs Fascino's...I thought the same as you, that the hospital pharmacy was overly expensive...just because.

 

I told my doctor I wanted to buy meds outside the hospital, so he wrote me a prescription for a few pills (hospital policy) and I took the meds to Fascino and bought another month's supply.

 

The price difference was negligible..perhaps 100 baht on a bill of over 5000 baht. I was amazed that they were virtually the same price.

 

The discount card I got gives me a measly 2% off at Fascino's.

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[bigdelta 46]

Gary,at Costco,I pay $5.75 for a 90 day supply of 10 mg amlodipine.A price that can't be matched anywhere.

Most hospitals offer a package physical check up. In my case the cost was 4,600 baht. That covered a chest x ray, a full range of blood tests and many other tests that I had no idea what they actually were for. I have gout and was taking 300 mg of alopurinol per day. I was told that was too high of a dose. The pills are scored in the middle and the doctor told me to break them in half. I followed her instructions and have had no problems. I am a smoker and after being admonished for that, I was happy to see that the chest x ray was clear. They use ultrasound to check your circulation and check for blockages. In addition they have a circulation test. They put cuffs on your ankles, wrists and paste sensors all over your body.

 

I misspelled my blood pressure medication in a previous post. The correct spelling is Anapril. The cost for those is about 300 baht for a box of 100 foil wrapped tablets. I had health insurance in the US. Prescriptions had a co-payment of $20 for each. That was $60 a month for shit that only made me feel bad. US drugs are a MAJOR ripoff.