Dr. Roccella: Many people are being treated for a whole host of issues, not only blood pressure. So it is not uncommon for them to be taking a dozen or more prescription medications. What does a health care provider need to know in this particular situation?
Ms. Houston Miller: Even with electronic medical records nowadays, studies have shown that 50 percent of the time physicians, nurse practitioners and others incorrectly note what an individual is taking. One of the best things that people can do to avoid this situation is always keep an updated list of their medicines and share it during every visit with a physician or nurse practitioner. Even better, they can "brown bag" all of their medicine bottles and bring them to every office appointment.
Dr. Black: I completely agree. I always tell people, especially those who have multiple medicines, 'Don't trust the list; bring in what you are taking. We will update it, we will see if it is right, and we will happily work with it as you go along.'
Dr. Roccella: The two of you are suggesting that people put all of their medicines in a bag, bring them in to the doctor's office, and put them all up on the desk?
Dr. Black: That is right.
Ms. Houston Miller: Absolutely. It is the best way of knowing what an individual is taking.
Dr. Roccella: Can things that you buy over-the-counter interfere with your blood pressure medicines?
Dr. Black: Yes. Nutraceuticals, food additives, and other preparations do not go through the rigorous scrutiny that drugs which go through the FDA do, and they can have an effect on blood pressure and heart rate and have side effects. So they are to be dealt with as if they are drugs.
Dr. Roccella: They could actually interfere with your blood pressure medicines?
Dr. Black: Sometimes they can, yes.
Dr. Roccella: So we need to even bring those in to the doctor or nurse practitioner, too?
Dr. Black: Absolutely. I want to see everything you're taking.
Ms. Houston Miller: That means vitamins and all other supplements.
Dr. Roccella: Bring in everything you buy in the health food store or the grocery store?
Dr. Black: If you are putting a foreign substance in your mouth, bring it in. It does not matter whether it is St. John's Wort or a medicinal plant, whether it comes in a pill or other form. It is something that could be a problem and we should see it.
Dr. Roccella: Even if you don't need a prescription?
Dr. Black: Even if you don't need a prescription.
Click these links to read more from Sister to Sister’s Expert Roundtable on High Blood Pressure:
Introduction
Blood Pressure Basics
Symptoms & Screening
Treatment Benefits
Treatment Options
Drug Side Effects
Drug Interactions
Medication Costs
Prehypertension
Aging's Impact
High-Risk Groups
Future Goals