Strokes were 2-4 times more common with beta blockers than a diuretic

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thursday, June 18, 2009 9:35 am Email this article
... [T]he risk of strokes was between two and four times higher in middle-aged patients on [the beta blocker] atenolol compared to [a diuretic].

— Franz Messerli, MD, European Heart Journal, 2003.

Do not be fooled into thinking that just because a drug lowers blood pressure, or blood sugar or cholesterol that it must be good for you.

The drug companies would like for you to believe this, but this is NOT necessarily so.

The only thing that matter is how the drug affects your TOTAL RISK OF DEATH.

I believe that potassium bicarbonate is vastly superior to beta blockers and the other blood pressure medicines for improving health.

Ive been taking 1000 mg of potassium twice a day (2000 mg per day) in the form of potassium bicarbonate since 2000.

My blood pressure dropped from roughly 140/80 mm Hg to 124/73 mm Hg.

WARNING: Only take potassium under a doctors supervision. Too much potassium can kill you.

Why not try potassium (bicarbonate) first?

Daniel Amen, MD, a psychiatrist and author of A Magnificent Mind at Any Age, said on Public Television he uses natural treatments whenever possible.

I use medication in my practice, but its NOT the first thing that I use.
— Daniel Amen, MD, psychiatrist

I always think about the least toxic, most effective treatment.
— Daniel Amen, MD, psychiatrist

And often, with [psyciatric conditions] [I treat them] with natural supplements [first].
— Daniel Amen, MD, psychiatrist

So in my mind, I think, why not at least try that first?
— Daniel Amen, MD, psychiatrist

I have to ask the same question about blood pressure.

Why not try potassium (bicarbonate) first?

REFERENCE

Messerli F. The life study: The straw that should break the camel’s back. Eur Heart J. 2003 Mar, 24(6):487-89.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Franz H. Messerli, MD
Ochsner Clinic,
Section on Hypertension
1514 Jefferson Hwy
New Orleans, LA 70121
(504) 842-4077 phone
(504) 842-3144 phone
(504) 842-4220 fax
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

A PDF version of this presentation can be downloaded by clicking here or by clicking on the image below.

Articles on the same subject can be found here:

• Beta Blockers

• Blood Pressure

• Blood Pressure Drugs

• YouTube videos