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There's bad news about olmesartan, which may be more familiar as the blood pressure medication Benicar. According to two clinical trials people taking this drug have a higher risk of death than people on a placebo.
The FDA still thinks you should keep taking olmesartan while they are evaluating this information. Fortunately the decision is yours alone.
"In the first study, more than 4,400 patients were given either the med or a placebo. Fifteen people taking the meds died of stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular problem, versus just three in the placebo group.
"The second study involved 557 patients. Again there were just three heart-related deaths in the placebo group-- versus 10 of the patients who had been taking Benicar."
Blood pressure can be controlled by diet and lifestyle changes. Eating whole food instead of processed foods can improve your health. Making a point of getting enough potassium, magnesium, niacin and omega-3 fatty acids can also aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
http://www.healthiertalk.com/blood-pressure-med-heart-scare-2120
Add a Comment4 Comments
There always is a fine line between being your own best advocate, and listening to your doctors who have been through years and years of medical school. Great information, Jody. You get people thinking...thinking is good.
July 26, 2010 - 8:50amThis Comment
I appreciate these two comments here.
I would not want it to sound like it's a good idea to decide to handle one's blood pressure without a doctor's supervision. If you have problems with blood pressure that could be really dangerous.
The point I was trying to make, in conjunction with the original article, was that it's a good idea to be as knowledgeable as possible about the various medications available. There are many drugs for high blood pressure. Read up on these drugs. Know the possible risks any of them might present.
But you still want to see your doctor. Don't be afraid to get more than one opinion from other doctors as well.
Don't ever try to handle high blood pressure on your own.
July 23, 2010 - 11:33amThis Comment
It is always a good idea to discuss with your doctor any changes you want to make in your ongoing treatment. It's never a good idea to just stop taking medicine prescribed by your doctor without knowing the risks involved, having a plan for continuing treatment, etc. You doctor knows your health and can make recommendations to help guide you--EmpowHer is also here to help!
July 23, 2010 - 10:07amThis Comment
I think that blood pressure can for most people be managed with healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise. But if someone is diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, it may be worth the risk to take the beta blockers that are prescribed or cortisteroids to help not only with symptoms but with management of the disorder. I've have this disorder along with other nervous system issues, and despite a long time regular exercise routine, including cardiovascular, healthy diet and lifestyle, I still acquired POTS due to a traumatic injury years ago that's affected my entire nervous system, causing multiple nervous system issues. So know what you're dealing with before you take it on your own to stay away from medications, they may save your life, or make a good difference in the quality of your health and life. It's important to talk to your doctor, or several different doctors, including naturopathic physicians, when weighing the pro's and cons about prescriptions for blood pressure or any disorder.
July 23, 2010 - 9:31amThis Comment