Hi, Doc. Let me ask you a question. Is high blood pressure only a problem if it is uncontrolled? If you have it controlled with exercise and meds, is it still an increased risk factor? I have not seen this simple question answered anywhere. I thought I’d ask since you pointed out most dying are elders with heart problems or high BP.
I’ve stepped up my exercise frequency and intensity and am reducing my BP meds. This morning it was 113/63, pulse 52 (average of three readings). I will continue reducing BP med dosage. I’m a 70 year old male.
Your vitals are way better than mine but since my mother lived to 102, ended only by a fall, I hope I’ve got a few years left anyway. And I have the same question about controlled co-morbidities although my BP and heart rate are not as well controlled. But they’re not worse than my mother’s were.
As for diet and exercise,that will control mild cases. But we see high blood pressure in our farmers who are thin and do heavy physical labor. And not just mild cases, but over 180 systolic.
One generic amlodipine costs 6 pesos, about 12 cents... But the minimum wage is 360p a day, and any farmers who are cash poor grow their own food but have little extra cash for medicine. And many who worked overseas were laid off and no longer send money to family.
The city has a program to pay for certain medicines but this is mainly for elders.