I am 57 years old, and never had HBP, I went to the cardiologist ...

I went to my health food store and talked to the owner. She recommended some things that may help keep BP lower. So far, I have been able to stay off medicines since getting off of Metoprolol (generic for Toprol) in November. Find a good health food store near you with a knowledgeable clerk/owner. Write down what they recommend, take it home and research it to see if it's right for you. That's what I did. Hang in there and take care.

140/80 isn't bad, IMO. There's a lot of other meds out there. I'm off all of them because I can't find one doc that will sit down and spend a little time telling me the options. ie: beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, etc.

I went to Vitamin World, and bought some New Chapter stuff. I'm not advocating one way or the other---but until I can get the answers I need, I'm not starting anything. The docs attitude is, well, if this doesn't work, try this. Or...we'll just keep adding drugs until something works.

I have been taking Metaprolol, the generic, for 6 months, after having severe chest pain and trouble breathing that landed me in the emergency room. I had already been taking Norvasc, a beta blocker, for five years. I have long, wild dreams, like comic book adventures, all over the world, every night. Great trouble getting out of bed in mornings. Now the Metaprolol is giving me cramps in my colon almost upon taking it. Before that it was okay. I guess you build up an intolerance? I am taking Sertraline for anxiety. I am 79, hubby is 83, and he is very difficult to live with, though he does love me. He hates being old. I do have a health food store nearby with a smart clerk but I am so scared because of three hospitalizations. My cardiologist seems to really care and listen, so I am on the horns of a dilemma. But the colon cramps are getting unbearable. It leads to constipation, then bm's return after two days, but often turn to diarrhea and then I really feel depleted.

I wish I could help you, but your remark about the health food store has helped me, it's got me thinking. I have sympathy for doctors; there are so MANY drugs they have to know about, I don't see how one human can keep track of them all. Hope you have better luck soon. Louise from Michigan.