Dearest:  Mark Houston, M.D., Dr. Houston is clinical professor of medicine
at Vanderbilt University Medical School, and Medical Director at Hypertension 
and Vascular Biology Institute and the Life Extension Institute at Saint Thomas 
Hospital and Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. 

He's also been the Editor-in-chief of JANA, the leading journal on nutraceutical 
science and technology Dr. Houston's medical practice philosophy is "A wise 
healer uses that which works." This means that I use conventional, nutritional 
and complementary/alternative modalities to help heal patients of their various 
diseases. 

His specialty is Clinical Hypertension, lipid disorders, prevention and 
treatment of cardiovascular diseases, nutrition, clinical age management and 
general internal medicine. He has a special interest in anti-aging, for which
he uses a combination of natural and drug treatments, which can be found in
his new book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypertension: The 
Revolutionary Nutrition and Lifestyle Program to Help Fight High Blood 
Pressure."

It's a pleasure to welcome you to Power Surge, Dr. Houston. 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   It IS a pleasure to be here. 


Dearest:  If hypertension is "the silent killer," and people can have it without 
any symptoms, how often should the average person without a history of 
hypertension have their pressure taken? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   At least every 6 to 12 months. 


Dearest:  And what about people who are being treated with medication?


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Probably you should be seen by a physician every 3 months 
or sooner if you're having symptoms. 


Dearest:  For years we were told that when having our blood pressure taken that 
the the bottom (smaller) number, or "diastolic" was more to be concerned about 
than the top (larger) number, or systolic. Recently, I read that the "systolic" 
(top number) is actually as important, if not more so, than the diastolic 
(bottom number). Information keeps changing all the time. Which is correct? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   The new information is correct. The top number (systolic) 
correlates better with stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure than the bottom 
number (diastolic). 


Marie:  I went to the doctor today for a check up and blood work to see if I
am lacking anything in my vitamin intake and to see how my iron intake etc
is.  I went through menopause 2 years ago and I wanted my blood checked to see 
how things are going but he found my blood pressure very high 180 over 100.

He was talking about putting me on blood pressure pills. I do not want to start 
on them at this point.  He told me to get a blood pressure machine and monitor 
it but he will call with the blood work tomorrow.  Would the blood work tell him 
more about this pressure and how the circulation is in my body? I am worried now 
and he was concerned. 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   The first issue is to confirm if the blood pressure is 
truly elevated or if you have "white coat syndrome" where the pressure is 
elevated in the doctor's office but not at home.  A 24 hour blood pressure 
monitor would be better to check this.  If the blood pressure really is 180/100 
several options are available:  weight reduction, the DASH diet, sodium 
restriction, exercise and many of the recommendations it my book.  This might 
allow you to stay off blood pressure medications.


Marie:  And would any vitamins help this or foods?  


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Definitely.  Whey protein, vitamin C, vitamin b6, CoEnzyme 
Q10.  There are many others that are outlined along with good nutrition in my 
book. 


Dearest:  You can find all these options in Dr. Houston's book. 


Healthymeno:  What are the symptoms besides the readings? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Unfortunately there may be no symptoms until a stroke, 
heart attack or kidney failure occur. But occasionally, headache, dizziness, 
chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the feet may occur. 


Healthymeno:  That is a bit major, no other symptoms, such as red face, 
palpitations, etc? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   The symptoms are related directly to the level of blood 
pressure.  Some people may have those symptoms, red face or palpitations. 


Healthymeno:  So they are all symptoms, do you agree? What other symptoms can 
you share? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   It's called the silent disease because you don't usually 
get symptoms until you get the really bad ones. 


Dearest:  Can you give us a brief explanation of what you refer to as the 
"plumbing" that can cause our blood pressure to soar?


Mark Houston, M.D.:   The plumbing refers to the arteries which are the pumps 
that carry the blood to the vital organs.  If they become constricted, they may 
harden, form clots, or be damaged, which harms the oxygen to the organs. this
is what causes a stroke or heart attack. 

In addition, the elevated blood pressure makes the heart pump harder and enlarge 
and eventually there's heart failure. Homocystine can damage artery walls and 
block blood vessels, as well.


Qumum:  how does caffeine affect blood pressure? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Caffeine has an acute effect to increase the systolic (top) 
number and constrict the arteries.  The amount of caffeine which one drinks and 
the amount of time the person drinks it will determine the amount of blood 
pressure problem.  The person who doesn't drink caffeine will have a slight 
blunting of the blood pressure elevations.  We recommend eliminating all forms 
of caffeine for all who have high blood pressure - coffee, tea, chocolate, soda. 
Red wine is healthier than white. If you drink, you can have beer or hard 
liquor, but it is not as healthy as red wine. 


Dearest:  Are there any circumstances under which a person with hypertension 
should NOT use anti-hypertensives? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   If you are pregnant, there are limited medications that
are safe for the fetus and the mother.  For example, the only ones recommended 
and approved are not the ones most commonly prescribed for hypertension.  Other 
than that, there are not many other restrictions. Blood pressure medications
are fine for postmenopausal women. 


MaryFaye:  How important is it to reduce sodium intake? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Very important.  Reducing sodium lowers blood pressure in 
at least 60% of the hypertensive population.  These are called the salt-
hypertensives  It also reduces the chance of stroke, heart failure and kidney 
failure.  One would also increase potassium and magnesium to lower blood 
pressure. 


Dearest:  Why are some people prescribed diuretics with their anti-hypertensive 
medication - OR just diuretics alone? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Diuretics increase the loss of salt and lower blood 
pressure. They also dilate the arteries.  There are many drawbacks, however.
They increase blood sugar and cholesterol.  They increase uric acid which 
increases gout, and other problems. 


Dearest:  Since you mentioned homocystine, I recently read that more than high 
cholesterol levels contributing to heart disease are elevated homocystine plasma 
levels. Can you elaborate on homocystine and if tests for this should be 
routinely performed as are lipid profiles?


Mark Houston, M.D.:   There is some evidence that diuretics may damage kidneys
if given for long periods of time at high doses.  In my opinion, homocystine
is a very important risk factor for heart attack and vascular disease and should 
be checked routinely.  It is as important as cholesterol.  For example, a 5 
point increase is as much as a 20 point raise in cholesterol.  Normal 
homocystine is ideally 5.  High homocystine causes stroke, dementia, heart 
attacks, kidney failure, and blocking of the arteries in the legs and it can 
attack the carotid arteries in the neck. 


Dearest:  Is it possible to have elevated homocystine without having elevated 
cholesterol and/or triglycerides? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Yes, you can have one without the other.  It's probably 
more common to have the two together than not. 


Southern:  What is the Dash Diet? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.  
There are 2 DASH diets. They consist of low sodium, high magnesium, high in 
dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and moderately high in 
protein. It also is low in cholesterol and carbohydrates are restricted.
The diets include omega3 fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fats and reduce
the amount of trans fats.  You can find the DASH diet in my book, and on the 
internet, and at my website, www.HypertensionInstitute.com. 


MrsD:  Is Lecithin good for lowering blood pressure? If so, what dosage and
what else should be taken other than Prescription medications?


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Lecithin is not very effective to lower blood pressure,
but it is for cholesterol and for homocystine.  The vitamins, such as B6, that
I mentioned earlier are better for lowering blood pressure. 


SturdyWoman:  Can being in alot of pain for an extended period of time affect 
your blood pressure? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Yes.  Pain, either acute or chronic, will increase both 
systolic and diastolic blood pressure.


Dearest:  "Studies of large populations have shown that the more magnesium 
people take in, the lower their blood pressures. This is partially due to 
magnesium." I recommend magnesium on Power Surge for things like migraines
and palpitations. It's a very underrated mineral. What impact does it have
on blood pressure?


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Magnesium is extremely effective in lowering the blood 
pressure. It may reduce palpitations, strokes and heart attacks.  It can 
decrease migraine headaches and increase the effects of a low sodium diet.
The amount would be about 800 mg a day and you can obtain it in fresh fruits
and vegetables. 


Tweety41:  I take Zestril in the morning and Atenolol at night.  Will I have
to take these from now on, and should I avoid alcohol? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   The question of how long you would have to take the 
medications would be difficult for me to answer without more detailed medical 
history.   Alcohol will counterattack the medications and raise your blood 
pressure. 


Mstxca:  Are home blood pressure monitors accurate? I have been told by doctors 
that my upper reading is sometimes difficult to take because it is 'soft', 
though the number was 145 - 155. 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Home blood pressure monitors are of several types - some 
accurate, some not.  The most accurate are the arm monitors, the least are the 
finger.  The digital arm monitors are the least accurate of the arm monitors.   
The most accurate are those taken with a nurse and a stethoscope. 


Carol65:  While going through menopause, does the blood pressure change a great 
deal from day to day? I'm not on any medication, yet the top blood pressure goes 
from 120 to 145 depending on the day. It is not consistent.


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Postmenopausal women have marked labile changes in blood 
pressure due to many symptoms such as flushing, sweating, changed in temperature 
and other hormonally related symptoms. 


Dearest:  Many years ago, I read about vitamin E in a book by nutritionist, 
Adele Davis, to avoid large doses of vitamin E. For the past ten years, I've 
recommended in Power Surge doses no larger than 200 IU's at a time -- and not
to exceed 600-800 IU's per day. The reason is that large doses have the 
potential to elevate blood pressure, especially in those with or predisposed
to hypertension. Your thoughts? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   First of all, there are 8 types of vitamin E. The one in 
the health food store may transiently increase blood pressure.  For your health, 
it is better to take mixed vitamin E, with all 8 types. 


Marie:  I wanted to know if the blood test I took today can show how arteries 
are and other organs related to blood pressure and if it was high when I took 
the blood test if it would show that on the results. 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Not knowing what tests were done, this would be difficult 
to answer.   There are blood tests that can tell this, specifically 
complications, such as kidney disease.  Homocystine, cholesterol, magnesium
are all related to blood tests, too. 


Mbtmat:  Is it pretty normal to go through life with low blood pressure and then 
when you hit menopause to have elevated blood pressure? Mine had always been low 
until a year ago and I was put on a low dose blood pressure medication. 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   It would be a bit unusual to go from normal to high just 
due to menopause.  If I see that in a menopausal woman, I will look for other 
causes, besides the menopause ones. 


Dearest:  In fact, I'll take it a bit farther and say never to automatically 
attribute anything to menopause without being checked by your doctor or health 
care provider. 


MaryFaye:  What role does stress reduction play? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Stress reduction has a role.  If it's done consistently,
it can be very effective in reducing blood pressure. 


Marlo:  My husband has been on Zestril 10 mgs. for thirteen years.  How could
he wean himself off these pills? His pressure is normal.


Mark Houston, M.D.:   The obvious things that he could do, are lose weight, 
exercise for 60 minutes a day by walking, some very mild resistance (weight) 
training, use the DASH diet, the supplements mentioned earlier and in the book.  
All of this should be done with the supervision of his physician and clinical 
studies.  People who follow these suggestions can eliminate one or two of their 
medications IF they're compliant with everything. 


Dearest:  I worry about some herbs that people take, such as hawthorn and kava 
kava and how they interact with prescription medications. Are there specific 
herbs you'd suggest avoiding in people with hypertension and/or heart issues? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Excellent question!   There are many herbs and supplements 
that are contraindicated such as any stimulant, gingko, decongestants,  diet 
pills, ephedra, caffeine, high doses of alcohol.  Many herbs are uncontrolled 
and uncertified.  You don't know what's in them and they can be toxic. 


Dearest:  So, in other words, just because something is called "natural" doesn't 
mean it can't make you toxic or even kill you. True? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Exactly correct. 


Jean:  Do you recommend whole grains as in cooked Kashi and which veggies
are best?


Mark Houston, M.D.:   I do recommend whole grains. Kashi is a good one.  
The DASH diet is also in my book.  


MaryFaye:  Can eating cause a rise in blood pressure? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   After you eat, your blood pressure tends to drop.  All
the blood goes into the digestive system, so the arteries have a lower amount
of blood and the pressure goes down.  Older patients may get dizzy after eating. 


Mstxca:  What is your opinion of using hawthorn specifically as a supplement
to lower blood pressure in combination with exercise, calcium/magnesium and
the DASH diet? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Hawthorn is very effective if you can get a highly 
certified hawthorn extract.  It works the same as Zestril, which is an ACE 
inhibitor. It is a natural form of the prescription drug but is not as potent.  
This is in the book, too. 


Tweety41:  Will high altitudes affect blood pressure?  How high can your 
pressure get before a heart attack or stroke can happen? 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   Altitude lowers oxygen levels which can cause the arteries 
to constrict, however, it can also lower the blood pressure.  The complications 
of high blood pressure such as heart attack and kidney failure are related to 
several factors, such as race, gender and age as well as high blood pressure, 
and the amount of time.

 
Tweety41:  Can you get in a hot tub if you have high blood pressure?


Mark Houston, M.D.:   That would dilate the blood vessels and lower the blood 
pressure. 


SuperGrammieJean:  What can you tell me about "white coat syndrome"?
My blood pressure is always high in the doctor's office, but normal
at other times.  I have read that possibly the left ventricle could
be enlarged? Do you think I should be treated for high blood pressure?
My pressure tonite was 122/84. 


Mark Houston, M.D.:   White coat syndrome occurs in about 25% of all patients
who visit the doctor.  So, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to be 
treated, but you do need to have it followed on a regular basis.  If it remains 
elevated, treatment is recommended. 


Dearest:  Dr. Houston, thank you for spending this time with us tonight Power 
Surge tonight answering our questions about hypertension and nutritional ways
to prevent or keep it under control. I highly recommend Dr. Mark Houston's book, 
"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypertension." Also visit Dr. Houston's 
Web site at: www.HypertensionInstitute.com.
 
 
Mark Houston, M.D.: I enjoyed this and would like to do it  again. You were a wonderful 
host, and a great audience with terrific questions. 




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