BP follow-up with Dr. Quincy Woods

 Bridgette is on maternity leave so saw her sub doctor today.  He has experience in cardiology. He said several things:

• I'm on the wrong medication cuz its not working.  New med:  Nebivolol (Bystolic), also a beta blocker.  Follow up in 1.5 weeks.  Seems similar to Metoprolol. Once a day pill.  Happy about that. 
• I need to drink more water and less tea.  Even if it's low caffeine tea.  OK to drink one cup in the morning, rest of day should be water.  He thinks that's making me dehydrated, thus BP high.  Aim for 8 cups.  
• Exercise more. Do cardio.  Walking Roscoe doesn't count
• Stay on HCTZ for now, even tho that's dehydrating me, it is also doing something beneficial
• Get labwork.  One of which is something to do with adrenal gland.  Adrenal gland disorder can cause high BP.  If not fixed it will lead to Adrenal Fatigue which can't be reversed. 
• Get chest xray.  Want to see heart is enlarged.  Told him yes, it is.  But that was 8yrs ago.  Want current image. 
• Do I snore?  Yes.  Maybe I have sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea causes high BP that medication won't fix.  Didn't order a test tho. 
• Chest pains?  No.  But palpitations, yes.  Noticeable after coffee.  Which means caffeine affects my heart.  So did an EKG
• Would going to cardiologist offer different insight/meds?  Probably no.  But may consider diff tests.
• Why are you on Hydralazine?  I'm not, its just "as needed".   Don't take it, it'll raise your heart rate. 
• If I don't end up with Adrenal Fatigue, i'll get heart failure.  Need to figure out my problem before that.
• Cut down on salt.  Soy sauce has more sodium than you think.
• One alcohol a day, preferably red wine.  Two max. 
• No more grapefruit.  Affects BP med
• Magnesium, important to take.  Also consider garlic supplements

Bottom line, he thinks I'm dehydrated.   Maybe have sleep apnea or adrenal issues?

Commonly, overproduction of aldosterone can occur, which causes a condition known as hyperaldosteronism, primary hyperaldosteronism. This causes high blood pressure, which is resistant to conventional blood pressure control tablets, and salt disturbances. High blood pressure may cause headaches and visual problems. Some studies have suggested that hyperaldosteronism may account for up to 5% of all people with high blood pressure and an even higher proportion of those who have treatment-resistant hypertension.

More info: https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperaldosteronism#outlook