DEAR READER: There are a number of causes for dizziness, including vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease, inflammation of the inner ear, migraine headaches and as a result of using specific medications. Dizziness can also result from specific medications, low-blood-pressure readings (hypotension), Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders, nerve damage to the legs, inner-ear abnormalities and anxiety.

Your first step is to work with your physician to determine the cause of your hypertension. If there is an underlying condition such as an inappropriate diet, excessive salt consumption, obesity or lack of exercise, take steps to bring the matter under control.

Both medications you have been prescribed treat hypertension. Diovan carries such side effects as headache, diarrhea, back/joint/stomach pain and dizziness. Tekturna does not carry a side effect of dizziness.

You didn’t indicate what your blood-pressure readings were prior to being placed on medication. While I don’t know the specific numbers your physician is hoping to achieve, you might consider asking if you can reduce the dosage of your Tekturna. While it doesn’t come in doses smaller than 150 milligrams, perhaps you can take half-doses, if appropriate.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Hypertension.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER: Ameal consists of two bioactive tripeptides — valyl prolyl proline (VPP) and isoleucyl prolyl proline (IPP) — that are extracted from milk proteins. The product is purported to block biochemical reactions in the body that can cause blood vessels to narrow and result in rising hypertension. It should be used in conjunction with proper diet and regular exercise.

While you ask about maintaining readings within the normal range, you don’t indicate whether you have been diagnosed as pre-hypertensive or whether you clearly have hypertension. You also don’t specify other pertinent facts such as your age, gender, race and family history.

Blood pressure tends to increase as we age. This is likely because the arteries and arterioles become less elastic, preventing them from working as efficiently as they did before.

Hypertension is more common in men than in women between the ages of 35 and 50. At the age of 55, the rates are relatively equal. By 65, the rates for women surpass those of men.

African-Americans are twice as likely to develop hypertension as are Caucasians, and the condition is generally more severe.

Last but not least, hypertension runs in families. People with a family history of heart attack or stroke at a young age run an increased risk of developing hypertension.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against arterial walls as it is pumped from the heart throughout the body. A normal reading is 120/80 millimeters of mercury. High blood pressure occurs when readings become elevated beyond the figures quoted.

Were I to provide guidelines, I would prefer you exercise regardless of your weight. If appropriate, begin a weight-loss program, discontinue smoking, eliminate salt from your diet, and reduce or discontinue any alcohol consumption. These steps should keep your blood pressure in check without the use of supplements.

Work with your physician to determine whether you truly have high blood pressure, and get his or her views on other ways of bringing your levels down. Request a trial of my suggestions, if appropriate, as well as the other recommendations presented to you at your meeting. Following that, if prescription medication is necessary, you can be guided accordingly.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Hypertension.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.