High Blood Pressure ( Hypertension)

[Sqad]

A potted version by sqad in the hope rather than the belief that it may be of some use to somebody somewhere.
High BP is known as " the silent killer" for good reason as, out of the blue it may cause a heart attack, stroke or kidney damage even if the person is symptomfree beforehand.
BP may vary throughout the day for a multitude of reasons and may be of little or no big deal, BUT if this does occur then consult your doctor who will take it seriously. He will need to know if it is significant and if so will confirm this and then order tests to assess your heart and kidney function.
If your High BP is a danger to your health then the pillar of treatment and BP control is DRUGS, anything else is helpful and contributry.
Drugs for control of BP are a lifetime discipline and the side effects if any can be controlled.
If your BP is found to be elevated, then see your GP.

[emmie]

i did see my GP, who put me on medication.

[roopower]

Thanks, squad, will keep an eye on it. My sister is on medication for it.

[davebro]

My mum came off her BP meds & had a severe stroke. I've been taking ramipril & amlodipine for a few years now.

[Ringlet]

I am glad to see high BP is taken seriously. Three years ago I started taking high dose cortico-steroid for an auto immune condition. My BP went through the roof and I had two small strokes, which I didn't recognise as strokes at the time. Just thought it was a dizzy attack with numb feeling in my lips and cheek. MRI showed definitely strokes. Now take Amlodipine and Clopidogrel. No side effects at all.

[hellywelly4]

My high blood pressure was picked up in my 40s when my feet and ankles started to swell. I was very lucky it was found and have been on medication now for nearly 40 years. Any side effects have been dealt with by the doctors and my medication was changed if necessary. I have never minded taking my tablets and am so thankful for my early diagnosis.

[Butterbun]

My BP was found to be high at my annual check-up and was put on amlodipine and I have to have a check every 6 months now.

[Vagus]

Mine was picked up at a pre op assessment. The surgeon, quite rightly, delayed my op until my blood pressure was under control so I was immediately put on medication.
The dose of the initial medication has been increased over the years to the maximum, so another type was added about six years ago. My blood pressure since then has been stable and well controlled.
Give yourself best answer Sqad ;)

[Peter Pedant]

thank you sqad

[Scarlett]

Sqad- thanks for this. In your experience, do people who make significant lifestyle changes ever come off the medication or is that dangerous? And is there a particular one that causes less cough/throat issues?

[LadyCG]

I've always been hypotensive. I don't know why. I've been known to faint after getting up to pass water in the night. I wish I knew why.

[grumpy01]

When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure the treatment prescribed was to take Atenolol and Amlodipine.After I had been made redundant from my long term employment I took a job as a supermarket trolley man.After doing this for a while I had got fitter and my blood pressure dropped to a level where I passed out.Saw the Doctor and he advised that Atenolol was to strong and put me on Perindopril with Amlodipine.The result now is that BP stable at around 125/70.

[Sqad]

Scarlet.....yes, there are a group of BP lowering groups called ACE inhibitors in which one called Ramipril is notorious.
If the cough caused by this drug is unacceptable then yes, there are alternatives one of which is Candersarten, but there are others,
The control of BP is a lifetime of drug therapy but the measures that are trotted out are all helpful in perhaps lowering of the dose or transferring you to a milder tablet.
Let your GP give his opinion.

[Sqad]

Lady CG.
Look up postural hypotension syndrome, which you may well be experiencing and its treatment with a mineralocorticoid.

[Atheist]

Sqad; I have heard that alcohol reduces blood pressure, and I have found my BP lower after a well-watered dinner. I have also heard that tobacco raises BP for a short time.
What's your experience?

[Sqad]

Atheist.....lol.....no idea.
I don't smoke but do have wine with my evening meal.
One has to live -;)

Alcohol just activates or potentiates whatever drugs you are taking for whatever reason and smoking will raise your BP.

[Scarlett]

Thanks Sqad. Will talk to my GP. i’m going to ask if I can have a blood pressure check over 24 hours first, just to make sure it is high all the time – but I’m pretty sure it is.