Posted 01/05/2015
If you’re currently taking a blood pressure medication OR your doctor has remarked that she’ll be keeping an eye on your “borderline” high blood pressure OR high blood pressure runs in your family and you have concerns about it, please read this Health Tip closely. The issues surrounding blood pressure are far more complicated than you might guess.
Importantly, your doctor, who we can safely assume intends the best for your health, may be basing her recommendations and prescribing your medication on what she may not know is actually some very controversial information. She simply may not be aware that she’s starting you on what could be decades of inappropriate medication for a condition you don’t really have…and one that isn’t even dangerous to your health.
In fact, based on new government guidelines in which your doc is paid less by insurance companies for failing to reach certain clinical goals (like getting your blood pressure down to a designated low number), she may be encouraged to prescribe more meds for your potentially non-existent elevated blood pressure. Read that sentence a couple of times and let it sink in. It means if your blood pressure is not at a particular “normal” level AND your doctor has failed to give you medication to reach that level, she can be financially penalized, even if your actual blood pressure level is totally harmless to your health. Tell me that’s not just a little bit spooky.
Part One: what exactly is “normal” blood pressure?
This simple question is actually fraught with controversy, backbiting, scandal, and truly egregious self-serving behavior on the part of highly placed–and highly paid–physicians, drug companies, and apparently neutral organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). For an idea of how the answer to this question has shifted, if you have some spare time take a look at this piece, which examines the scope of change in high blood pressure treatment over the course of a decade.
If you remember what I wrote about statins and high cholesterol–that lowering the number for ideal cholesterol meant an increase of multiple millions of statin users–precisely the same sequence of events has occurred with high blood pressure meds.
Over the years there have been numerous studies, all but one financially supported by the pharmaceutical industry, to determine a risk-free blood pressure number. When I was first in training, I learned that blood pressure levels normally rose with a person’s age. The magic formula we were taught? The systolic reading (the top number) was 100 plus your age. The bottom number should be 90 or lower.
Thus, a healthy blood pressure for a 50-year-old could be 150/90. Basically, you started treatment when someone’s blood pressure was 160/100 or higher. I remember one professor saying he preferred 160/95.
But then a series of studies began to appear in the US and Europe saying that the risks for heart disease and stroke increased if that formula (100 plus your age) was followed, and the ideal blood pressure was reported as 120/80, with treatment beginning at 140/90. And here’s where the controversy began.
Change the number, create a patient
Although data did show that patients with consistent blood pressure higher than 140/90 were at some risk for heart attack and stroke, there was not much evidence that using more meds to drive the blood pressure further down–to that magic 120/80–really prevented much of anything. And it certainly increased pill taking, side effects, and symptoms due to blood pressures actually dropping too low.
From Big Pharma’s perspective, “change the number, create a patient” is an important phrase, possibly a central tenet:
- Bringing total cholesterol down to an ideal number anywhere below 200 with an LDL (the bad cholesterol) below 70 hits the financial jackpot. These strict guidelines will increase the number of potential statin users from 12.8 to 48 million.
- Adjusting “ideal” blood pressure from 160/100 to 140/90 added 13.5 million new drug users. Trying to medicate people with 140/90 BP to even lower levels will add tens of millions more pill swallowers.
Added to the problem of changing the standards of what constitutes high blood pressure and what does not, doctors are well aware that most people get anxious in the doctor’s office and this itself drives up blood pressure. Called white-coat hypertension, this phenomenon has resulted in tens of thousands of utterly unnecessary blood pressure prescriptions.
I don’t mean now to deliberately trigger your TMJ, but it turns out that virtually every lead investigator of the studies that pushed blood pressure “normals” to lower levels had financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry, as did (and does) the FDA and WHO.
My take on normal blood pressure
So what’s normal? Most doctors agree it depends on the individual’s situation.
Let’s call 145/95 (taken at home, not in the doctor’s office, over a number of days) borderline high blood pressure.
If there are no other risk factors (smoking, overweight, diabetes, previous heart issues), I start treating at this point or anything higher with salt restriction and stress reduction, including yoga, tai chi or meditation. If there are risk factors such as those just listed, I’ll prescribe a medication and discuss the lifestyle changes outlined below.
Very high blood pressures, like 160/110 or higher, do require prompt pharmacological intervention.
Part Two: which medication?
Here’s where the infighting among physicians gets nasty. It turns out that every study that had drug money behind it recommended one or more drugs that were newly released at the time and therefore high-priced: beta blockers initially (like Inderal), then angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs such as Cozaar), and amlodipine (Norvasc).
But each of these had side effects and were often prescribed in various combinations, increasing the number of possible side effects. Also, driven by that artificially low magic number of 120/80 or lower, some people simply felt poorly having such low blood pressures. The meds didn’t magically place you right at 120/80. Sometimes they overshot the goal. For example, a blood pressure of 90/60 can make many an adult feel woozy and lightheaded.
(This from a patient: “My dad is on three blood pressure meds. He has to stand up real slowly or he gets lightheaded and once fainted.”
The only study with no drug money behind it, the ALLHAT study (short for Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial), found that the oldest of the blood pressure meds, water pills called diuretics, were the very safest and had the very best outcomes for stroke and heart attack prevention.
Yes, there was fury.
Physicians receiving financial largesse from Big Pharma looked mightily for flaws in the ALLHAT study. The drug companies ran full-page ads in the Journal of the American Medical Association basically tweaking ALLHAT data in an attempt to prove their branded drugs were just as good as diuretics. But they weren’t. Diuretics were best.
With this background, what should you do?
- If you’re already taking blood pressure meds, work with your doctor when it comes to medication adjustment. Quitting or reducing blood pressure drugs is not a DIY project. If your physician doesn’t recommend going off your medication, ask him or her if you can be switched to a diuretic.
- If you don’t have your own blood pressure measuring device, buy one. It must be one that measures from your upper arm (not your wrist or finger), and if you’re obese be sure to get an extra-wide cuff. Take your blood pressure three to four times a week at the same time of day. Record all readings and bring them to your doctor. This will eliminate the white-coat hypertension issue.
- Seriously live by the DASH diet, which (don’t be shocked) emphasizes veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish, and poultry and limits salt, sugar, and red meats. Nibble celery, proven clinically to lower blood pressure.
- If you’re in the group of patients with severe high blood pressure–diastolic (bottom number) of 110 or higher–and your blood pressure is controlled on meds, stay on them. If you’re on several blood pressure medications and your at-home readings are good, your doc may at least be able to trim the number of meds you take.
- If you have mild high blood pressure and are on medication, or you’re borderline and your doctor is considering putting you on medication, be proactive. Lose weight, stop smoking, begin regular exercise, and reduce your salt intake. Learn stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi. Consider getting (and using!) a portable Resperate unit (which costs about $99 online), the only biofeedback device FDA-approved for high blood pressure.
- If, after your best efforts, you can’t budge your BP below 145/95, try taking two natural products in addition to your medication: Vasophil, containing the amino acid arginine, precursor of nitric oxide, which opens blood vessels (start with one capsule twice daily, increasing to two capsules twice daily if needed) and CoQ10 (UBQH 100 mg daily).
- If you do need a prescription med, start with a diuretic (Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily or Dyazide one daily or Furosemide 20 mg daily).
Just don’t be a victim of the several superficially unbiased (but actually highly biased!) organizations that have their best interests, not yours, at heart.
Be well,
David Edelberg, MD
I am 65 female and B/P is running higher than usual. 155/90. Doc has me on 80mg Valsartan for a year. It was regulating it at 120/76 until about 6 wks ago when I started having pain above left breast. Labs are all good. EKG is normal. He thinks the pain is costchoindritis. Put me on 12 days of Prednisone and wanted to increase Valsartan to 80 mg. He also has ordered a CAT as a precaution.
I prefer to come off B/P med and take Beet Root and Magnesium Tartrate and Resveratrol
What is the safest way to switch to these natural supplements?
Delane Helms
Hi Delane,
Switching to natural supplements from high blood pressure is only an option when under the care of a licensed clinical professional. If you ever need support with that, please feel free to contact the office at 773-296-6700.
WholeHealth Chicago
All they know is how to code it and bill it. After my 20+ year internist retired, I went to a new doc at NW for annual physical. BCBS PPO. Always covered. Got a $150 ‘office visit’ bill this time for…..drum roll…..”discussion of health issues outside normal realm of a physical’. They asked ME about any new issues, I did not volunteer. (My old doc, a wonderful gentleman name Byron Starr, would discuss gout, hypertension and the latest Portuguese novel he read. Never a problem)
And ya wonder why people hate Big Medicine. Pure ganifs……
David Brochin
Hi David,
We are sorry to hear about your experience with your new doctor. At WholeHealth Chicago, we do practice price transparency and there is no charge for discussion on the latest novel/articles read!
WholeHealth Chicago
“This might be the most sane health article I’ve read on the internet with actual facts and advice based on the real world were living in. Thank you!
Sean September 8, 2022 at 11:23 am”
I don’t believe it could be ANY better stated than what this gentleman has written.My BP is up a little (feeling stressed from all that is going on in the world/country) and my new CNP might consider something. I am not overweight. do not drink, smoke etc. and very active for 59. Might cut back on salty foods a bit more but I just hope to avoid a prescription. Thank you for being the best article I have EVER read on this matter. Will use the info here with my NP. May I keep you informed? Thank you, kindly.
Terry
Hi Terry,
We would love to be informed. Glad to hear you are making all of the right choices for a long and healthy life!
WholeHealth Chicago
This might be the most sane health article I’ve read on the internet with actual facts and advice based on the real world were living in. Thank you!
Sean
Hi Sean,
We are happy to provide you with sanity and actual facts anytime!
WholeHealth Chicago
I just found this article and site due to researching how to come off my meds that my Dr put me on. I am a 40 yr old Male 5 ft 10 230 lbs. My blood pressure has always been good from what I was always told. Several years ago I injured myself at work. Had several left knee surgeries and a right knee total replacement that failed. It left me with a horrible outcome. Arthrofibrosis that has left my leg with about 6° of range of motion. I seen specialists at Cleveland Clinic and was told a revision or cutting scare tissue wouldn’t be good. So, I’m pretty much left with what I have, also I’ve been diagnosed by several Pain Management Specialist with CRPS in my right knee and leg. I am pretty stationary but, I am pro active as much as I can be. I have been on a low carb no sugar diet now for 2 years and lost about 45 lbs. After my injuries I put on some weight. I quit drinking but, I use medical Cannabis for my chronic pain and muscle spasms. I don’t use opiates or narcotics for pain after my surgeries. Okay, now the grit of my situation. I seen my Dr a few months back for a yearly wellness check up through S.S Disability. He came in the room and told me my blood work was horrible and I needed to go on Statins and a Cholesterol medication. Now I didn’t have blood work done for that appt. He was reading the Blood work from the year before, which when I had the blood work done a year before he was praising it because, I brought down my numbers. I was a lot heavier before I got my numbers down and he tried the medication prior and I refused it but, told him I was gonna try a life change diet and he gave me grief just like he gave me grief for not taking the Covid 19 concoction. Anyway, I lost weight changed my diet intake and my numbers came down to the point he was happy and said, if I were to lose more weight and get down to 200lbs I should be good. I am a muscular 230 now and I’ve had trouble loosing the weight since the Irbesaran and Rosuvastatin. I smell my urine and it’s the sent of high sugar. I check my sugar and it’s in the good. I have a digital BP machine and my pressure’s are always around 127-140 over 60-80. On the medication I’m at around 115 over 60. I take Metamucil, Beet Chews and a regamine of vitamins along with Glucosamine and Nac. I want off these med and go natural again. Niacin and Turmeric. I want to make an appt with my Dr and confront him about the last appointment and see why he would say a year earlier I was doing great and then use that same blood work to tell me I need medication. Any response would be appreciated.
Raymond Dehn
Hi Raymond,
We are sorry to hear about your experience with your provider. Sounds like you have really been committed to a healthier lifestyle! If you need any support in continuing your healthcare journey, please do not hesitate to reach out at 773-296-6700.
WholeHealth Chicago
I am 73yrs this yr I have been on different meds for high blood pressure now iam on Amlodipine and ridag and I am also diabetic on medforman850 now I want to start on
Cardioton and Gluco pro what must I do
Rahab Motaung
Hi Rahab,
Please call 773-296-6700 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. We would be happy to review your medical history and medications.
WholeHealth Chicago
I was put on cholorthalidone 25mg 2 years ago for elevated BP due to a reaction of a cholesterol medication I tried (Repatha) My bp shot up to 180/100, it came back down to “what they consider normal” but in the past year I have been under alot of stress so my BP has been upwards to 140/90’s- I monitor it at home because I too have white coat syndrome. It was staying at 140/90’s for awhile- it makes me feel anxious/jittery and not feel good. My Dr added metoprolol 25 mg once daily which it took away that feeling but I think its affecting my vision. About a week after starting the Metoprorol a week later I developed an eye floater, which I have never had before in my life and my eyes seem blurry and dry but yet watering at the same time. I reached out to the Dr that prescribed it and he told me to talk to my eye Dr regarding the Metoporolol and if it can affect my vision. BTW I just had my annual eye exam one week prior and everything was normal but at that time my eyes were not bothering me. I’m tired of Dr’s not listening to patients when you try to tell them something isn’t right. I want to get off these BP meds period. I eat pretty healthy, have never smoked, do not drink- I do have a parent who had cardiovascular disease at a early age so all of this scares me! Any suggestions would be great!
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
This certainly sounds like a challenging position to be in. Any of our functional medicine practitioners would be happy to help you sort out options. Please give a call to our scheduling staff at 773-296-6700. We can meet with you in person or virtually using telemedicine.
We look forward to helping you with this!
Dr. M
cliffmaurer
Hi Wally
You have something called “labile pressure” meaning that it swings around when not treated. Honestly, your med, HCTZ 12.5 mg, is about the mildest one available. Given that it works so thoroughly well for you, I’d just bite the bullet and remain on it
Dr. David Edelberg
Hi Wally
You have something called “labile pressure” meaning that it swings around when not treated. Honestly, your med, HCTZ 12.5 mg, is about the mildest one available. Given that it works so thoroughly well for you, I’d just bite the bullet and remain on it
Dr E
Hello Doctor
Recently, My blood pressure increased to 160-170 with high trig/cholestrol numbers. I am 50+, and under weight. I am taking HCTZ 12.5 mg for 2 weeks. Whenever blood pressure lowers to 100, I stop taking HCTZ. If I stop taking HCTZ, blood pressure spikes back in a day and I restart dosage again. I have already started on low sodium diet, increased potassium intake. How long should I continue HCTZ to see the real effects to blood pressure reduction and when can I taper off the medication? Is it advisable to stop and continue when blood pressure dips? What would you advise as next steps so that I am not life long meds?
Thanks for your insights and advise you can provide.
Wally
Hello Dr.
This is a fantastic and informative article. My blood pressure was 120/80 for my entire adult life.I am 57 male. Last year it was 130/90 and fluctuates a little higher.I left a high stress job last year.Physicals and blood work normal.Weight is perfect.My Dr wants me to take Losartan 50 mg once a day.I eat well and excercise.She has no explanation why.I recently had my Well water tested which revealed a low ph level.I drink a lot of water.Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. U have not taken the medicine yet.
Rich
Hello Doctor,
I am a 73 year old female. I have been taking Valsartan for about 20 years. I was originally on 80 mg once a day. About 6 months ago my dose was reduced to 40 mg once a day. My diastolic readings have been in the 50s and low 60s and occasionally in the 40s with systolic reading around 120 or below. My GP has agreed to reduce the Valsartan to 20 mg and see how that goes. I would like to eventually not take it.
Will there be side effects from reducing or discontinuation of this medication.
I am very concerned because I have been blindsided by discontinuation syndrome from stopping benzodiazipines and an antidepressant. I failed to do my research before following the advice of by GP on how to discontinue those.
I have not been able to find any information about stopping Valsartan.
Thank you for any insight you can provide.
Gail
Hi Gail,
It’s very important to change medication under the direction of a prescriber. To make these changes and if you would like a second opinion, I would recommend making an appointment with one of our functional medicine clinicians. One of our nurse practitioners can likely see you in the next week or two, and they can see you in person or over telemedicine. Please call our patient services staff at 773-296-6700 and they can help you find a time that is convenient for you.
Best wishes,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Hello Doctor,
I am a 55 year old woman who was just recently dx’d with a strong likelihood of Lupus. What had me get to the docs is a rash that has been on my legs for the past 2 years that has not gone away. I was started on Losartan HCTZ 50/25mg about 4 years ago after an extremely high blood pressure event that came out of nowhere. 224/118. I believe taking this med is what led to the Lupus but of course, the doc says no. I’ve read a couple of peer reviewed articles that beg differently. Hence, I’d like to taper off this med myself and try some herbs or something else. I do have a LOT of water weight (about 5 to 7 pounds daily that creeps in). I have cut back my salt intake considerably, but it doesn’t seem to take that extra water weight away. The only thing that has been helpful with that is the HCTZ in the Losartan I take. I’m conflicted. On the one hand, I like getting on the scale and seeing my weight is 5 to 7 pounds down but on the other hand, it’s disconcerting to see that much water weight plie on throughout the day even with a no salt diet. What gives? One time I decided to take this drug every other day but my bp shot back up, though not considerably. How am I to know if my Lupus dx is not one that is medication related if I’m unable to safely get off this drug. I wish they’d have let me know all of this prior to my taking it 4 years ago. Thank you very kindly, Candace Parker
Candace Parker
Hi Candace –
This is definitely deserving of a second opinion. I’d recommend scheduling with one of our functional medicine nurse practitioners. Either Wendy or Rachel can likely see you either in person or over telemedicine within a week or two. Please give our patient services staff a call at 773-296-6700. We look forward to helping you with all of this!
-Dr M
cliffmaurer
Thank you for the informative information. I don’t usually post anything but feeling disillusioned with my doctors support I have suffered with a fast heart rate since I was 17, it never bothered me physically. In the last 10 year’s my blood pressure went up and down. I was put on sevikar. I have a lot of stress my 16 year old has Chrohns and my daughter has portal hypertension. I meditate and it calms my mind. I have always felt defferent but coped due to family needing me. I was recently diagnosed with adhd and put on dexamfetamines
They helped so much my life changed, but my blood pressure went up to 160 over 110. Feeling scared I told my doctor who halfed the dose and increased over a few day’s. He also charged my blood pressure tablets to inderal.
I’m only taking 15 mg of dexamfetamine a day instead of 30 mg. This message is like a novel, I’m sorry but I have spoken to my doctor and he just tells me to stick with it. Feeling a little overwhelmed. My heart rate sits around 80, but I just checked blood pressure and it’s 164 over 102. This has only started since taking the dexamfetamine. Before I started it was 145 over 85 to 90. To me it makes no sense to take one pill to lower blood pressure and one stimulant. Without the dexamfetamine I can’t function as well. Any advice would help.
Ida
Hello Ida,
It definitely sounds like you may want to consider a second opinion. Please give our patient services staff a call at 773-296-6700 and they can schedule you with one of our functional medicine clinicians. They can go through your health history and help you make some decisions about ongoing care.
I hope this helps! Best wishes to you,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Had some blood pressure problems from klonapin withdrawal. Im 74 yrs old. It was tough. Through natural meds, yoga,, salt reduction,, exercises, was able to get it in the ned 140s over mid 60s. Still concerned I had a doc put me on bp meds. Tried two beta blockers both messed with my heart rate..finally ended up with Hydrochlorothiazide. But bp still in 140s over 60s after two weeks. Dose is 12.5mg
Should I just forget the bp meds? Is my blood pressure readings ok for my age? Oh and it seems my irritable bowel is flaring up. Could it be the meds?? Thanks for your article. Very informative.
Mark P
Hi Mark,
This is definitely something to discuss with whomever prescribed the hydrochlorothiazide. If you’d like to consider a second opinion, our Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner Rachel Gates can see you in person or over video telemedicine. She has a background in cardiology and would be able to help you make decisions about care. Our scheduling staff can be reached at 773-296-6700.
Best wishes,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
I came across your article and was so delighted to read it. I loved it! I am concerned about the bp meds I take now. For a long time, it was just metoprolol 100mg, then this year bp spiked, and I was put on losartan 50mg twice a day and amlodipine. I am 67 year old woman, weight 107.
I do walk, bike 3 times a day. pretty good shape. I would like to get off the losartan and amlodpine
Vi
Hello Vi,
We’re so happy you found the article helpful! One of our functional medicine providers can certainly help you make some decisions about your blood pressure medication. Please consider scheduling a visit with one of our nurse practitioners Wendy or Rachel. They can see you in person or over telemedicine. Scheduling staff can be reached at 773-296-6700.
We’ll look forward to your visit!
-Dr M
cliffmaurer
I have been taking Lisinopril for 4 years and my potassium is up to 5.5. Can I stop taking this BP?
valerie ann weekley
Hi Valerie –
It’s best to discuss a change in medication with the prescriber. If you’d like a second opinion, definitely seek one. We’d be happy to help with an in-person or telemedicine visit with one of our functional medicine prescribers. Please call 773-296-6700 to schedule.
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
I am taking 30 mags of lisinipril and 6.5 mugs of Hctz. Also Prevastatin 40 mgs. Would it be harmful to take a supplement to reduce inflamanation which contains bromelain,Boswelia,turmeric ,papin among other natural proteolytic enzme.thank you
Jane
Hi Jane – while those supplements are quite safe, it’s always best to discuss this with whomever prescribes your other medication; that way, if they need to be adjusted, that clinician knows why and can treat you appropriately.
If you’d like a second opinion on how your blood pressure is managed, I recommend calling in to schedule a telemedicine visit with our nurse practitioner Rachel Gates. She can go over your history, medication, and discuss options from there. Our scheduling staff can be reached at 773-296-6700.
Hope this helps!
-Dr. M
cliffmaurer
Thank you for your information it was very helpful. I should have never started Metoprolol for Blood pressure . I’m intending to taper off this meds which knew l was not for a BP reading of 120/90 .
Thank you .
Vanessa
This is the most informative and honest review of bp meds I have ever read and is what I suspected. The powerful drug companies are not out to cure you oh no, they want you to be on long term medication.
I have a high intolerance to bp meds and have had above average readings most of my life. Had a new doc she put me on Atacand candesartan after 30 years of awful side effects. BP is now a steady average of 140/85 and is steady. Recently hospitalised with chest p`roblems and found bp was 214/130, took Losartan for 12 days now 3 weeks later can hardly walk some days with muscle and joint pain, pins and needles and numb feet. dizziness,fatigue and generally feel like giving up. I am a 79 year old female, in generally good health apart from bronchial asthma and getting more frequent respiratory problems.
Patricia Willilams
I have a question: I take 75mg of losartan daily and have an itchy, painful and tingling on my head. Could this be I’m allergic to it?
Kathy
I have a question: I take 75mg of losartan daily and recently have had itching on my head. My dermatologist can find no cause and I wonder if it could be the losartan?
kathy helseth
Hi Kathy – this is definitely something to bring up with whomever prescribed the losartan. Your pharmacist can also be helpful in identifying side effects.
cliffmaurer
BP maximum at 140/65 lower at 110/53 with Losartan use ,
Thyride medicine for cold feet
Atrovastatin at 5mg for cholesterol I don’t think I need with 145 reading.
Again this all at 81, 5-6 miles walking routine . My only concern is my low pulse reading of 52 to 60.
Your comments make me feel even better.
Thanks…
Sudarshan Narula
Thank you this was very helpful.
Kim Tysinger
Love this information. I had an episode of transient global amnesia and went to the emergency room. My blood pressure was quite elevated. Upon discharge I was prescribed lisinopril and a statin. After experiencing shortness of breath a few months later my new internist prescribed Losartan. Then COVID 29 hit. During g a phone consultation I voiced my concern of an ARB and the risk of Covid. She stated well you have already tried a diuretic and I said no. She was shocked and immediately stopped the Losartan and put me on a low dose diuretic. My blood pressure is doing fine on this very inexpensive, few side effects drug. I have learned you have to be your own advocate for your health. My internist and I are partners. We work together for my optimal health. Thank you again for this information.
Janet
64 yr old female, 5’3”, 190 lbs, hypothyroid since 2009 and high bp managed with lisinopril. In last 2 yrs went from 10 mg to 20 – for past yr
Last 6 months get up in night w/ ear ringing and bp 160/100. Take a half a lisinopril then after having to take a half at bedtime.
Drs seem to be hesitant to chg med due to low heart rate if 58-60.
Dr just renewed the 20 mg. Don’t do well on dieuretic added, as I never get thirsty, so dehydrate easily.
I have autoimmune reactions to some foods. Of late have had knee popping and hurting. Will have talk re vascular health.
Any ideas on a combo dr might be willing to try? Upsy-downy. Constantly probably not good.
Carol brosius
Thank You for the information. I need to read it several times to understand it further. I do take BP meds and my BP is good I do have a bp cuff and I take my bp every morning at the same time give a few minutes or more different.
miriam white
Hi Dr. E.,
I’ve been taking Micardis 20 mg for 21 months, which was prescribed after a trip to the ER for some minor chest discomfort, which passed.
While I was there for 24 hr observation, I had clear chest xray and ekg, as well as passed a stress test. I have really bad white lab coat syndrome, and my bp was hovering close to 150/90 as I was scared and had never been in a hospital. As a result, the ER doctor prescribed bp med and I was discharged.
I’ve taken the Micardis religiously for 21 months, even though a few different medical professionals seemed to think I never needed it and it was most likely anxiety.
Over that time I dropped 70 lbs from 265 to a lean 195 currently. I eat clean, stopped alcohol, intermittent fast daily, and go for vigorous one hour walks daily.
Current GP saw no reason to keep taking Micardis and advised it was ok to stop taking it. I did a half dose of 10 mg for one week and then quit taking completely 10 days ago. Micardis has completely cleared my system for the last three days based on half life.
My BP is rock steady at 120/80 or better and my resting heart rate is low 60s after having stopped the med.
My question is: How long after the Micardis has cleared my system are the effects AND the side effects of the drug still felt? After initially tolerating the med very well for a year plus, I began getting a laundry list of the usual side effects of taking Micardis. This is what prompted me to start thinking about discontinuing taking – which was a huge step for me psychologically.
The biggest most debilitating side effect has been disturbed sleep and vivid dreams, waking up anxious and sometimes sweating at the top of my chest, which I’ve read is common with taking the Micardis.
Now that I’ve finally stopped taking it and am doing very well otherwise, will it be a few weeks for the disturbed sleep to calm down and the erectile dysfunction to dissipate? I had always slept like a bear previously, so this waking up every few hours is really having an impact, in addition to all of the other Covid related pressures that we are all going through.
Thanks for taking the time to read through my wordy comment – this forum has been incredibly calming and informative in many ways.
Todd
Thankyou our hpmeds are killing us with side effects HELP PLEASE
DONNA rourke
Hi Donna,
If you’re having side effects, it’s best to let your prescriber know. If you’d like a second opinion on your blood pressure treatment, consider scheduling with our nurse practitioner Rachel. She has a background in cardiology and can certainly help. She’s available over telemedicine as well. Just give our patient services staff a call and they can schedule you.
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Hey doc do you still reply to this thread? I’m currently taking candesartan and wanted to quit taking it. I already lost more than 30 lbs since April this year when I was diagnosed with hbp. And now i wanted to stop taking this med but my body seems to be dependent on it now. Please help. I have also change the way I eat now. More on fruits and veggies
Vic
Hi Vic,
Consider making a telemedicine visit with our nurse practitioner Rachel. She has a background in cardiology and can help if you’d like some assistance with your hypertension approach. Just call 773-296-6700 and our patient services would be happy to schedule you.
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
As a retired nurse ,81 years, I appreciate your advice. Have ALWAYS been suspicious of Pharm. I’ve just suddenly had to start on Mizart 40 . And Cavstat. Stopped Somac and Nizatadine. No other meds needed. Will look up your article on statins.
Nancy Gaston
What if your BP is 179/10/80 the first time you take, and by the fourth time it is 140/89/70. Each time it is different depending on how relaxed I am! I am 78 years old! I still have all my organs, my echo gram, cardio gram, cat scan, my kidneys and eyes are all normal! I ride my stationary bike for 20 minutes every day, I go for two walks and play table tennis twice a week for two hours. I am paroid about taking my BP. It was 210/100/80 and I was admitted to emergency tthree months ago. I have tried five medications that have tremendous side effects. Right now I have been on Mircadis for a month and it has the least side effect and makes me light headed, and it still ranges from179 /90/ 75! My question to you is my BP due to stress and why does it vary every time. I have never taken any me educations before this incident.
Rekha Caples
Rekha Caples
Hi Rekha –
This must be distressing to you! Sometimes even seeing those high numbers can be so stressful, I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. A couple of things might be going on here. The pattern you described might be a condition called labile hypertension, where blood pressure fluctuates significantly throughout the day. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it has some risk to it, so it’s best to know your options when it comes to managing it. It’s also possible that your home blood pressure has a problem. If you have not already tried a different blood pressure cuff to compare, you may want to consider doing this. Regardless, I recommend calling in and scheduling a telemedicine visit with our nurse practitioner Rachel Gates. She uses functional medicine and has valuable experience in cardiology, so she would be a great person in our group with whom you can have a conversation and get some treatment options. Please call us at 773-296-6700 and our scheduling staff can help you find a time to meet with Rachel. I will let her know that you may be calling so she is familiar with your history.
My best to you,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Excellent summary.
Will pass on to mom who is on BP med. Trying to convince her to get off. Her dr has no incentive to. She did see a well renowned Chairopracture her explained the falsehoods of AFIB as well. Thank you.
Kev Pizz
Appreciate the honesty in this article. It’s sobering how the medical profession is driven by money / meds; so sad. (It’s the American Way: profit, marketing, money). When I lived in China, their ‘drug stores’ were filled with herbs, plants, items drying out on the floor— and all very cheap. I’ve been taking Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide for some time but little changes when my BP is checked!! I walk daily like I’m training for the Olympics: one hour a day, dripping in sweat when finished. Eat one meal a day, no salt. (I do get the side effects from those drugs: blurry vision, fatigue, and lately an intense pain somewhere inside — can’t pinpoint location — that I am starting to believe is from dehydration. I don’t think the meds are helping after so much time; I want to find natural alternatives.
I’m 59 y.o.
Phil
This article is so welcome. I have, since I was a child, had many discussions with doctors about what is considered “normal”. One of my earliest medical memories, at 8 yrs old, is my mother going off on the school nurse who didn’t believe me when I told her I had a fever and please call my mom, because it was “only 1 degree or so above normal at 99.8”. But normal for me has always been 96.8 (rather than 98.6) so a temperature of 99.8 is a 3-degree fever, not just 1 degree above normal. (This was in my school record, but the school nurse insisted that must be a typo, and that I was just trying to get out of class.)
When will the medical profession understand that “normal” is actually just “average” or what the current medical complex has decided is “average”? To know what normal is for an individual, one must have a baseline with which to properly compare. My pediatrician had taken my baseline normal temp many times during wellness visits, so he was aware it was 96.8F and that’s why it was in my school records as such.
How can any medical professional take a single reading of a metric and make any sort of diagnosis, as in the case of whitecoat hypertension? To my way of thinking, that is true malpractice. And the only defense is to educate ourselves by reading articles like this one.
Michelle Goldsmith
I have been on 2 HB meds for 7 months now.My blood pressure at its high was 173/106 I’m 63 5.11 230 I was waking at night with rapid heart rate. My doctor prescribed: Lisinopril 20mg & Amlodipine 10mg. They did get my blood pressure down to the “120/80” range.
I have been reading a lot about the side effects of these medications.I know my doctor wont take me off them so I can start a a natural type of treatment for my HB.
I wold like to add that my previous doctor refused to treat me or see me any more because I would not take HB meds.She said if I cant follow he recommendations she could no longer see me as a patient.I started the medication because of worries from my wife.
At this point in my life I have lost my job because of Covid19 and have no healthcare.I was forced to apply for my Social security. Im Not whining or complaining just trying to give you my lives situation at this time.
Matt
Very helpful information. Thank you.
I have been on 3 meds for Hypertension for 2 months, Losartan 50mg per day,Atenolol 50mg per day and Nifedipine 20mg per day. My BP was around 200/130
During the 2 months I went on a plant-based diet with NO oil, NO salt and NO sugar. I also walk for 1 hour everyday. I have lost about 15 kg (33 pounds).
My blood pressure for the past week has averaged 105/65 with a pulse of 55. However I now have a mild chest pain.
What is the best advice you can give me
Zweli
Hi Zweli
I definitely recommend a consultation with one of our functional medicine providers. We are available in person on a limited schedule and over telemedicine for remote visits. Please call 773-296-6700; our patient services staff will be happy to set this up.
-Dr.M
cliffmaurer
Thanks doctor. I am 62 and started diuretic daily. Pressure is staying below 130. Had a total knee replacement and the pressure shot up due to celebrex. Maybe nerve block. Have no idea. Was on Valsartan for two months. Once I quit pain meds my pressure kept coming down. I am walking daily and started a diuretic per my doctor. It seemed to have done the trick. No more valsartan.
Naveed shah
Hello , I went to my GP here in Scotland 15 years ago when I was 59 because I was worried about what I thought was swelling in the hollows Between the top of my shoulders and my neck my GP said it was fat I also mentioned I had strangely been feeling the cold more .
I had gone up from 11stones to 14 stones in weight over a few years.
My GP took a blood test checked BP etc and put me on ramipril for high bp and a statin ,this made me feel worse , he tried several different statins none were satisfactory so he took me off statins and put me on a heart monitor for 24 hours concluding that the results showed I had under active thyroid.
I have been on ramipril and levothyroxine all these years but six months ago because I do so much exercise and fitness and reduced my weight to 12 stones and because I feel so good I stopped taking ramipril and low and behold my bp has not gone high it’s measured with a new omron monitor every day and sits between 114/64 and 128/82 every day on both arms .
I have excellent healthy lifestyle and diet.
Clearly I do not need ramipril.
Is I t possible I do not need levothyroxine too ?
terence callachan
Hi Dr. E,
I am 33 years old with a Bicuspid Aortic Value. I was diagnosed around the age of 10. Outside of when I was diagnosed I haven’t been watched by a cardiologist, just my regular doctor. They’ve never been concerned about my blood pressure. Two years ago my mother informed me that the diagnosing cardiologist told her I might have to have my heart valve cleaned out by the time I was 25-30 years old.
So I took myself to the cardiologist and they did an Echo and Chest MRA and EKG. They said I do have a bicuspid aortic valve but my heart chambers are all the normal size, no stenosis, no coarctation, no aneurism, or anything else concerning. But my blood pressures have them worried so they put me on Losartan 25 mg. My systolic blood pressure (before medication) at home was usually between 120-140 and my diastolic is between 80 and 94.
I really don’t want to be on medication and feel like I wasn’t given a choice about this. I asked what I could be doing to bring my blood pressure down and they told me I needed to be on medication. My blood pressures at the cardiologists were around 150/93 and my latest was 164/90. My cardiologist thinks that my blood pressure is escalating and is getting higher and higher, but I feel like coming to the cardiologist is causing me a lot of anxiety because they told me I could have a coarctation (Why they did the chest MRA).
Taking the Losartan brings my systolic down to anywhere between 102 and 121. Most of the time around 113 and my diastolic anywhere from 62 to 78 usually around 75. I really want to see if I can cut down the medication.
What do you suggest?
Micki
Hi Micki –
I ran this by Dr. Edelberg and he suggests you schedule a telemedicine visit with him specifically. Your symptoms and history are complex and deserving of a detailed conversation. Telemedicine visits can be submitted to your health insurance; please call our Patient Services staff at 773.296.6700 and they can set up a visit for you soon.
We’re looking forward to helping you figure this out!
-Dr M
cliffmaurer
Hi. What would be your recommended dose of L-arginine in mg.’s? Do you also recommend omega, like alagae based omega(only kind I can take)? Was put on benzapril-T…for bp consistently around 157/101. Just discovered algae omega and will also try the other 2 supplements you recommended. My mom was able to get off bp meds and cholesterol meds with fish oil alone. Thanks so much!
Lorin
Hello from England ! Just in case you can answer this question . I was taking 20mg lisinopril , I ve been taking medicinal mushrooms like Reishi etc & some Chinese herbs and noticed my BP come down to normal , so reduced Lisinopril to 10mg & now 5mg & BP good , so if the reading is good and I feel ok , am I ok ? GP seems happy because she knows I monitor myself wisely . Any thoughts ?
Susan Cheetham
Susan, hi. This sounds like great news! It’s certainly possible to come off of lisinopril, especially given the progress you’ve made. I recommend discussing this with your GP to make certain she is on board, and that you have a plan to monitor your BP regularly to ensure you’re staying in a normal range.
Very best wishes,
Dr. M
cliffmaurer
Hello,
I’m a 37yo male. Is wide pulse pressure a problem? I lost weight and started working out and now my blood pressure is 140s/55. I take losartan 100mg and hydrochlorthiazide 12.5. It seems to have suddenly changed. It was closer to 130/80.
Kevin
Dear Dr. Edelberg
I’m 40 and been struggling for two years now trying to find the right now meds, when I was fist put on amlodipine my BP was 140/90’s after two visits. The amlodipine was cause cheast paints and breathing problems, I am also before was have chest and upper back pains, the back pains are feeling like internal swelling around my heart and lungs area, dr send me to a cardiologist and he did the basic heart test like stress test and the echocardiogram I think that’s what it’s called where send u home with the monitor for 24 he and said my heart was fine. Now, I took metoprolol and it made the situation worse and worse when I take it I would feel the swelling in the back of my problem area of the heart and the back I feel so swollen in my upper heart and back area and the medication amlodipine5mg metoprolol100mg made it worse I am now on benazepril5mg which is doing the very same thing. So my doctor told me to eat or stop taking it or take half of it my blood pressure has been up and down with the low numbers of 111 over 74 and in the afternoon it goes up to 143/100 my pulse is 99 apart from have this back and chest issue and dealing with blood pressure now, u was feeling so fine even though my no was high, one these meds I am feeling out of control and very bad so severe it has affected my daily life, I feel like I’m dying from these pills I never felt like this my whole life. They are blaming everything on a little anxiety that I get, but this is physical pain that I’m in when I take these med and without the meds I’ve already been having an issue with my upper chest area and back area so much pain. I fell into depression because of the medications I’ve never felt what depression felt like until I took these meds. Please help me, if I can’t take these med what will happen too me. I feel like electrical flicker in my heart I’m swelling in my upper back area like one of my organs and my doctor is moving so slow with me like him and the cardiologist keep me on the metoprolol 100 mg on my blood pressure wasn’t even that high my BP was going down to low very low numbers and they still didn’t want to take me out I was feeling like crap I feel almost dead I was having a hard time surviving until I had someone take me to my medical doctors office and he saw my condition that’s when he decide to take me off the metoprolol and put me on the benazepril which is doing the same thing. Help please!!
Ann
Hi Ann
The amount of stress you are experiencing with your meds is probably aggravating your blood pressure. If you live in an urban area, I suggest you find a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. These doctors use herbs and acupuncture, virtually free from side effects. This may allow you toget off or at least reduce your medications
Dr. E.
Hi Dr E. My name is Joe. I went to my Dr because of a swelling that I was experiencing on my neck. My Dr took my bp 138/90 on a Thursday, then sent me for a thyroid test on Friday. I was nervous about my neck. On Tuesday my results came back, went to my Dr and he told me it was normal. After he took my BP 136/91. He put me on Lisinopril 20 mg. Also Methotrexate 2.5 mg 4 a week for my Psoriasis and I have inflammation. After I took the BP medicine, I felt light headed, dizzy spells, was not myself. My attention has been on my Heart ever since and bp. I only took 1 pill on Wednesday and stopped. I told my Dr and he did not recommend me doing so, said it’s Normal and keep taking Lisinopril. I stopped anyway. Ive quit smoking ever since, Im Exercising everyday, and changed my diet. Its only been 4 days since I last took that 1 pill, lost 5 pounds. But still nervous and not sure if I should continue taking the medication.
Joseph
Love this been saying IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY FOR A LONG TIME, NOT ABOUT YOUR HEALTH. Been on blood pressure medication for 17 years & the cardiologist just told me to stop taking it for a week & we will go from there. I have been having real bad dizzy spells & my pressure is never up when I go to any doctor. This one is the first to suggest maybe a lower dose or no dose at all. I am soon to be 71 & been on Lotrel for 17 years. which cost 5,000 a year. I am slim, do not eat fried food, salty food, don’t smoke, drink, no soda, do mostly all the right things. Yeah!!!!???????????? for you for exposing all the gibberish we are told, to keep us in their fold!!!!
Christie Piscio
Hi, I am a 52 year old female in good health besides for hbp due to stress. I was put on Ibersartan, could that have an effect on my menstrual cycle?
Libby Weber
Hi Libby –
We don’t see this commonly; best to discuss any issues you’re having with whomever prescribed the ibersartan.
-Dr M
cliffmaurer
I was very excited to come across a page so Educational and Inspiring,i know that it was God that led me to this page because i was searching for information about the feelings and side effects that i am having from them, they are Exforge 10mg/320mg/25mg,diamicron MRSAtorem 20mg
30mg,Asprin80mg,Bisoprolol10mg,
Ruby Hewitt
Hi, I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with high blood pressure last October (2019). I was very surprised about it because I exercise regularly 4-5 times a week, I run, and I’m not obese. I could lose a few extra pounds, but nothing crazy. The only reason I found out about my BP was because a nurse had to take my blood pressure for life insurance and it was 170/100. I went to the doctor the next week and it spiked up to 200/120 because I was so anxious about it. She sent me to the ER. The ER doctor didn’t give me any medication because he said that my BP would most likely drop and I wasn’t showing any symptoms. Anyway, long story short, my doctor prescribed 10 mg of amlodipine besylate to drop my BP slowly, and from December through January it was within normal range. I thought I could get off the amlodipine. My last visit with my doctor was in December 2019 and she said I only needed to come back to see her if my BP went up to 140/90. She prescribed me a partial refill for 3 extra months and made it seem like my BP was fine. So now it’s February and I tried stopping the medication for a week because I felt like my BP was OK. But a few days ago took my BP and it was 150/90. I took a pill just to be safe and it dropped back down to normal the next day. My question is should i keep taking the pills until my prescription runs out? Do I need to be on this medication forever? What should I do if my prescription runs out?
Jasmine
Hi Jasmine
It sounds very much like your blood pressure is a genetic predisposition and not related to your lifestyle so that living healthfully won’t make that much difference.
Sorry.
It sounds as if you need to be on sme med to control your BP. You can try an herbal blend from India called Cardioton (one twice a day) available online.But if it doesn’t work, just accept you may need BP meds
Dr. E
Hi Dr. E! I’m a 36 yr old woman, 5’6″ roughly over 200 lbs. Family history of hypertension. Exactly 3 weeks ago, I was diagnosed with no specific Tachycardia & high bp after being rushed to the ER due to me waking up with a rapid heartbeat, uncontrollable trembling & some difficulty in breathing out of the blue. I was prescribed 25 mg of metoprolol. After 1 WK or so, I had to be taken back to the ER suffering from initial symptoms & including insomnia. The Dr. Changed my dosage to 50 mg 2x a day. A couple days later, I came back because though I didn’t experience side effects during the day, they were keeping me up at night with anxiety. I was afraid to go sleep. So the NP told me in to switch my meds to amlodipine 5mg & 25mg of Hydroxyzine for Anxiety (haven’t used as of yet). Experienced labored breathing, bloating & rapid heart rate with amlodipine, was switched to 50mg of Losartan, which I’ve been taking with little to no side effects for 2 days now. A nurse during my last visit, after discussing my irregular menstrual cycle, said she believes the rapid heart rate, high BP seems to be a thyroid issue. I explained that the Dr who treated me the my first visit said that all of my labs good but my thyroid levels were abnormal. The Dr I did my follow-up with discussed the abnormality with that same Dr but said “the abnormality didn’t show anything out of whack.” The nurse said I need to visit a gyno & see someone who specializes in thyroids who will check the thyroid more thoroughly & check my hormone levels, especially since I had history of birth control usage (although they’ve been out of my system for 10+ years now). Do you think hormone imbalance could be the cause of all of this? My blood pressure has always been normal up until the last few months. My period started coming back on a few months around the time I started taking an Omega 3 supplement a few months ago (after a 1.5 year hiatus. It’s always been irregular but has gotten worse since earlier in my 30s then just stopped with a few minor spotting here or there.) But my cycle has stopped again 2 months ago (around the time I ran out of Omega 3). I believe since using birth control, my body has been producing more testosterone than estrogen & could be why this is happening along with me & my husband are having a hard conceiving. I know this is Alot to lay on you, Dr. I just need to know where to begin or go moving forward. I’m on a mostly plant based diet & have lost 10 lbs already in two weeks & started back taking my almost daily walks to get control over my heart rate & blood pressure. I want to get off these meds as soon as I can. But I know I have to figure out the causing of all of this. Any sound advice will do, thanks.
Cori
You need to see a physician trained in Functional Medicine to sort all this out. He/she will order tests that evaluate how your entire body is working rather than focus on specific issues. Go to ifm.org and click the “Find a Practitioner” tab
Dr E
I’m a 85 year old male BP 105 over 55 on meds should I talk to my Dr about decreasing mg or stop altogether ?
James Day
Hi James –
This certainly deserves some attention and I recommend you raise this question with whomever prescribes your medication. But any change in medication or dose should be handled through your primary care provider.
Hope this helps,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
What about Diastolics that stay below 90 on meds even while Systolics go from 120 to 170 ??
George Johnson
You can frequently manage this with relaxation techniques like mediatation/Yoga. Also a device you can buy online called Resperate which uses biofeedback
https://www.resperate.com/shop?utm_source=aw&utm_medium=brand&utm_campaign=us-branded&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmZDxBRDIARIsABnkbYRS4Lc-u4m_orB-eMrahOYaenMv41pp-8SHp5xzr3-GnIx-wVmZh9kaAkmWEALw_wcB
Dr E
Need help…please
On lisinipril 5mg. I had an incident with TRT causing a skyrocket BP (180/110). That was April. I came off of it and have played with not taking the med and my readings were all below 120/80 in morning for over two weeks. I had salt and alcohol for a few days eating out and my pressure rose again. I’m 55, retired 30 year military wm. My sex drive since taking this regularly has gone to the toilet and they say it’s my head. I don’t want to die however this med has my BP floating around 105 : 65 which is great. Manual cuff. I lift weight and work out 5-6 days weekly. My weight is 230 but I have 16.5 inch arms and lift. I am trying to lose 20 pounds before summer.
How do I extricate myself from this med. I saw cardiologist Thursday and they want me on it. My white coat syndrome is horrible. Home my pressure was 105/68 and there is jumped to 140/80 then 130/90. Using both there and my cuff in office after I calmed a little.
Please help.
Fred Tiedemann
Bring a bunch of your home readings to the cardiologist and ask why he is so insistent on medicating you when your BP is normal on your own turf. You can always find another doctor
Dr E
my blood pressure has improved. Lost 30 lbs since i started 40 mg of lisinopril. how long until i ask if i can cut my dosage in half ? currently have good blood work on cholesterols but weight is still in 260’s. all other blood panels in normal ranges including blood sugar.
scott
Hi Scott –
Opinions on this will vary, but it’s best to talk with the person who prescribes the lisinopril about his or her opinion on the matter. Getting a second opinion can also be helpful. Here’s a website that helps you find a functional medicine provider in your area, and of course if you’re in the Chicago area, one of our physicians would be happy to help.
https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Very nice and useful information…really eye opener…
SPMaind
did You guys know that hctz ( water pill) causes insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes? I was not told this my any physician. I am currently on three pills …losartan, hctz and almopdine. I am constantly light headed , nauseated and dizzy. My blood pressure is LOW.
Lydia
I am on the same 3 medications and have the EXACT SAME side effects!
MelBecksss
I am on two of the above, with the same symptoms
Shirley
The nurse practitioner put me on 10mg Lisinopril which i currently split into 5mg and take before i go to bed each night. I started developing a nasty cough that i couldn’t get rid of. Then right after that i developed bad fluid in my lungs which required breathing sessions and antibiotics to cure. About two months after that i developed kidney stones and prostate problems. I also had swelling under my chin that was affecting my right ear that has slowly gone away. I have an appt at the doctors office and i want to see if they can change my meds. What do you recommend? Do you think the meds produced these symptoms?
Bradley Jay
Can Lisinopril cause these side effects I’m getting. My BP has always been in the 130 and 80 since i was in my 20s. I am currently 59 going on 60 years of age and have never had chest pains or any of these symptoms until i was put on this meds. Waiting for reply.
Bradley Jay
Clarify my last post that i am not having any chest pains at all period before or after being put on this meds just the symptoms mentioned in my first post.
Bradley Jay
As a general rule of thumb, symptoms that began the same time a new med was started are most likely due to the med. I would suggest you ask for one of the ARB meds (angiotensin II receeptor blockers). They all have ‘sartan’ in the name and have very low side effects
Dr E
What is the safest way to wean off 20 mgs of Lisinopril?
Dorothy
Hi Dorothy – Any changes in your medication should be done with the person who prescribed it or through another prescriber if you’re seeking a second opinion.
Wishing you the very best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Thank you so very much for all this information! It is very
important to me. I have borderline high blood pressure and I am 73, and I will make a number of the simple changes you
mention (lower my salt, red meat and sugar intake, lots of celery and follow some other suggestions as well). I have an
appointment with a cardiologist in two months, and I will
be taking my blood pressure as you outline above.
I am so grateful to have alternative treatment to try.
Ellen Allanic
Hi Dr. E! I’ve stumbled upon this article at the right time!
I’m a 34-year-old female, white, 5’2″, 132 lbs, moderately active (walking every day, biking 2-4 times per week for 30 minutes, and occasional yoga). I primarily eat a DASH/Mediterranean Diet, although I eat unhealthy food from time to time like most people. I drink about 16 ounces of black tea a day. I don’t smoke, and I drink only once in a while. I take birth control. I have high BP on both sides of my family. And I have stress in my life.
Every time I go in to any of my doctors and they take my BP, they often tell me “it’s a little high,” which we’ve attributed to white coat syndrome. But it’s happened so much lately that it’s started to worry me. So I started taking my BP at home at various times of the day for about two weeks before going in to see my primary physician about it.
I ended up averaging in the 130s/90s with outliers both higher and lower, but almost always my diastolic was in the 90s.
Thus, my doctor prescribed Lisinopril 2.5mg. I haven’t been on it for very long, so I can’t say if I’ve experienced any side effects yet or if it is working. Mostly, I’m interested in a second opinion. Is it a good idea for me to be taking this medication? Would you have prescribed this to me? Thank you.
Kate
My doctor upped my Bp from 100.12.5 to 300…I have an AVM that causes me balance….eye….problems….this is too much for me….he won’t change it….no at home resting 108/ 68 pulse 56…..his office 156/ 80…..confused
SANDRAMURKERSON
Bring your at home readings and see what he says. You can always get a second opinion
Dr E
Dr E, thanks for this informative article. I was put on HCTZ 12.5 mg over 20 years ago for hypertension, later raised to 25 mg 5 years ago when BP went up slightly. Around 6 years ago I started taking a benzodiapine (lorezapam at .25 mg a day). I stopped it when i found out you are not suppose to be on it longer than 2 weeks. Fast forward to 5 years ago and prescribed clonazepam .25 mg twice a day, and put on 25 mg metoprolol for BP spikes. Stopped taking clonazepam when I realized the danger in 2018. Since then my BP runs 100/60 HR 59 and when standing HR goes up around 20 points.
Is it possible to wean off the metoprolol or maybe cut the HTCZ in half to 12.5 mg? I am not dizzy but a lot of times my BP is 96/60. I keep a log which I showed to my PCP and Cardiologist and they both say just keep taking the meds. Still keeping a record and BP is going lower and lower and HR shoots up upon standing.
Thanks
Elaine
Thank you so much for this information. I am on Diovan 320 mg, Nifedipine 30 mg ER, Edecrine 25 mg, and Eplerenone 50 mg at bedtime and my blood pressure is still not in control. I am a type 2 diabetic, controlled by diet and exercise, last A1C 5.7. I found out last week by renal ultrasound that I have moderate to severe scar tissue in my kidneys, GFR 74.5, however my GFR has not dropped below 60 for 3 months. I have to get my blood pressure under control, but my blood pressure should be high to help my kidney, this is a vicious circle. Didn’t mean to vent, but I am at a loss and so is my doctor. I want to take Nattokanase, I believe it will help me, but I was told not to take anything that thin the blood while on Nifedipine….So depressing
Lillie Butler
Very helpful article.
I am 61, weigh 183 at 6.1″. I am physically active every day. Bike riding mostly about 10-15 mile per day. Very strict diet. I do drink red wine, maybe a glass too much each night. My mother and her Dad both had strokes in their late sixties. My BP runs about 145/80. My Doc is recommending a low dose of Chlorthalidone, starting at 12.5 mg. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve
Try eating 3-4 celery stalks a day AND get your own home BP device. Take your BP in the evening while sitting at your PC (follow instructions in package).
It will probably be acceptable enough to your doctor that he’ll change his mind
Dr E
I’m trying again for reply from Dr E.
Dr E, thank thank you for your 2015 article. I was searching for how to wean off BP, hopefully, when the time comes my PCP agrees with me, when your link showed up.
I’ve only been on 25mg of Losartan
for 3 weeks.
It was prescribed for me under the direction of the kidney transplant dept at YNHHS because I am a candidate to be a non directed kidney donor. I have been taking all the necessary tests to show that I am healthy enough to give the gift of a kidney to anyone who matches.
Since July 2019, except for high BP, I have so far passed all the blood and urine tests, lung X-ray, EKG, Echocardiogram, and treadmill. Only gave the dye test of kidneys test to go.
I am 73 years old, 130 lbs, 5’6″. Been retired since 66, but more active now volunteering and exercise twice a week at the Y when I am not on the run painting rooms at friends’ houses. In the summer, I play league level volleyball at the beach.
My history of BP over 20 years has been averaging 140/80 at Dr office and 130/70 donating blood three or four times a year. I last donated blood in March 2019 and BP was 130/60. My pulse usually at 60 no matter was the Sys or Dia is.
HERE’S the PROBLEM. WHEN I WENT FOR THE TREADMILL test,
My BP before I got on treadmill was 185/90. Of course it went up during the 7 min test and down after few minutes test. But I never, ever had a reading at test that high in my life.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT now on Losartan my readings at home are anywhere between 140/70 to 190/95. However twice a week at Dr office they have read much lower. 3 days ago it was 115/65. The kidney donation center wants my BP to be no higher than 130/80 consistently before I’m accepted as donor. In meantime they have already informed me I am a match to a recipient.
BTW I do live with osteoarthritis in my knee and have degenerative disk disease in my spine both from past injuries. If I do donate, I have to drop NSAIDs, aspirin, Vit D and E, and lower potassium. Something about they’re being bad for my single kidney. But I can take Tylenol which is not an anti inflammatory. Because I do not like to rely on any kind of meds due to side effects, I only resort to NSAIDS when my arthritis or back is too painful, and even then, only 1 or 2 doses for that day and rarely more than once in the whole week. Over the years, my OTC expire before the bottle is empty.
MY QUESTION IS after I donate (if the BP meds do work), I want to work with my PCP to get off the BP meds and continue to read those labels, cut back even more on salt and sugar, and go more often to the Y for my exercises. Go Silver Sneakers!!
And if I end up not donating, definitely wean off those BP meds.
PS MOST AMAZING no one knows why, my BP reading after taking 5 min shower or bath goes down to under 130/75 on my home monitor and stays there for a couple hours if I don’t do any activity. Don’t know what it would read if I were off the meds. I’d like everyone on your blog to try that. ( :
Update. Dr put me on 50mg now and my avg BP has gone up after 2 weeks on higher dose the avg on my home monitor after 60 tests is 163/79-58pulse. Pulse even before meds is consistently in 60s.
Now what. If I donate or not, looks like I have a BP problem with or without meds
Andrea
Hi Doctor. I’ll start by saying I’m only 25 years old and while I’m a large built person I wouldn’t say I’m overweight. 6’1″ at 203 lbs, but with a large frame with broad shoulders. Not someone you would associate with hypertension.
A few years ago I was diagnosed, rightly so. It was regularly 140-150 systolic over 85-95 diastolic. Not medically confirmed but i think severe stress and anxiety was causing it, it was a difficult period.
I got put on lisinopril hcx 20mg/12.5 mg, and have been on it for a year and a half now. Now every time I take my blood pressure, which is daily just out of habit, it’s usually anywhere between 100/60 to 125/78 at the highest. Usually it’s around 110/68, and I’ve been feeling somewhat weak and anemic lately, which seems logical. Several days ago, maybe 4 or 5, I started cutting my pills in half and doing only half a dose. 4 days later, and it’s still consistently in the 107/65-125/75 range. After 4 days of only taking half a dose it doesn’t seem to be rising at all. Should I be ovary 8 to just stop taking it or should i wait a while longer? I don’t want to wait too long as I’m concerned with how low the diastolic pressure gets sometimes, I’m only 25 after all.
Unfortunately talking to my regular doctor isn’t an option for a few months due to circumstances i can’t control.
Jacob
If you were my patient, I would just stop the med and have you taking your BP 3-4 times a week. If there’s an increase it will be gradual and med can aways be restarted
Dr E
Hi : I’m a 66 year old woman and I had Hypertension since I was 40.. been on hydrochloride for many years then went on mycardis about 10 years ago.. these pass 2 years getting Palpitations , had all test done nothing shows .. I’m very active not over wait and very health conscious of what I eat.. I tried to take myself off the medicine and the palpitations stopped but my blood pressure goes up high.. the average is 157/90 but every so offen it goes up to 214/103.. because if this I went back on mycardis which brings it down.. I believe that the normal BP if my age is 100 +age over 90 is good .. but why does it go so high
Dolores
You have what’s called “labile” hypertension, meaning that it can swing all over the place. The 214/103 is simply too high so I’m afraid you’ll definitely need something to keep it under control. The 157/90 is the very highest allowable
Dr E
Dr E, thank thank you for your 2015 article. I was searching for how to wean off BP, hopefully, when the time comes my PCP agrees with me, when your link showed up.
I’ve only been on 25mg of Losartan
for 3 weeks.
It was prescribed for me under the direction of the kidney transplant dept at YNHHS because I am a candidate to be a non directed kidney donor. I have been taking all the necessary tests to show that I am healthy enough to give the gift of a kidney to anyone who matches.
Since July 2019, except for high BP, I have so far passed all the blood and urine tests, lung X-ray, EKG, Echocardiogram, and treadmill. Only gave the dye test of kidneys test to go.
I am 73 years old, 130 lbs, 5’6″. Been retired since 66, but more active now volunteering and exercise twice a week at the Y when I am not on the run painting rooms at friends’ houses. In the summer, I play league level volleyball at the beach.
My history of BP over 20 years has been averaging 140/80 at Dr office and 130/70 donating blood three or four times a year. I last donated blood in March 2019 and BP was 130/60. My pulse usually at 60 no matter was the Sys or Dia is.
HERE’S the PROBLEM. WHEN I WENT FOR THE TREADMILL test,
My BP before I got on treadmill was 185/90. Of course it went up during the 7 min test and down after few minutes test. But I never, ever had a reading at test that high in my life.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT now on Losartan my readings at home are anywhere between 140/70 to 190/95. However twice a week at Dr office they have read much lower. 3 days ago it was 115/65. The kidney donation center wants my BP to be no higher than 130/80 consistently before I’m accepted as donor. In meantime they have already informed me I am a match to a recipient.
BTW I do live with osteoarthritis in my knee and have degenerative disk disease in my spine both from past injuries. If I do donate, I have to drop NSAIDs, aspirin, Vit D and E, and lower potassium. Something about they’re being bad for my single kidney. But I can take Tylenol which is not an anti inflammatory. Because I do not like to rely on any kind of meds due to side effects, I only resort to NSAIDS when my arthritis or back is too painful, and even then, only 1 or 2 doses for that day and rarely more than once in the whole week. Over the years, my OTC expire before the bottle is empty.
MY QUESTION IS after I donate (if the BP meds do work), I want to work with my PCP to get off the BP meds and continue to read those labels, cut back even more on salt and sugar, and go more often to the Y for my exercises. Go Silver Sneakers!!
And if I end up not donating, definitely wean off those BP meds.
PS MOST AMAZING no one knows why, my BP reading after taking 5 min shower or bath goes down to under 130/75 on my home monitor and stays there for a couple hours if I don’t do any activity. Don’t know what it would read if I were off the meds. I’d like everyone on your blog to try that. ( :
Andrea
Dr E, anyone? Replies please
Andrea
Hi Dr. E, I’m 36 female. 5’3 200lbs. I’ve lost 30 lbs this past year but have not kept up with my diet at all the past few months but have still maintained my weight loss. I went to doc today for other issues and he commented on my BP being high and I told him my My BP at home had been averaging in the 135/95 range the past few weeks. I’ve not had BP issues before. Doc wanted to put me on meds but I’m extremely nervous about medications. He said we could try a diuretic so he prescribed Triamterene/hctz 37.5-25 and said we would do labs in two weeks to check potassium levels. I’ve not started the diuretic yet but plan to tomorrow. Im nervous about side effects while taking this and also of any when stopping the meds. I plan to get back on track with my diet and exercise but I guess I’m just wondering if this is a safe med to take? I’m worried about starting down a path of always needing meds.
Elaine
This is a very safe med with virtually no side effects. By the way, recent research into weight loss showed the most effective way to get pounds off is to do a complete fast (except for water) for any two 24 hour days of the week
Dr E
Thank you for your GREAT advice. I think I am being overmedicated.
It seems that MY best interests are not being addressed; instead,
biased doctors seem to be pursuing THEIRS.
Your article has given me the strength to become more proactive.
It was a very worthwhile read!
Regards,
Kate Moore
Kate Moore
Hello Dr. I’m 35 and my BP was always 140/90 when I’m off my anxiety meds but normal when I’m on them I can take the Bp meds alone and it’s still high but if I take my anxiety meds with my BP meds it’s like 110/70 I keep telling my doctor that but she keeps me on a Betta blocker niphipine how do I tapped off I’ve been back on them for like 2 weeks now.
Lameka Adams
Since your blood pressure is related to anxiety, you can order a biofeedback relaxation device from amazon called Resperate which has been proven to lower blood pressure in patients like yourself. In addition, use the supplement L Theanine up to three times a day to bring down your anxiety level. Consider taking classes in Yoga or t’ai chi, both shown to reduce blood pressure
Dr E
Absolutely marvellous. The pen is mightier than the sward
Josephine Ryan
Hi Adrian
I think starting the Lisinopril was premature since you clearly have ‘white coat’ high blood pressure AND you are getting side effects from the med. In my own practice, I would have had you purchase a home unit and take your BP at approximately the same time every other day and base meds (or no meds) on the average readings.
Actually, I have the same thing myself. I always hear “Oh Dr E did you know your blood pressure is up?” I answer “It’s because I know what can go wrong here.” Back home, it’s pretty much the same as yours
Dr E
Hi Doc, thanks for this excellent legacy blog. Thought I would try to get a reply.
I’m a 46 years, 6′ male, large frame (formerly lifted weights) 220lbs, generally healthy eater – moderately stressful job.
My GP has been monitoring my BP over a year, at home I’m reading 130-140/70-85 but at his office I always seem to be close to 150/100 – so he has convinced me finally to go onto 10mg Lisoprinil. I’ve been on it for about 35 days and I have dropped to 120/70, so there’s that. But I have been noticing recently a lot of cramps and muscle twitching – to the point I was so irritated by it, I’ve come off the medication (3 days ago). I’m still getting twitches and tonight I had such painful cramps in my legs that I barely slept.
I’ve read a lot about hyper and hypokalemia and I wondered if this is related? I’m going to stay off the meds for a week or so and see if I feel better. I had planned to go see him and get my blood work done to see if I was hyper but I can’t get there in the short term, so thought I’d get off the meds and see if that helped. In the short run the cramps are worse!
I think I’d prefer to try to shed the 20lbs he’s suggested than take these side-effects, possibly purchase a Resperate; but from what I’m reading, my standard levels at home (130-140/70-85) probably aren’t a huge cause for concern?
Thanks for any feedback!
Adrian
Nice Job Very explicit and honest explanations
THANK You. JimSinger 81 yrs. Old
Jim Singer
Thanks for the advice…First my Dr. prescribed Telmisartin..then Olmetec plus..then Adalat..then Bisoprolol..then Chlorthalidone..My dr seems to be guessing with my bp..160/80
All except Tel. give me adverse reactions..Maybe it is just my imagination that he prescribes whaever drug salesman gets to him first??I am Canada free samples to the dr seem to be dispensed first.??
paul
Pls I took one pill telmisartan 20 mg on June 4, 2019 and one pill on June 7, 2019. My pressure is 145-155/ 82-90. Will stopping telmisartan have adverse effect on kidney or heart or liver. My pressure is well checked and controlled
Anuj Bhalla
I guess I should just tell my story. I went in for routine doc visit and my bp was 161/101. Doc told me things to do for 2 weeks. I cut all salt, amped up veggies and fruit and started walking and running. I got a home bp machine and the readings began to fall. The most recent was 134/90. I was so happy to report this to him. Now I am very upset that he says start medication!! I feel that its dropped 30+ points why can’t I continue to work on it. Two weeks was a very short time but even still, it has dropped 30 points systolic and 11 diastolic. Im 1 point away from 89 diastolic. I’m so upset.
Makeda Sylvester
Hi. I would like to come and see you when I come to Chicago. Its my hometown so it will be easy. I will bring my blood pressure readings.
Makeda Sylvester
Hi Kirsten
Find another doctor.
Your numbers weren’t all that high to begin with and your lifestyle changes make you an ideal patient. You should have been rewarded by seeing your BP off the meds. Instead, your doc blew off your efforts
Find someone else
Dr E
I know this post was made a while ago but I’m looking for help! I went to the doctor and my average blood pressure was approximately 135/88 she prescribed me labetalol and I decided I didn’t want to take it and I was going to lower sodium and eat healthier, I’ve been losing weight as well down 30 pounds in three months, I mentioned this to her and she was annoyed that I mentioned it, I thought it was a good thing! Anyways I went in a month later after lowering salt and my blood pressure readings were anywhere between 130/84- 120/75 sometimes in the mornings lower, she still said that I should be taking the medication. Is this correct? I really don’t want to be stuck taking blood pressure meds forever! I forgot to mention I’m 26. They did a bunch of tests everything came back healthy. What should I do?
Kirsten
I had high blood pressure t think through my own life style, I was given Amlodipine and I’ve never been right since. I’m off it now and managed to get my blood pressure down with a very healthy lifestyle. But the after effects of Amlodipine still prevail.
Janine
I have had three years of he’ll taking losartan. Has sytopped my enjoyment of life. I did exercise , always have. Last few months have been awful.have seen my GP. Come off them for 2 weeks. Home monitoring. Lifestyle changes. Diet isn’t bad but I need to make a few changes. This is my second day off and already feel better. Diastolic pressure is most often below 90. Systolic varies between 130 and 140. Dependent on my activity etc. Going to start taking it as you have suggested. Keeping a diary of symptoms too.
Lynne Jones
I am 62 I was told to take 25 mg of metroprolol tartrate half in the morning the other half in the evening. I now take only one tablet half the dose. My blood pressure is always under 112 over 64 many times 105 over 60 I feel weak no energy. Should I stop taking even half a dose.
Eduardo Saumell
Hi Eduardo –
This is definitely a decision to be made between you and your prescriber. Weakness and fatigue can be a side effect of the medication and may indicate that the dose needs to be changed. Let your doctor know about how you’re feeling so you can make a decision together about what you’re taking.
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Hi doctor
I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. To lower my heart palpitations and high bp, I took bystolic for 30 days. 5 mg for the first 10 and 2.5 mg for the last 20 days. Bp is back to normal and my doc is weaning me off. Therefore, I will be taking 2.5 every other day for one week and totally come off of it. I feel though as if I can’t breathe that well and I am dizzy and tired. Will these symptoms subside? I hope you can help!
Fatima
Hi Fatima –
Sometimes symptoms like this subside, but please make certain that your doctor knows you’re experiencing them. You may require a change in dose or a change in medication, but that is a decision to be made between you and your prescriber.
Best to you,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
43 year old female. 5’5” and 200lbs.
High bp. (No other levels high or too low) Taking Lisinopril 20mg for past 8 months. Strongly feel my weight is the issue but lots of hardship and stress this past year along with an injury has given me ‘good excuses’ to feel defeated and stop trying to get healthy. Seeing a therapist to deal with those issues- no meds needed)
Having discomfort, bloating, even dull pain in stomach and pancreas areas (left upper abdominal/ under ribs – front and around the left side). This will sometimes wake me up in early morning hours.
Have had off and on constipation issues.
Had 1st diverticulitis flare up 3 months ago. (Antibiotics cleared it up) Just had colonoscopy to look at diverticulosis and constipation issues and endoscopy for stomach area. Nothing showed up.
Is there anyway Lisiniopril is to blame for any of my GI issues? (Obviously, not the diverticulosis/itis)
GI doc said there were signs of reflux but I don’t ever have symptoms that I know of.
Definitely more motivated to lose some weight and eat better!
Glad I found your article and website.
Sarah G
calm & collected, Dr Edelberg, I take this to heart. Lee, Ret Ortho surgeon. age 82. I just took my BP 125/68. Now off all meds.
Lee Dorey, MD
Hello, I’m on Amlodipine QD. I was switched last May from Lisinopril.
Pressures have been 130’s over 70’s. I hate that causes peripheral edema and that’s the only side effect from it. Is there another med I could take and not cause the edema? The Lisinopril seemed to stop working. Also my BUN and creatinine declined but is now back to normal. I’d love to go off meds. I’ve lost weight and I exercise at least 4x a week. Any advice?
Melody
This article helped me so much! I was so concerned about my blood pressure levels. Thank you! I do have a question about the need to wean off of metoprolo. I’ve been on it for 5 weeks for heart palpitations (anxiety I suppose) as I don’t have any heart issues after a holter monitor. My doctor said I don’t need to wean off I can just stop. Is that reasonable?
Melissa
Hi Melissa –
Doctors have different opinions on this; I recommend asking your doctor if you should pay attention to any potential effects of discontinuing the medication and have a plan of what to do if you start experiencing any undesirable effects. That said, I’ve seen patient who simply discontinue metoprolol and they do fine with it.
Best wishes,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Hi Linda
Clonidine can cause sedation and confusion in elderly. A BP of 160/90 in an 85 y/o is acceptable. As you have seen, more aggressive treatment can cause trouble
Dr E
Hello. My 85 year old father has been on BP meds for several years. Last September he fell and suffered a subdural hematoma and has some dementia as well. He has been fine and recovering nicely, but his BP continues to fluctuate in the 160/90 range. He has been on Amold/Benaz 10/40 and last week due to my mothers request the doctor added Clonidene 0.1 mg. A week ago he was fine, now he is weak and doesn’t know certain people and basically cannot do anything. I feel that he is over medicated, but my mother can’t get past the fact that his pressure is high. Can’t some people live fine with a pressure of 160/90, especially at 85. I feel quality of life should govern, not numbers. Thank you for your time.
Linda Webster
Hi J.L.
The DASH Diet and Vasophil are both options and a healthy lifestyle will pay off in spades. I suggest talking to your prescribing doctor about tapering meds slowly rather than any abrupt discontuining. Also, do accept the fact that no matter how health conscious someone may be, sometimes they just need to be on meds
Dr E
I’ve just started (5 days) taking 5mg Amlodipine Besylate. My BP was 159/94 after monitoring for 4 days it was between 136/86 to 160/97. I was switched to Enapril HCTZ 12.5mg. I will start lifestyle changes, i.e., exercise at gym, change dietary habits etc. Can I still do the DASH diet and use Vasophil? … 70 y/o, 183 lbs, 5’9″ … no other health problems, non-smoker- Occasional wine/beer drinker.
J.L.Santiago
I totally.. totally appreciated this article! It is what I suspected all along about the financial ties to prescribing medication. My blood pressure was high and I have tried multiple medications with allergic reactions and side affects. I am currently on 60 mg of Nifederpine — which seems to really make me feel terrible. I have since changed my lifestyle — diet and exercise and using MYFITTNESSPAL.com to pre-plan my meals and monitor my sodium intake, fat, carbs, etc.. I have lost 35 lbs since February 4th 2019 (today is April 9, 2019) and have lowered my cholesterol from 250 to 199. I eat a lot of beans, barley, veggies, salads, olive oil, walnuts/almonds, avacados, oatmeal and some fruit, etc… but no meat right now. I plan to add salmon and sardines in a few months. My carbs are on the high side, but are good carbs that also fight cholesterol. I am trimming back on carbs in the coming month as well. Doing great. Want to now wing myself off of HBP meds. Good luck everyone! Thanks Dr. Edelberg!
Miranda
Is it safe to ween off losartan 25mg without supervision? I’ve been on this 2 1/2 months and have started changing some of my diet. I had gone to ER which they prescribed this. I have been trying to find a dr taking new patients to now avail. I will no longer have refills but prefer to get off the medication
Maria Elvia Tamayo
Hi Heidi
Ask your doctor if you might try lowering your dose to 10 mg; continue to avoid salt; eat three stalks of celery daily; take magnesium if you are not doing so already.
Records your BP at home at about the same time daily and you might be able to go off med altogether.
Also, ask your doctor to check you for an early aneurysm. It is a relatively simple test
Dr E
Hello, I am a 47 year old woman, 15-20lbs over weight and I dont exercise. I now live in Latin America and it is hot and with side effects in just cant seem to get out there. I am on 20mg of lisinipril for about 10 years now and am just hating the side effects, which seem to have gotten worse with age. I am always tired with fog and dizzy when standing up to fast or bending over to weed the garden. I have a low/non exsistant sex drive and on this medicine I usually read (tonight) 144/89 or lower. I have EXTREME white coat syndrome!! My mother died of an aneurysm at 61 and my father has high blood pressure. I am wondering, with “normal” readings at home, am I candidate to go off these meds? Obviously with life style changes in exercise and diet.
Heidi Hardin
Hi Barb
The Losartan could be causing your knee pain but your knee situation is also aggravated by being overweight. You do need something for your BP. Unrelated to yourprevious meds are amlodipine and Bystolic. Ask your doctor about these
Dr E
I’m definitely overwhelmed with the message. My BP readings were 140/80 and the doc said that I need to monitor it. I’m overweight and I’m trying to cut it off. With your message, I worry no more. I’m 56 years old.
Peris Wanjiku Waithaka
I was on Lisinipril but started having bad knee pain. Weaned myself off. Knee pain went away. Now after being on Losartan, I’m having the same problem. Bp had dropped a little. My typical bp is 160s over 90s and I’m 48 and overweight. Had been on water pills, but swelling actually got worse.
Barb
If I had asked to stop the hctz I take for borderline blood pressure of 130/90, which I did for a month. But I’ve been getting stomach cramps for sometime. I don’t wish to continue. But, instead use natural ways like garlic. Do I still need to take it inspite of being on simvastatin for a long time?
Jayanthi
Hi
I am so glad I saw this article. My husband has been on blood pressure meds seems like forever. He is 68. He is on Lisinopril 10mg 1 a day. Metoptolol 100 mg twice a day hydrochlorothuazide 25 half twice a day. And then I see amlodioine 2.5 1 a day. I’m not sure he is taking that or not as he told the the other 2 he was. Any way he was overweight. Recently I changed by life style and quit drinking with that he hardy drinks anymore. We stayed a low card diet about 80 days ago and he has lost 19 pounds and rides his bike about 4 miles a day. And we both started taking CBD Oil through a good certified company pure organic natural and safe So with that his blood pressure has come way way down He was complaining he was feeling nauseous Petit’s stomach felt funny so I told him he better start taking your blood pressure With that the last 4 days it’s been right around 112/75. Now he is again 68 and now his weight has dropped to 220. He is around 5.8 height. He is also on cholesterol meds which I told him I really don’t think you need those as it’s just right around the limiit. He goes to the VA a here in Florida which I really don’t have a lot of faith and that’s why I’ve been working so hard to get them healthy. And he is FINALLY listening. So with that he stop taking the blood pressure medicine at night but still takes it during the day I told him he really needed to go to the doctor to have them do this without them afraid I’ll just keep them on anyway.
Any advice would be SO much appreciated.
Ann
Hello,
I want to add some feedback about my recent experiences taking first metoprolol, and then being switched to lisinopril.
I presented in the er with bowel blockage and an elevated BP due to trying to use dr. Prescribed miralax to remove the blockage 200/140. This was a REACTION to trying to force my bowel to evict obstructed feces. I explained that my bowel was blocked for 1 1/2 months at this point, but the physician IGNORED my need to have my bowels unblocked and instead told me to get on metoprolol asap. Metoprolol kept my BP elevated to 160-180 over 100 -120, and consequently I had a heart attack due to this medication three days later in a snowstorm unable to obtain medical care due to the magnitude of the historic storm. I went in 3 days later still blocked and with this bp.
STILL they did NOTHING to help me unblock my bowels and switched me to lisinopril. They did not inform me I had a heart attack ( symptoms can present differently for women, so was not 100% aware I had one for sure). No cardiac enzymes tested, and they sent the info to my pcp instead of me.
It took repeated visits to various docs for 2 1/2 months before they finally gave me enema to dissolve the feces. I knew my BP was affected by the blockage but I was diagnosed w anxiety for EVERY er visit I had, coupled with hypertension. Lo and behold my BP went down dramatically and I just tossed the lisinopril 2 days ago. My experience on lisinopril is also a horror story. I have not been able to sleep for 3 weeks now unless I take a low dose lorazepam, and only can I sleep for 2-3 hours maximum before my lisinoquakes wake me up. This means that my head pulsates and tingles, my heart is shaking in my chest, my bowels and entire body are tensed and shaking. It takes hours to stop this phenomenon upon waking. My liver hurts, my skin blotches and reddens, several capillaries and varicoseties have emerged, I cant eat foods with potassium or the shakes happen while awake. My carotid and femoral arteries ache, as do the ones down both arms. I have edema in my chest arms and face on both meds.
I am beyond HORRIFIED and upset by this management of my blocked bowel, not actual heart disease!!!
I’m worried now that I may have lifelong health issues. Further, I get lectured and labeled as an anxious anti medicine person when it is OBVIOUS these meds are literally killing me! I’ve been told I’m a bad mom that wants to die and leave behind kids for asking questions, reporting symptoms, and stating I dont want these meds!!
I know my body, I use herbs, lifestyle, food,and now more exercise to counteract a moderate BP 120-145 over 80-100. I’m 51, very tall, and a little heavy. I just want others to know how DANGEROUS these meds are ,and unload the nightmare I’m currently navigating.
Lilith
Every time I go to the V.A. they tell me I have high Blood Pressure even though I am on 10mg of Lisinopril. The last time I went they upped my meds to 20mg. When I check my BP at home, it is normally between 116/77 to 125/84. Should I check with a different doctor because they V.A. doesn’t seem to hear me when I tell them that my BP is only high when I am there.
Jose Gonzalez
Jose. “White coat hypertension” is not uncommon. Take your blood pressure at home on a regular basis and share the data with a new physician who will listen to you.
Dr. R
My blood pressure would go up every time I went to the doctors, he told me i have high blood pressure, I told him it all ways went up when I come to the doctors , he took know notice of what I said , and put me on lisinopril and bendrofulmethizide , I was 67 I had a blood test through cancer of the bladder , at 77 after blood pressure tests by kidney doctor at the hospital he told me to stop taking both blood pressure pills, My average blood pressure was 88 over 50. Stopped taking them and I feel fitter .
J Henderson
Hi Dr. E. I am a 59yr old Black woman who has a family history of hbp on both sides. I was on metoprolol 12.5/ 1x a day when I became direct caregiver to my mother. Readings fluctuated between normal and 130/80. Now six years later my pressure has gone as high as 150/90. I Can’t take water pills because my potassium levels were too low, so I am now taking labetalol 200mg3x day with heart rate in the 50’s. I have experienced weight gain and pain and weakness in my legs and hip that have been very severe. My boss always spikes in the office and at home due to anxiety. Also, how do I lose the weight if the side affect is weight gain? I don’t eat red meat, have reduced my caffeine, no dairy. I feel like I’m crazy because I don’t know if the hip pain is due to just aging but I have definitely noticed the increase in pain since going up to 200. My pressure avg is still 130/80-90..is there another med that could decrease by without that side affect? My gut tells me it’s the meds..fantastic article
Ann C.
Hi, Dr. M.
thank you so much for the response. Unfortunately, I live in Manila so can not do the one-on-one. But I got the results of my lab results yesterday and I’m so happy that everything is back to normal level except for my sgpt. It’s 64.7 w/c is still high but a month ago it’s 262. Of course, this may be due mostly to the medications but I will try to maintain the normal levels without meds. my HDL is still a bit low on 1.57 and I’m looking at ways to pull that up. Right now I’m super “paranoid” because I know I shouldn’t have gone cold turkey on the Torval. I’m taking 4 cloves of garlic a day and, well, we’ll see. I’m so happy about your response, I was expecting you to say I’m in immediate risk of a stroke. My doctor told me to take Sylymarin for my liver, a milk thistle extract. this blog is very helpful, thanks again!
Lodi Quintana
Hi Lodi –
Thanks for your reply. While it seems that you’re being proactive about your stroke risk, if your doctor believes that you have a higher risk, please follow up with this so that you understand why. And if there’s any confusion, seek a second opinion. As I mentioned, assessing stroke risk requires a complete review of your family and personal medical history, so it’s important to do this one-on-one with a healthcare provider you trust.
Best to you, and thank you for following WholeHealth Chicago!
-Dr M
cliffmaurer
i tested with high sugar (115), high cholesterol, very high sgpt and sgot a month ago. I’ve been on Torval 80mg, Transmetil and Rosalta since but I stopped taking them 2 days ago. I’m 53 years old, very seldom eat meat, avoid sugar and dairy as much as I can for years. I started walking/running a few times a week but not very consistent due to side effects of cold, cough and flu symptoms. I’m just actually tired of the side effects (also includes diarrhea) and want to switch to herbal or natural alternatives. Am I at risk of stroke or heart attack at this point?
Lodi Quintana
Hi Lodi –
Thanks so much for your inquiry. It certainly sounds like you’re actively taking steps to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack, and a myriad of diseases considering all of the positive things you to to take care of yourself. Certainly that helps manage risk, however risk of cardiovascular health problems comes from so many places – not the least of which is your family history – that I definitely encourage you to talk about your concern with a trusted healthcare professional. If you’re in the area, I can recommend sitting down with our talented Integrative Nurse Practitioner Wendy Ploegstra or Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Neeti Sharma. Both can help you get a much more confident assessment of your health risk factors and make suggestions on how to get/stay on top of them.
I hope this helps; keep up the good work!
-Dr M.
cliffmaurer
Thank you doc! I have become more anxious about the drugs than anything else in my life at present and keep thinking about how it is going to affect me later on.
I seriously don’t want to keep thinking on what if I don’t take the dosage on time everyday and then my heart will start racing. Thankfully, even if my heart races and I feel flushed.. my bp doesn’t go beyond 140 (without meds) at docs. And right now, I am much more healthy.
I am going to brace myself, ask the doc to take one of the meds off, and for a week be., very low on sugar and salt.to prevent any heart racing.. if it races.. I will keep some sos medicine.
One more question doc.. how long does it take for your body to get used to be without Inderal sustained release 20 or Telmisartan (I plan to go off one of these).
Thanks a lot! I am not from the states – but do you have online consultation here.
Ria Len
Hi Ria Len
Betaloc is indeed blocking your adrenalin–that’s how it works. You’re clearly very sensitive to medications and you seem to experiencing a lot of side effects. Your blood pressure is mildly elevated and since it’s mainly high in the doctor’s office, I would ask your doctor if you could go off all your meds, continue low salt, and take your blood pressure every day (best between 4 PM and 8 PM). Bring a couple of weeks of readings and ask for the mildest med for your particular need
Dr E
I agree with your recommendations. I am 34, BMI 24.8 (dec ’18) female and I was diagnosed with hypertension – 140ish systolic and 90-100 diastolic (measured at docs place).. slightly lesser number when measured at home. I was going through a period of stress, sleepless working night, not anxiety particularly.
Went to the doctor, who started me with betaloc 25 mg (1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in the night). I followed it for a month and took few bp measurements at work (usually at the time of the day when bp is supposed to be at its peak).. the measurements were between 140/100 to 130/90.. once it was 150 too.
After a month (jan), during the onset of my periods, when I had a pint of unadulterated beet juice, a cup of tea and some sugar. my heart started racing half hour after taking it and I getting flushed, spasm like. I thought something is coming.. so went to a different doc.. who asked me to start taking 25mg betaloc (1-0-1) 2 tablets. BP was 140/90 post the event.
I was quite reluctant to take one more doze.. so took 1/2 in the night and 1 in the morning.. during evening time the next day..20mins after I had coffee plus tea.. my heart started racing even more. 120-130 heart rate.. than 60s which happen due to betaloc. quite bad palpitations..
I thought, it was me not following the medication directions.. and perhaps betaloc is suppressing adrenaline.. and when the concentration is low in the blood.. sugar or caffeine spikes up the heart rate. it was not nice for me to get it at work.. during evening times. which happened the day after too..
I had gotten all tests done- (echo, ultrasound, blood tests, cholesterol (slightly high). and was seriously off salt and walking/mild exercising everyday. lost around 3 kgs.
I went to another physician. he said the medicine was not the right one for my age and gave me telmisartan 20 in the night and Inderal 20 extended release in the day.. I continued on my potassium/magnesium/calcium/exercise .. after 4 days.. my blood pressure consistently read low every day.. post starting the medicine at home/office.. below 120/80 everytime.
110/74 in morns.. and 117/74 in the evening.. 3 days.. the diastolic kept getting down every day.
I am still scared about heart racing, which I never had before taking betalocs.. or other medicines.. with these readings.. should I consider lowering the dosage..if so..can I start with telmisartan post consulting the doc..
ria len
There really would be no danger going off meds for a few days and monitoring your blood pressure. HOWEVER if your blood pressure starts going up, then restartng your med is the safest bet for you
D E
This article was very eye-opening and informative, and I thank you for posting this. I have been on Triamterene HCTZ for over 15 years and I feel very tired lately. My normal bp back when my doctor prescribe it was 160/90. I was going through menopause and a divorce back then and I wonder if I should have gone off the med after menopause. I take my bp at home and there are times it gets as low as 117/63.. it is usually around 123/75 or no more than 80. I feel very tired most of the time and wonder of it could be my meds. Would it be safe to not take my med for a couple days and monitor myself at home just to see if it goes up when I am at a relaxed state, (which is usually when I take my bp)
Elaine Vetros
Hi Rose
Your nephrologist is working to protect your cardiovascular system by keeping your blood pressure low. Losartan is extremely low in side effects. In fact, one clinical trial showed the “placebo” had more side effects than the drug. I’d go along with his recommendation
Dr E
I am a dyalisis patient. I come in with bp around 150 most of the time. I leave with it much lower 130 or less. My doc wants me on losartan Do you agree? And when is best to take it, am or pm?
Rose Berliner
Hi Josie
Your blood pressure issue sounds now more like something genetic (did your parents have high blood pressure?) because it certainly isn’t anything about lifestyle. The lisinopril is quite safe and if that’s what’s needed, just go ahead. BTW, yes on the cumin and also eating celery regularly will lower BP
Dr E
Hi Dr E, I’m so happy to have found this blog. I am a 57 year young female. In 2013 I was diagnosed with hbp. At home My numbers were roughly 140/87-150/89 pulse 58. When I would go to the doctors office my numbers would go up some . My doctor started me on Lisinopril 10mg. This brought my blood pressure some too low 116/68 or sometimes a little higher so doc had me start cutting pill in half 5mg. Kept taking that for 3 yrs but started walking 4-5 miles per day and changed diet. Blood pressure started stabilizing 125/78 more or less. I switched to an all raw plant based diet and a lot of emotional releasing work and was able to get off blood pressure meds. I have been off medicine for almost 3 years now. Recently in the last month my blood pressure has started spiking again. Sometimes up to 165/89 pulse 69. What would you recommend for me. I have started acupuncture as well as Chinese herbs for blood pressure. I have also started back on the Lisinopril meanwhile I get an appointment with my doctor. I would really rather not take the western medicine and do something more holistic. I also hear Black Cumin Seed Oil is great to lower B/P, any thoughts on this? Thx for your time and thx for this wonderful article.
Josie Williams
Hi Jody
Actually of all the BO meds, Lisinopril is one of the best for your kidneys. I really don’t know why you can go higher on metoprolol, take Advil or drink a little wine. These restrictions seem a little too strict from my point of view
Dr E
Hi Marizza
The medicines you have been prescribed are actually VERY SAFE and you need not worry about taking them. If your palpitations are bothering you, then definitely take the meds as prescribed
Dr E
Hi,eversince i came here in US,i have thacycardia,now im 65,female recently diagnosed of ventricular premature complex and put me on Metoprolol once a day, today ive seen my doctor, my BP was130/84,she told me to take that medication prescribed by the cardiologist,im scared to do so,my problems involving my lifestyle was the palpitation, i have this since 2014,scared me, because palpitations happened after eating,waking me up in the iddle of night, even after doing my morning business i get this palpitations,im confused dont know if i should follow what my doctors adviced,i also dealing with anxiety and i dont believed on anti depressants, do you considered my BP is high enough for i am 4’11 107lbs, what can you do to help me im tired of my palpitations, before i forget i also diagnosed of idiophatic pheriperal neurophaty with no pain,some other health problems are asthma,allergy, most of all that bothers me is my lower lumbar ostepenia, thank you for you feedback.
MARIZZA BERENS
Thank you for this article. My doc put me on Lisinopril and I’m not sure how good that is for my kidneys or liver. I was on metoprolol 25 mg couldn’t she just give me a higher mg? She says I can’t drink wine and articles say I can’t take Advil which I don’t take often but need once in awhile. Is it hard getting off of this medicine that I have been on for a month?
Jody Liggett
Hi Rob
Sometimes I think half of all meds have ‘dry mouth’ as a side effect. If yours is being caused by Lisinopril, it should be over in 10-14 days after the last dose. If you still have it, review all your other meds. One by one, Google “(name of med) dry mouth” and see what pops up
Dr E
Question about side effects of lisinopril.
You say it takes two – three weeks for the side effects to go away. Is that two or three weeks after ypu take your last dose?
What I mean was I was taking 20mg up until a few weeks ago about three times a week.
The doctor cut my dose to 10, and I took that last one a week ago. So do I start from when I took the last dose.
Also will the side effects go away and come back for the time you are off. I was doing well for a few days, and today I get hit with dry mouth again. Is this normal?
I am assuming the dry mouth is caused by the lisinopril as nothing else makes sense. I figured once I quit taking it I would be done with the dry mouth.
Rob Sherwood
Hi Jody
Seems like Lisinopril is not right for you. Ask your doc either to restart metoprolol or consider Cozaar which has a much lower frequency of side effects than Lisinopril
Dr E
Dr, Edelberg
I have been on Metropolol for about 5 years, blood pressure started to range between 140 and 150 with bottom numbers around 72. Dr puts me on Lisinoprill 10mg, it bloats me and I felt I didn’t have any get up and go she took bloodwork and said numbers were still to high so put me on 20 mg, all of this in one week. I was fighting mot to up my meds, yesterday I dint take meds: I felt like my old self getting all kinds of things done: last night blood pressure was around the 179/105 sometimes reaching 186. I got scared and finally after about 5 hours of continuous checking I took the Lisinoprill. I weigh 160 lbs. I don’t want to stay on this and will try some weight loss, meanwhile I like to drink a glass of wine or two at night, what will happen if I do this while taking this medicine? I am 71. Thank you
Jody Liggett
Like all information
Retretta chase
Hi guys. I’m a newly diagonised with hyper tension and am 21 yrs old. The last time i checked my bp was 146/93 and i’m still under medication. I’m really afraid of going on with the meds for the rest of my life. please help me reduce it to the normal rate.
James
Hi James. You might start with a consult with your primary care physician letting her (him) know that you want to get off the medication. In addition, begin following the recommendations in the health tip; diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, etc. A generally healthy 21 year old, should be able to reduce blood pressure with life style changes. Also, begin taking your blood pressure at home on a regular basis rather than relying only on the readings taken at your doctor’s office.
Dr. R
Lisinopril is evil. I have been on Lisinopril for quite a few years. Last March I started to suffer from dry mouth. At first it was tolerable, but then it got real bad. I stated to do some serious research on dry mouth, and the only cause that fit me was prescription side effects. I am a diabetic, but my sugar levels are mostly in the good range. Nothing else fit the pattern. I do not smoke, do drugs, had cancer therapy, got hit in the head, or had an auto immune disease. The only thing that fit was prescription drug side effects. Now a lot of sites on the web do not list dry mouth as a symptom of lisinopril, but a lot of others do. Even the ones that don’t say it does , say that ACE inhibitors cause dry mouth, and lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. So in a round about way they are saying it as well. Well in the summer I had a heart attack, so that added a whole new parcel of drugs to my daily routine. Enough is enough. SO I started exercise and diet programs. In the last three four months I have lost thirty pounds, and have cut down the usage of the lisinopril, I went from one a day to one every four days, (no I have not told my doctor yet). I monitor my BP quite closely, and my numbers are quite good. I wish I was never put on this snake poison in the first place. The last six months have been horrible due to the dry mouth. You know what, we can put a man on the moon, we should be able to come up with a medicine that does not cauase dry mouth.
Rob Sherwood
I WANT TO GET OFF THE DRUG LOSARTAN . PLEASE TELL ME HOW
FAYE TINKEL
I HAVE BEEN TAKING LOSARTAN FOR 20 YEARS. BEFORE LOSARTAN IT WAS HYZAAR. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS FROM IT AND WOULD LIKE TO GET OFF OF IT. HOW CAN I WEAN OFF LOSARTAN?
FAYE TINKEL I'M 83. HEALTHY.
I have been on a low dose of hctz for years. Over the past two years, lost a significant amount of weight and have been advised to come off of hctz. I first stopped taking it cold turkey and over 7-10 days gained 10 lbs of water weight. I panicked and started taking it again and over 14 days have lost all of the water weight……..how do I dose off of hctz so that I don’t have this kind of rebound edema?
Christina
Hi Ally
I too am suspicious about the “new normals” of blood pressure which actually have come under a lot of criticism. I bet that if you had your own BP apparatus and took your BP at home that after a few days you’d discover your blood pressure was quite good (not that 142/86 is “bad”).
Show your doc your at home readings off meds and maybe he’ll be less aggressive with his prescription pad
Dr E
Thank you for this article. I have been prescribed 3 different medications in the last month to ‘try’ to control my BP. I am a 68 year old woman with no other medical issues, not overweight, not a smoker and a moderate drinker.
None of the first two medications (Propanolol and then lisinopril ) have been very effective.
Now my doctor wants me to try Hyzaar. Frankly, I don’t want to try anything else at this point so will try some other lifestyle changes. My average BP before any meds averaged 142/86. The two meds I tried only lowered it to 132/78, which is better but not the ‘goal’ of 120/80.
I feel like a hamster in a wheel with all this trial and error and have been highly suspicious of the new guidelines that anything over 120/80 is high regardless of age. I am always suspicious of big pharma so your well thought out article above resonates with me. Thank you again.
Aly Darling
I’m on 20mg lisinopril because my boo fluctuates like 148/100 to 126/90 I took a stress test they found nothing. I work out hard track 40” meters mile speed walk 2 100 TD dashes at 17 secs, then go right to gym doing reps, riding a bike at level 17 for 6 minutes, then backstroke in pool. I want to get off the drug. I do have an ulcer and some digestive problem that has not been diagnosed please advise.
Paul
Paul Yakaitis
Hi Connie
First, let me say that when a doctor reaches a certain age, he begins having the same conditions as his patients.
I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (the commonest form of an irregular heart beat) a couple of years ago and was advised by a cardiologist (not “my” cardiologist because I didn’t have one at the time) to start two meds: First, a blood thinner because every medical student knows atrial fibrillation increases risk for a stroke, so I had no issue with that. And second, metoprolol, to “control the rate.” He thought that I had had AF for years and just hadn’t noticed it. I had never experienced any issue of rapid heart rate nor do I have high blood pressure. Once I began the metoprolol, I started feeling all the side effects: fatigue, sense of lightheadedness, and generally not great. So I consulted a cardiologist that I’d been referring patients to for years. He told me to taper then stop by metoprolol, check my pulse occasionally and be on the look out for runs of tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Once off the metoprolol, I immediately felt better and two years later, no tachycardia. I do remain on the blood thinner however.
Medicine hasn’t discovered the cause of atrial fibrillation for most people. Some but certainly a small number, do respond to natural treatments like magnesium, Co Q 10 and the herb hawthorn
Dr E
I do not have high blood pressure. My doctor and cardiologist put me on high blood pressure medicine (metoproal)because I have an irregular heart beat and they want to slow my heart rate down. This makes no sense to me. My heart would still be irregular only slower. I understand that the concern is pooling of blood and a possible blood clot to cause a stroke. A sonogram showed my heart was in good shape. My valves were strong and in good shape. My heart just had one small corner with some damage. The cardiologist had no explanation for this damage other than wear and tear because of my age. Muscle & energy testing showed that it was from a virus. Now I have been on this metoproal for a couple of months and it is messing with my potassium, calcium and thyroid. How can I stop taking it and take care of what is really causing the EFIB (irregular heart beat)????
Connie Sandbak
Hi DrE, thanks for your previous comments. In your opinion how long does it take for the fatigue,fluid, swelling etc to go away after stopping the BP meds. Is there a worst case and best case scenario? Really looking forward to feeling normal again. Thanks Paul
Paul
Hi Paul. Everyone is unique. Make certain you make all the life style changes necessary to help your body move through this transition; good sleep, good food, exercise, stress reduction, etc.
Dr. R
Hi Lynn
Only worrisome if you take a potassium supplement
Dr E
My question is about whether I need to change my diet now that I have been prescribed triamterene/hctz. The warnings make me worry about too much potassium. I have always eaten very healthy foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, that are relatively high in potassium. Do I have to worry about eating these healthy foods if I’m on this medication? Or is it only worrisome to take a potassium supplement?
Lynn L
Hi Paul
You sound like an internist’s ideal patient. I would suggest you talk to your doctor about going off the BP med and agreeing to send him blood pressure readings taken over a couple of weeks. If your blood pressure stays down off meds I am sure he’ll say that your good work has paid off
Dr E
Hi, I am a 46 year old male and have lost 9 belt notches on a KETO diet over the past 4 years. After having suspected adrenal cancer which confounded the endo I Switched to keto against advice and symptoms and diagnosis went away. All my blood work is pretty good except high cortisol and adrenaline. My triglycerides are 1 . A1C 5.4 Recently lost more weight by reducing alcohol and increased exercise. Have been on coveram 5/5 for four years since adrenal issues. A recent 24 hours BP monitor came back with average of 133/76 with high reading of 149/92 while out walking and low of 114/52 sleeping. Have had fatigue and fluid in feet, pins and needles, cold feet which are normally always very warm over past 5 weeks. Have switched to coversyl 5 and second day in have a persistent mild background headache and lethargic. Always suffer white coat fever. Never get headaches or sick on the keto diet unless I eat high carb meals and drink beer which is very rare due to the effects. Still carrying more weight than I would like but down dramatically from 4 years ago. I would like to get off the meds, they are a constant drain on me I feel at the moment. Any direction would be appreciated.
Paul
Hi Calvin
Obviously having the stents opens up your coronary arteries but it’s well known you’re still at a higher risk for developing additional obstructions than the general population. It has been shown that taking statins and BP meds actually reduces this risk and now with you doing all the good lifestyle stuff, you’re reducing your risk even more. In other words, in your particular situation, I’d recommend staying on the meds
Dr E
my blood pressure was never above 150 90 was always around 140 80 and most of the time the high one was in the 120’s, my cholesterol was low as well, but i still had a heart attack in which 3 stents were placed, they put me on cholesterol lowering Meds and blood pressure meds, i do not smoke, drink alcohol, or coffee, i work out 6 days a week for at least 30 minutes, i am 63 years old, i know i have to be on all these meds for 1 year because the stents need to mend to my artery, i am 6 foot tall and weigh 170 pounds, my question. since i have had a heart attack if i stuck to a good diet and continued to work out can i get off meds?
Calvin Hadley
Hi Don
Sometimes it takes a while for the body to readjust being without a med but from my experience with patients who go off meds, this shouldn’t be a lasting effect for you
Dr E
My GP put me on BP pills and I took them for 2+ years. I have had symptoms only since I started taking them and my BP is never regulated even with my DR changing the meds here and there.
I finally went to see a cardiologist who was shocked that I was ever put on the meds anyway. His advice along with another cardiologist was to get off of the meds and “Clean my system out”
Does being prescribed the wrong medication for something that never existed in the first place cause your body any lasting harm? I am not over weight, I’ve always had a very good diet and I have been working out since I was 16. I am 48 now. I have stopped taking any meds and I still just don’t feel right anymore. I feel all of the symptoms of having hypertension and my BP fluxuates, sometimes its a little high but often times it is just fine. Could my “not furling right” be from having taken the BP meds for the last 2 + years?
Don
Hi Carl
Yours is a tough case. Apparently you’ve been stuck with seriously high blood pressure that doesn’t budge with the gentler meds. Sometimes a side effect is caused by one, rather than several meds. I suggest talking with your doctor about what adjustments might be made to lessen these.
Also, if you have a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in your area, sometimes a combination of herbs and acupuncture will bring down your BP just enough that your doses of conventional meds can be adjusted downward
Dr E
my dr has me on 40 mg per day of minoxidil plus 20 mg per day of bystolic. i,m 64 years old, my bp stays at about 140/78 on the drugs. i am tired nauseous and mind cloudy!
carl
Yes
I take all
Cold turkey ?
Michael
Hi Pauline
Cilazipril is a blood pressure med not sold in the U.S. but it certainly has a lot of unpleasant side effects (cough, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting).
I think you have a serious talk with your GP just why you need to be on this. If there is, maybe he could find something a bit gentler
Dr E
I have just been prescribed cilazaphil 0.5mg..I don’t feel that great since commencing this medication. .I am fit..eat pretty well. weigh 126lb ..9stone
Don’t drink ..maybe the odd Lager every so often
I don’t want to be on this medication!!????
.pretty active 72yr old..
Pauline Burrows
Hi Norah
Sorry about your husband’s illness. Blood pressure swings are common and it is unlikely he needs his BP meds
Dr E
Dr E
Thank you! I’m 66, mother of 9 and life long drug free; my BP is 130/80! I feel good and just love life eatting vegetables, fruits and some meats, buti enjoyed reading your comments about how the Doctors put everyone on pills that open their mouths.i had all my babies natural too, and nursed them! My husband takes BP pills, asprin for heart, cholesterol pill and vitamins and constipation liquids etc..and last month his Dr. Told my husband he was “TERMINAL”…nocure and no treatment for his MCLD METASTASES!…so now, his BP has been very unstable from 167/93 to as low as 103/67 and I would assume this is pre-dying stage. I would like your comments on this!
Thank you Dr. Edelberg!
Norah Wilson
I have been taking valsartan for 3 years 160 mg. Doctor told me 1 week ago about the recall and switched me to some other bp medicine that is on back order. I started taking coq10 about a month ago. My bp was lower than it has ever been. 110/70. When the dr told me about valsartan I stopped taking it(risky I know). I take 1 coq10 with every meal now and bp is 120/82. I feel better now but I did have a really rough week coming off the valsartan. I am not a doctor and I don’t recommend coming off your medicine without a doctors help. I was just fed up and took my chances. I hope my bp continues on this path of being somewhat under control now as I will be adding more natural supplements as I go along. Celery juice is great too for lowering bp as well as deep slow breathing. Thanks for all the help on this site and I wish everyone good health!!
Kim
Thank you for the good data on this vital and timely subject!
Strahin
Oh my! I cannot believe that I forgot to mention, that I also feel winded intermittently, all day! I’ve noticed I am also losing more hair than I normally do, have developed prominent, deep circles under my eyes, and I feel as if I’ve aged even more so, since the inception of these pills, June 13th, 2018. I am also a bit more tired and notice that my adrenaline that used to kick my day off, is pretty much non-existent! I’ve purchased an at-home blood pressure monitoring machine. I have got to get on the stick, make the time to do this. I have got my work cut out for me!!! I do NOT want to become a medication machine! What a way to go!!!!
Kim
Eureka!!! Besides being a new study (youtube) with Dr. John Bergman in California, I do believe that I’ve hit a jackpot of sorts clicking on to this site! Yayyy! I reluctantly began taking 2.5 mg. Lisinopril per order of my new doctor. My previous doctor also was heading me in that direction. I think that I could get off of this if I could really buckle down, eat well, sleep better reduce my stressors and pick up on some exercise! I HATE the side effects of this drug! Even though it is a low dosage, I am highly sensitive to lots of things, stressors, chemicals, odors, smoke, allergens, blah blah blah! The first time I took the pill, I had the sensation that my blood was draining through my veins, more specifically my legs. It was an odd sensation. I called the doctor’s office and they were not phased and did not return my call even. I continued the pills and started to develop the cough that many seem to mention. I liken the ‘cough’ to a choking of sorts. It can come at any time of the day or night, although I take the pill around 11 AM daily. I am currently devising a plan to get the heck off of these dastardly pills. I have seen many a senior follow down the path of medication after medication. I do not want to travel that same path. I don’t understand how doctors can prescribe these medications when they have not even spent a 24 hour period with me, monitoring my blood pressure hour by hour! The doctor does not know me, but that my biological father died of a massive heart attack at 64. He told me once that he was on high blood pressure meds, but I am not certain that he lived a super healthy lifestyle, alcohol, smoking, and who knows what else. His mother also died of congestive heart failure. My biological mother, on the other hand, is 76, doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and has ‘never’ been on a medication! I am holding out against hope that I can make a significant change in my lifestyle. I Hate the pills, and want O-U-T!!! I cannot wait to read this whole page and all of the comments. Thank you!!!
Kim
I’m a 57 yr old female 170, 5’7. BP 120/85. I’ve been on Diovan (just recalled the maker I was prescribed), which btw the pharmacy nor my doctor called me to let me know of the recall. Went to 3 mo. Check up and was told then, little less than a month after the recall. Been using since it came released to public. BP meds about 10ys. Dr. Said, let’s take you off see what happens. 3 days later bp 118/84 average. I have had loads of side effects. I was on water pills too but a year ago I stopped myself side effects. BP didn’t change (was still on bp meds though.)
So… I have taken pills about 10 years and 5 of those years on something that in the pill that was recalled causes cancer, heck.. they use one ingredient in diovan (not all just the one Krogers use as a supplier)on mice to cause then cancer so they can cure them.
Why… maybe that is just my blood pressure “normal” level. Now I have the worry of cancer and liver damage and more.
I sure wish I had a second chance and had read this article.
Marye Grace
I was on 12.5 mg of atenolol per day and weaned off of it July 2017 and started taking hawthorne berry . So now it’s one year later and my blood pressure is perfect and my cholesterol is way down. Hmmmm.
Diane Thielker
My 78-yr old mother has been on Hydrochlorothiazide, Ibersartan, Amlopidine and Metoprolol for approxmiately 15 years — along with 2 antcoagulants and 2 cholesterol meds. I did not realize she was on so many meds until recently due to her horrible discomfort, extreme difficulty breathing, sudden deafness, kidney failure, etc. So I am trying to help her taper off and remove some of her meds as her blood pressure is actually quite low — averaging between 115/55-125/60 over the past few weeks. We started by removing one of her antidepressants Wellbutrin (no idea why her docs gave her those many years ago as one of its many side effects are hypertension). After 4 days of herring off those meds, her blood pressure plummeted to 85/35 and has been very low since. Her doctor recommended removing hydrochlorothiazide first altogether, and reducing er Amlodopine by half. When I give her all of her meds as scheduled, her BP is still very low, ranging between 100/45 to 115/55. My question is, which medicine do you think would be the safest to remove or taper next? I would really like to get her off of al of those meds but she has a couple of stents put in about 10 years ago and she sometimes gets chest pains (although I wonder if those are caused by her many meds or maybe are digestive).
Charlotte
Hi Rick
Actually, the one with the least fatigue is the HCTZ and the blood sugar issue is relatively uncommon
You can take 25 mg of that plus an Ayurvedic herbal combination called Cardiotone (one cap twice a day).
Just about all the rest do cause fatigue
Also: take your BP at home rather than having taken at your doc’s office. The one at home is the “real” you
Dr E
Hi Dr. E, thank you for helping so many patients out with your advice. I always had excellent blood pressure, work out a lot and watch what I eat. About 5 years ago I was put on testosterone (test had me at under 200) 100mg 2x/week and about a year ago I was put on dextroamphetamine for ADD (5mg/day but I only take half of that). Since then my blood pressure has creeped up to about 140/95, although that was only sporadic and other times it could be almost normal, I take my blood pressure most days and record it on my phone. It was always elevated at the Dr. office, sometimes 150/100, but in looking back at my BP readings at home it only does this at the Dr. office.
My first step was to try Guanfacine ER 1mg, which I had read used to be used for blood pressure and also had a good effect on the ADD, my intentions were to lower my BP and help wean me off the dextroamphetamine. The Guanfacine by itself helped a little, probably brought me down to 135/90 or so, but once again sporadic and some days it would be much lower and almost normal.
Went to my PCP for my physical, bloodwork perfect, EKG perfect, no issues otherwise. She put me on Amlodipine 5mg, after about a month I didn’t see much of a change. She now wants to add HCTZ 12.5mg and she is pushing hard to get it closer to 120/80.
Here is my issue, FATIGUE!! Since starting the Guanfacine, and worse with the Amlodipine I feel tired all the time, just like a deep weary ache in my muscles/bones and I find it difficult to even mow the lawn. I used to be very much into weight lifting and running and even remodeled my basement to have a weightroom and a nice treadmill, but I find I’m too fatigued to work out at all. It seems counter productive on some level to stop working out in order to take the meds. I haven’t even started the HCTZ because I’ve read so much about blood sugar/diabetes and other ill effects.
I do take some natural stuff. Fish oil every day, magnesium glycinate 400mg 2x/day, potassium gluconate, I also try and manage my stress but that may be a factor.
So I had 2 questions. 1) Is there any BP medication that does not cause fatigue? If not, is there one that has the least amount of causing fatigue? I did try lisinopril and losartan a few years ago, they both made me tired as well. 2) If I just got off all the BP meds and lived with my 140/90 BP is that advisable? I read a lot of studies and the new guidelines pushing for 120/80 and just read new research this week saying lowering BP was the only thing you could do to lower risk of dementia.
I’m about ready to quit all the BP meds as I feel I’d rather die early than live like a zombie, of course I would do it with my PCP knowing.
Rick
Dear WHIL
The in-hospital low BP may be due to the anemia and/or simply being in bed. If it remains as low as you are saying once your blood count is back to normal AND you’re up and about, then you may not need a BP med
Dr E
Thanks. I suspected this and have recently weaned myself off Losartan 100mg to 50mg to 25mg and now zero dosage. I am 71 and very active with exercise most days. Present BP avg. 136/74 and bpm 68.
Steve Norris
HI DR.E IVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR GI BLEEDING JUST RECENTLY.
18TH OF JLUY AND WAS DISCHARGRD 20TH OF JULY. I HAD LOW BP 96/88,102.56 AND DURING MY CONFINEMENT I EVEN HAD 81/48.I WAS DIAGNOSED ANEMIC DUE TO LOSS OF BLOOD.MY HEMOGLOBIN LEVEL 8.2.I AM 5O Y.O MALE.THEY STOPPED ME TAKE THE ASPIRIN 81MG AND GLIPIZIDE.I AM MONITORING MY BLOOD PRESSURE UNTIL NOW AND SOMETIMES I HAVE 102/62,109/74,108/73.ITS ALWAYS ON THAT RANGE.DO I NEED TO TAKE LOSARTAN? THE DOCTOR ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT AS LONG AS I HAVD BP ON THE RANGR OF 120/70 OR HIHER THAN THAT,PLEASE
I NEED YOUR ADVICE,THANK YOU
WHIL
Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I implement a fragment of your post to my website?
Juliette Padron
Hi Juliette. Sure but please give us credit for the information and/or a link to the original post.
Dr. R
Hi Joanne
You’re too passive in all this.
Just tell the new doc exactly what you want to do. If he says something dumb like “I’m the doctor!” just tell him that he’s right but as a doctor he shouldn’t be prescribing meds that make his patients more ill than when they arrived
Dr E
You described exactly what happened to me and now I am miserably stuck.My systolic B/P was consistently in the 120/70 range. When I would go to the Dr. it would be up into the 130 to 140range. Dr. told me the normal had changed and he put me on exforge 5/320. From feeling great to feeling miserable. This was 6 or so years ago. A couple of weeks ago I got a new Dr. I talked him into taking away the Amlodipine.I hoped this would reduce the swelling in my feet and lower legs and take away my 24/07 dizziness. Not so.
I pray that before much longer SOMEONE will tell me how to wean off the VALSARTAN. Valsartan and furosemide are the only 2 drugs I am on now. It seems that once you get hooked there is no hope. When the Dr. told me the B/P limit had been changed I told him they just wanted more patients taking their pills and taking them forever.
Joanne Chapman, Snookered
Joanne Chapman
I have been eating healthier and exercising lately. I dice a cup of celery and eat it almost daily. This appears to bring down my blood pressure? Am I imagining this?
Gabby Peacock
Hi Gabby. It is well documented that lifestyle changes often help stabilize and lower blood pressure. Good work!
Dr. R
Hi Helina
Your blood pressure is so perfect that I’d be reluctant to discontinue meds. If however you are experiencing lightheadedness, this might mean your dose is too high and he could lower it.
The fact that you are overweight and have had clots in the past means that if you stop the anti clot med, you could get another clot, so stay on it
Dr E
Excellent reading,thank you David, I just shown this article to my husband his comment was,That he has been saying what you have written all along.
He tried to save this article but failed , I do though have your web site to fall back on to,
We both have been on Avapro for over ten years, and whenever we go to the Dr it’s pretty high,
We do have a BP monitor (arm ) and I was taking record in my diary for my GP, I also had a BP monitor for 24 hrs it came back ok.
Mine today was 148/75 , sometimes it’s higher sometimes lower.
I am also on Cartia 100mg once a day for Blood thinning,
I had a PE 9 months ago ,after being put on Xarelto they have now gone,
I am 78 and my husband 79 , that is why I am on this low dose aspirin.
Is it safe to take 300mg of Non diuretic Avapro taken after dinner,?
because I was light headed, and I take Cartia in the morning ,
My husband is a retired scientist by the way ,
I still say I’m having side effects from taking Avapro and
We would appreciate your input on our situation.
I’m over weight , and my husband has lost weight and he is now 103 kilos still the fig stay the same,
My main fear is if I come off either of them I might get more clots,
His BP is lower than mine but not too lo
Hefina
Hi Marlene
Even though your blood sugar was 813, you actually might not feel that. At any rate, you are certainly a diabetic and need to be on meds. From your quite honest description of your incredibly unhealthy eating habits, you’ll likely need to be on meds for the rest of your life.
Sorry to give you this news but unless you make significant and permanent changes in your lifestyle, there’s not a lot to do except keep taking meds as your doctor prescribes them
Dr E
Thank you
Shane
Thank you. Just as I thought my blood pressure started at 130/70 and that was considered high. I have had bad effects from amlodipine, lisinopril, Cartia. Feel worse on those than I did off them. I lost weight a lot of it, eat fairly right, reduced salt intake. I was put on statin drug even though I didn’t need it at all was told I needed it for my diabetes. I thought doctors were supposed to make us feel better not worse. I would love to get off all my meds, but MD won’t hear of it. I just didn’t have the symptoms of diabetes, I went to urgent care over an infected foot. MD took a look from the door and told me I was diabetic could the osteomyelitis threw everything out of whack? I was in urgent care ate a huge ham sandwich, drank 20 oz. coke, and 12 oz. cranberry juice 15 minutes prior to my appointment in urgent care. Took blood sugar and told me to go to the emergency room and had me drive there not telling me my blood sugar was 813. Should I not have had symptoms if it was this high? Please respond and thank you Marlene
Marlene Forster
Hi Ken
Good news: yes, your blood pressure is at a normal level
Bad news: it might be at that level because of your meds and if you stop them, your blood pressure might rise to high levels.
If you want to go off (or at least reduce) your meds, you’ll need to discuss this with your doctor
Dr E
MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS AT ABOUT 144 OVER 82.I’M 64 YRS. OLD. FROM WHAT I’VE READ ABOVE IT SEEMS NORMAL.CURRENTLY ON 20MG.LISINOPROL W/12.5mg.HCTZ.WHAT DO YOU THINK?.
Ken jaeger
To have hernia surgery 2015 I was told NO must be lowered. [No BP or strokes in family until my mommy handed out the lysinapeil which is when her short term [Very bright vitiman taker for 41yrs] down hill sparil began.
I was on a white pill of this med yrs ago, had severe dry cough and several other. They changed to others all bad side effects so weaned off
.
Before 2015 surgery I did not have names of bad Meds should be in medical file.
This time a pink pill for lysinapeil. Hard to regulate… my BP always nutty.
DRY COUGH THOUGHT SINUS. HACK HACK. TIRES YOU OUT. FEAR <—- IS USED TO GET YOU ON THAT DANG PILL.
NOW PAST COUPLE WEEKS MY KNEES TO FEDT LEGS CRAMPING NEVER HAD THIS. I EXERCISE ON IN STRIDE CYCLE 30 MIN COUPLE TIMES A DAY. STRETCH EVERY <—- A.M. AND THROUGH OUT DAY DO CERTAIN STAY BALANCE STRETCHES.
LEGS NO SWELLING. THESE LAST COUPLE WEEKS LEGS ARE SWELLING WITH CRAMPING AT. NIGHT, HACK COUGH. READ POTASSIUM IS DEPLETED TAKING THIS DRUG I EAT BANANAS USED TO TAKE POTASSIUM /MAGNESIUM BEFORE NO CRAP PILLS.
I AM WEANING OFF THIS DANG drug. Keeping journal.
No other meds. My mommy [and step daddy] were taken off their vits. And both died with BP/ Diabetic drug, cholesterol med etc. Dr made them rx pill junkies. [I picked up mommies BP[always healthy before drugs] it was same one I was given.
I want off all NO meds and Dr to stop pushing them on me. Anger fills me… I meditate. Trying to walk and pedal my instride cycle. Wish me luck as I wean off this scary med once again. Liv-vid when I found that old rx of same pill i took yrs yrs ago.
TY for this article. Bless you. Nancy L. Bisset
Nancy L. Bisset
Hi Val
With numbers like yours, Val, I’m afraid you will need to remain on blood pressure meds. Sorry, but it would be dangerous try to otherwise
Dr E
I thank you for this information, I have been seeking info on what is considered high blood pressure and how do they determine it, and you have enlighten me and educated me with this article and I and on a journey to free my mine and body of this toxic belief and I am seeking the right way to accomplish it. Thank u very much for this informative passage to true health. I all felt that the power that be ( big companies and money) was the motivation and not my health which is really sad and tragic.
Stephen
Dr. E. Trying to wean off of Losartan. Been on 100mg HCTZ for about a year. We need down to 1/2 of a pill on my own. Everytime I try to come totally off blood pressure spikes 180/116 or more and heart races uncontrollably. What can I do? Please help
Val Dotson
Dr. Edelberg, you impressed me!
Maureen Fisher
Hi R
Generally side effects from blood pressure meds are gone in a few days so if you are still feeling the hypotension symptoms, your doc will need to look for other causes (like anemia, for example)
Dr E
Hi Doc! I have been on amlodipine for years before, now on lozartan. Bp has mostly been ok, but sometimes not, even at home because of anxiety when using b.p measuring device. Sometimes initial measurement will be high, but 2nd and 3rd try will be low. Again most probably because of anxiety. Well, I actually have anxiety disorder. Trying therapy, meditations now. I’m 40 years male BTW. Just recently though, I have this spells where I could feel pressure going up from the back of my neck to my head, I’ll be dizzy, and feel like fainting, have to hold on to something. 2 times it happened already since my last anxiety attack last Nov. 2017 and since I started with Losartan 50mg. I thought I was gonna faint or was having a stroke. Oh, I also would have some dizzy spells from sitting to standing before. One time I measured my bp when I rose dizzy from my bed, and my bp was only 90/60. So it’s hypotension right? Again, I started feeling that with I’m kinda new with Losartan. After a few weeks to now, it lessened though, and almost doesn’t happen already. It’s just this rising head pressure and feeling faiting that happened again tonight.
Question is, am I still having side effects of the losartan drug, hypotension? Is the feeling of faint and rising pressure to my head a headrush, or hypotension also? Or is it just because of my anxiety issues? Gonna go to my doctor again tommorow actually to tell him about the rising head pressure, dizziness.
Hope to hear from you good doctor. 🙂
R
Something you never read about in the discussion of BP meds is :
1. Soaking your feet in hot water
2. Deep breathing
3. Cayenne pepper and Apple cider Vinegar
MY WIFE HAS BEEN ON SAME TWO MEDS FOR YEARS AND HAS NOW DEELOPED AN ALLERGIC REACTION AND HAD TO STOP AMLODIPINE AND GOING THROUGH HELL FROM WITHDRAWAL
No need for BP meds
Bill Wilkie
Hallo hallo,
MY TESTIMONY…
I am a 32 year old male, 72kg heavy.
I was diagnosed with High blood pressure 7 months ago. I was put on beta blockers, which didn’t work for me. I was therefore put on diuretics for 2 months where my BP started responding very well and got to 105/65. Later, my drugs were changed and was put on Amlosun 5mg for some time. Due to dry cough at night I was redirected into Enalapril 5mg, then Enalapril 2.5mg. From there, I started taking it once after every 2 days for 2 weeks. Then I stopped all the BP medication. Isn’t that amazing.
Since I was diagnosed with High blood pressure, I stopped taking salt which has sodium chloride.. I now take herbal salt which has potassium/iodine. I also stopped holding grudges inorder to avoid unnecessary anger. I hope you know anger, anxiety and stress are one of the factors which cause many of the health issues.e g if you do something wrong to me now, I will not hold to my fury.. I will talk to you about it and ‘vomit’ all that is in me for relieval then I will greet you and say I have forgiven you. I also developed a way of laughing at people who want to annoy me.. that laughter helps me a lot. Of course, I also exercise..I briskly walk for 30 minutes daily. It’s now 3 weeks since and MY BP IS VERY NORMAL AT LESS THAN 120/80. I am Happy. My message to all of you is that.. There’s always hope at the end of the tunnel.
Always confess it…
“Despite all the health conditions surrounding me, I will not die before my time is yet.”
Some of these conditions come to you so that you can become another person’s encourager..and that’s why I am encouraging you.. Take heart and know that you are not alone. Remember that many people are suffering the same but are afraid to come out in public and talk about it. If I overcame, You too will overcome. Feel hopeful.
Blessings.
Pastor Job
good day dr E. i was rushed in the hospital last to weeks because my bp elevated to 180/100 the reason. i was exposed to extreme heat.i dont drink to much water and more coffee. after 3 to 4 hrs at the hospital they send me home and told to do some lab test. they prescribe me with amlopidine 10mg after few days worst side effect i encounter feeling weak,palpitation,hotflush leg cramps.dizziness and blurry vision i cant even walk properly. i try to stop the med couple of days and guess what i feel great! then i go for lab test ecg normal fbs 6.64 creatinine 1.49mg/dl. i go to a new dr and they told me to lower the amlopidine to 5mg and they add losartan 50mg.. since i took those med it get worse i feel totally weak and anxious.. so i go for another new dr and she remove the 2 meds and gave me nifedipine 5 mg only.. i feel a litte better but dizziness and leg cramps occur always. i was not active for the past few months and not on the diet.5’7 185.. my normal bp 135-140/75-90 when no meds.. its my 3rd day with nifedipine and i dont like the side effect as well..!Now im doing the dash diet less salt intake more fruits more water.. i Remove my meds 4 days ago and i feel fine just a little dizzy and weak but not as worse as im taking those meds.. i doing exercise daily from my weight is down by 7. may normal bp now wil range to 115-130/70-85. i eat raw garlic daily i wonder if i continue doing like this it will be normal i followed the dash diet. how can i remove the lightheadedness and dizziness and little weak is it the side effect of the meds or the side effect of the diet?im 35 by the way now on a diet and brisk walking how long will the meds out of my system?
anthony
Hi Emily
Sounds like your GP is on the right track, tapering your Bystolic and then likely discontinuing it. You probably don’t need it
Dr E
Dr. E-
I am a 42 yr old female who has been taking 5mg of Bystolic for around 8 yrs. Through weight loss and dietary changes, my BP has been running around 108/70 and my GP told me if it continues, we will cut my dose in half at my next appointment. I am excited and terrified at the same time after reading tapering horror stories. In retrospect, my previous GP was probably quick to put me on a BB when I only presented with hypertension. Do you think I should taper off completely and look at another class of drugs or just taper to half and hopefully get off drugs completely as I continue to lose weight? Also, will taking magnesium when I cut the dose help? Thank you so much.
Emily R
hi dr e. i was rushed in the hospital last to weeks because my bp elevated to 180/100 the reason. i was exposed to extreme heat.i dont drink to much water and more coffee. after 3 to 4 hrs at the hospital they send me home and told to do some lab test. they prescribe me with amlopidine 10mg after few days worst side effect i encounter feeling week,palpitation,hotflush leg cramps.dizziness and blurry vision. i try to stop the med couple of days and guess what i feel great. then i go for lab test ecg normal fbs 6.64 creatinine 1.49mg/dl. i go to other dr and they told me to lower the amlopidine to 5mg and they add losartan 50mg.. since i took those med it get worse i feel totally weak and anxious so i go for another dr and she remove the 2 meds and gave me nifedipine mg. i feel a litte better but dizziness and leg cramps occur always. i was not active for the past few months and not on the diet.5’7 185.. my normal bp 135-140/75-90 its my 3rd day with nifedipine and i donk like the side effect as well.. i do the dash diet less salt intake more fruits more water lemon. when i take the med it will go down 120-130/70-85. and when i eat a raw garlic it will go down 115-120/60-75. is it posible to remove the med and continue on the dash diet plus exercise and eat raw garlic since it lower the pressure and planning to add apple cider vinegar it the diet plan. i dont want to be dependent on meds pls help me
anthony
Hi Fletcher
Your numbers are good and I would continue with what you are doing
Dr E
Hello Dr. Edelberg, I appreciate the article, as I am having some issue with my blood pressure. The guidelines seem to say anything not or below 120/80 is bad. I currently run 130 something and sometimes 140 something over 70 something. I have a monitor and take my blood pressure every day. I am 60,and I never seem to get into the 120s anymore. I do take natural herbal supplements. I am very active and very good with diet. Are meds necessary for someone who never gets out of the 130s or 140s?
Fletcher Hutcins
thank you for this information it has been a great help every time I was taking a high blood pressure pill it was always run my blood pressure up higher than what it supposed to have been but taken just a simple diabetic Keppra lower so thank you very much for the information
Elva
Hi Nonya
The coughing is from the Lisinopril. Tell your doctor so he can change your med to one from a different family
Hi Fran
It sounds like you need an increase in your water pill (diuretic) dose. Let your doctor know about the swelling
Dr E
my ankles will not stop swelling on any off the meds. I am only on 25mg Losartan and a whole food plant based with no salt, sugar, non smoker, occassional drinker and it gets worse and worse. It even makes my abdomen swell. It is insane. I tried cutting my pills in half and doing 12.5 mg a day and it helps some but not much.. BP crept up when I put on weight, but now my feet and even calves are swelling.
fran
Have you tried a beta blocker? I have the same problem you have with the swelling. I had a “pregnant” belly all the time and ankles so swollen I couldn’t take my daily walks or sometimes even get around my house. The swelling in my ankles was so painful and I’m a seriously skinny person but I gained 14 lbs on one med ‘cause I virtually couldn’t walk and it made me depressed so I just sat a lot and ate too much. Never mattered if I ate salt or not….I got the swollen ankles and abdomen on EVERY SINGLE bp med. An added diuretic just made it worse! My doc was so over me….because I would stop medications on my own without his guidance all the time…..but I’d come to the point where I just wanted to be able to walk on a weekend with my family or on a vacation. The ONLY bp meds that don’t cause this condition for me seem to be beta blockers. I’m now on Bystolic and no swelling of ankles. Some abdominal swelling but not terrible. There is some constipation and sometimes I have to reduce my dosage a bit….get the constipation under control and then go back to original dosage. I can WALK, though!
Heather Scholl
Thank you so much for the information! I have a fairly good BP (about 135-140/85-90) but it can go up to 150/95-100 at the Dr. office. So, of course, since I have a history of heart disease in my family & I’m 65, Dr. said I have to take Lisinopril. Can’t stop coughing! I will do anything to get off this stuff & now I know what to do, thank you!
nonya
Hi James
Is the 155/77 at home or in the doctor’s office? If in the doctor’s office, take readings at home. It may be lower
Also 155/77 is certainly not all that bad and there are other meds your doctor could add but he may be satisfied with that reading
Dr E
My doctor has me taking 2 Furosemide 40 mg n morning and 1 at noon, carvedilol 6.25 mg twice daily and Amlodipine 10 mg twice daily. I have swelling n my legs and painful. Why Isn’t my blood pressure in the normal range. This morning 155/77 n both arms
JAMES BROWN
I am a 62 yo female. I’ve been on Lisinopril 10mg for 18 years. I recently was given the ok to cut it in half. After 3 months my BP was still running low around 96/60, so I decided to try going without. I should mention I’ve also recently lost 15 lbs and started walking 30 min everyday. It’s been 1 week and I’m running around 112/68 average. Should I expect maybe a further upward trend since it’s only been a week?
Kathy Martin
Kathy Martin. Speak with your prescribing primary care physician and continue to monitor your blood pressure. The small life style changes may have made the difference.
Dr. R
I have been on 1/2 of 2.5mg. amlodipine for 31/2 months and still feel fatigued!
Betty Spencer
i believe in alternative medicine. I was put on Irbesartan 300 mg for about 2 years and i wanted to get off it.My Doctor could not believe that he had put me on that high dose. I told him to cut my dose and he did not give me a answer so i took my self off without weaning off and put myself on natural blood pressure pill. that was 4 weeks ago. I am afraid to check my pressure. any suggestion what to do now.
Barbara
Barbara. Have your blood pressure checked and have a “heart-to-heart” with your primary care physician regarding medication. Do it soon.
Dr. R
Barbara, how did it go for you? Hope you are doing well now
Lavonda
Hi Michael
I would take the half dose and check your BP around your home. Generally people run lower on their own turf. Do you want to spend the next 30 years (assuming you’ll live to 101) feeling weak and dizzy every day?
Dr E
I am 71 years old,& a male. I am taking lotarson potassium 100mg. If I take the full dosage I feel weak & get dizzy. If I take one half a dose blood pressure is 146 to 155 over 90. I’m In contradiction as what to do.
Michael Yeater
Finally someone has the courage to report the facts about the deleterious affects of power that big Pharma has over hundreds of millions of people.
I was put on Atenolol 15 years ago for a BP that would get up to 130/80… suffered from it.
Finally was changed to lisinopril.. more side affects… after doing my own research from credible sources I realized I never did have a physiological need for antihypertensive meds.
I gradually weaned myself off ( I’m NOT recommending this to others,) by taking Arginine and Choline. My BP well in normal range for my age, ranges between 118/76 to 130/80.
Mariglyn
Hi Mathhew
I am inclined to agree with your pharmacist. Taper the med but as you are doing so take your blood pressure at home every day at about the same time (late afternoon/evening). If blood pressure begins to rise then you may need the med. If it stays low even after 2-3 weeks off meds then probably not
Dr E
Thank you for your advice and knowledge. I have been reading all the comments. I’m a teacher and in a highly stressful situation with the worst classroom I’ve ever had. My blood pressure has gone from normal to 173 over 98 sometimes bottom number up 104. I do not want to be on meds, so I’ve been reading your health tips.
Phyllis
Hi Doctor Edelberg, thanks for the all the good work you’re doing. In January 2018, I was hospitalized with a blood pressure of 150/80 and the doctor said I need to take statin to drive down my cholesterol which baffled because I never had high blood pressure before. The doctor told me I have to use hypertensive drugs for life just like that, recently I went out of curiosity I went for an ecg pre and post and I was told that I was not hypertensive and why was I hurriedly considered as hypertensive and placed on drugs for life. My Pharmacist had advised me to tapper off and wean myself off the hypertensive drug. Please advice. Thanks
Matthew
Susan and Dr. E
Thought you both might get a kick knowing that before electric light sleeping four hours, waking two, then sleeping four more was our (DNA) norm. Goggle numerous links. 😉
Great blog doc; must be or I wouldn’t have read whole thing.
Denis Drew
Hi Susan
Your doctor started you on the highest dose of Coversyl HD. I think that between the Resperate and you following a low salt diet (Google: DASH diet), he can start reducing the strength of your med and maybe one day getting you off it altogether
Dr E
Dr E,
I read with great interest read article, and I too am a big believer that “reduce the number, add a patient “ I am a 65 yr old woman, 5’10,179 lbs. I have recently been diagnosed with HBP I the doctors office rising BP 190/95 and have been given daily Coversyl HD Plus 8mg and have been taking for the past 30 days. I have also been taking Thyroid ERFA 60 mg for the past 15 yrs or so, due to a partial thyroidectomy. Also I take 200mg mag morning and night, estrodial 10up, 200 mg prometrium.
The problems mornings BP is low 111/90 and then can go up to 150/85 before bed, but then somedays I’ll feel totally normal and my BP is 138/80 with no symptoms and then at other times of the day i experience unpleasant racing heart and anxiety.
I’ve been working with a resonate breathing app which is helping with the anxiousness. And my sleep patterns have changed, where I sleep soundly for 4 hrs and then I’m awake for 2 hrs, and repeat sleep for3 or 4 hrs. This is new to me. I would like to wean myself off the Coversyl (hopefully, with my docs blessing) and boost my Thyroidmed to 75 mg (which I was on that dosage for 15 yrs) but dropped to60 mg due to the high BP. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Susan Thomas
I am a 65 year old retired male on 3 meds for hypertension:
25 m.g. chlorthalidone
100 m.g. losartan
10 m.g. amlodipine
On my meds my BP at the doctor’s office would be around 116/70.
I recently lost 25 pounds and in checking my BP at home it is consistently in the 105/64 range but there have been times in has run as low as 92/56 and even after an hour long walk only raised to 101/57.
My question, which I’ve had a terrible time getting answered, is do hypertension meds continue to lower BP even when it is normal without meds?
Steve
HI Steve – for the most part, when you stop taking a medication for hypertension, the hypertension returns. If you’re in the Chicago area, any of our physicians or our nurse practitioner would be happy to explore other options with you. This website can be a helpful tool too if you’re looking for a different approach, google the Institute for Functional Medicine to find like-minded clinicians.
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
Hi Dr E. Great article. I’m 56 years old, weigh 177 lbs. I don’t smoke, don’t drink & have never had a heart attack. This past July, heart palpitations and BP issues came out of no where. Couple of emergency room visits. Currently on 10 mg Lisinopril, once daily & Metoprolol, 12.5 mg daily. Tri as to wean myself off and everything went haywire. I want off this crap altogether because I know for a fact it will cause other diseases, namely cancer. Any suggestions please.
Wayne Harvey
Hi Wayne – Any medication changes should involve the prescribing doctor or a new doctor with whom you choose to work. If you’re if the Chicago area, any of our physicians or nurse practitioner would be happy to meet with you. If you’re not in the area, google the Institute for Functional Medicine to find like-minded clinicians.
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
I am a 60 yr old former surgical tech…am not on any meds…until last week…I participated in a 24 hour RockaThon supervising teens …got very tired…not 16 anymore…the next day I had phlegm in my throat…I was up clearing my throat all night so I took a musinex, against my better judgement…BP skyrocketed to 175/115…went to ER…no flu, no pneumonia, no blood clots in the lungs, no enlarged heart, EKG fine, slightly low O2…treated with Nitro and put on Metropolol and Lisinopril…now I feel very tired, no energy, BP ok, but goes very low sometimes…87/55…my BP before was not high….usually around 116/75…I HATE medicine and want off…I have only been on these for less than a week, and if I didn’t take that stupid musinex this never would have happened…I want to start reducing my dosage before it really gets into my system and it would be harder to do…I don’t want to wait for 2 more weeks before I see the cardiologist…I am thinking of reducing my dosage in half for the next few days and monitoring it…to half it again for a few more days, to be totally off…any concerns?
Ann Theresa
Hi Ann – any medication changes should be done with the supervision of the prescribing physician. It’s impossible to give prescription advice over the internet since knowing your medical history and you as a patient is critical to making these decisions. Please speak with your doctor before making changes.
Best,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
I was put on presnisone 10 mg for 2 day and my bp went up to 200/134. I went to the er annd dr gave me amlodipine 5 mg. I took it for 2 days and cant take side effect. decide to cut a cold turkey it that ok. i weight sbout 147 pl. thanks for and advice
lee N.
Hi Thusitha
The high blood pressure likely runs in your family. Have you tried a low salt diet and biofeedback? The machine is called Resperate and available online
Dr E
Dear David, thank you for this helpful article. I am a slim reasonably fit 46 yr Old woman and was recently diagnosed with stress enhanced high blood pressure- which was in excess of 150/100 I am currently on 2.50 mg of ramipril. What I have found is that my systolic pressure responds quickly to meds where as the diastolic reading is far more stubborn. Does this point to anything particular? So far, my ECG and blood tests appear all clear. Desperate to be off the bp meds if possible as I find the side effects debilitating.
Thusitha Jayasundera
Hi Alex
High blood pressure in young people is not common but can occur if it runs in your family. Years and years of poorly controlled high blood pressure definitely gives you risks for heart and kidney disease and strokes. Since Lisinopril for most people has virtually zero side effects, if I were you, I’d bite the bullet and just take the med. Your good work at maintaining excellent health PLUS your well controlled blood pressure will likely allow you to enjoy your nineties
Dr E
Hi Dr E
I started BP medication at 23 and have been on it for almost 3 years now. At 22 I found out I have an irregular EKG that signaled I might have LVH. Did the full cardiologist experience (twice) and they could not find anything except that my blood pressure swings abnormally high every now and again 160/90. In fact during the stress test I did so well they said I was in the 99th percentile! I’m in very good shape not overweight but I don’t watch my diet as much as I should. Anything I can do or loook up to see if I can wean myself off this lisinopril 20mg?
Alex
Hi Cindy
Once a day in the AM on the HCTZ is fine. Remember it is a diuretic and if you take it in the evening, you really don’t want to be getting up to pee
Dr E
Hello David!
Thank you very much for your article! If HCTZ is required, do you recommend taking it once per day or 12.5 mg twice per day? Do you recommend taking it at a certain time of day?
Cindy
DR….what you say makes a lot of sense. I usually suffer with white coat hypertension.when i take my own blood pressure i have very nice BP.
At a certain doctors visit i was given Lisinopril and amlodipine.i had side effects and almost blacked out.that increased my anxiety and i had to start exercising to get rid of the anxiety.
i really appreciate your comments.I hope to buy a Resperate
soon.
best regards
marc johnn
Hi Jim
Since your blood pressure was high when you were under stress, if you are coming up with strategies to reduce stress it would seem reasonable to start lowering your dose and even discontinuing it over the next few days. You need to work with your primary care doc or your cardiologist about this
Dr E
I was under alot of stress and felt dizzy and frazzled. went to my doctor and bp 140/100. he put me on 75mg of ibersartan. went to cardio doctor 4 days later and bp was 130 /75. i have been taking for 1 and 1/2 months. feel dizzy and cant focus eyes on and of. take blood pressure at home. it is usually around 120/80 . sometimes lower and sometimes slightly higher. i have not been able to do exercises due to a recent hernia repair. when can i start to come off of medication
jim
Hi Robert
This happens to everyone. Just skip today and restart tomorrow
Dr E
Hi Nou
Hydrochlorthiazide sometimes takes 2-3 weeks to work so for the time being just be patient. Reduce your salt, continue exercising
Dr E
I am 41 years old with high blood pressure. Checked into ER and they prescribed me hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. Been taking it for about a week now – changed my diet, doing 20-30 mins of exercise per day. And doesn’t seem like the HBP is subsiding. Perhaps there could be an electrolyte imbalance? Maybe it’s a process that takes time? This is my first time on this medication…if you can shed any light please let me know.
Nou Yang
Idont recall whether I took my a.m. dose both hydrochlorathorazide + benazeprl. Is better to take it and risk having taken it twice or just skip one day without either?
Robert Richman
Hi Ana
The burst blood vessel probably is unrelated to your high blood pressure but you should be glad it happened because it alerted you and your doctor that there was a blood pressure issue. Your BP of 198/102 is quite high and you should stay on the medication. After a few weeks of normalizing your blood pressure, your doctor can consider lowering your Losartan dose and perhaps discontinuing it but don’t do anything on your own
Dr E
Hi Dr. E.
My name is Ana. Just recently my right eye blood vessel popped. Didn’t think anything of it and just went on may. My supervisor noticed it and stated that I check my blood pressure…It was 179/101. We checked it all day and it kept going up. I went to the doctor and it was as high as 198/102. They put me on Lorastan/Potassium. I have never ever had any issues with blood pressure and know of no one in my family with high blood pressure. I work out…5-6 a week doing Cross Fit and Weights. I have been on this medication for 4 days. I’m not one to take poison…and would prefer I do all natural. What would you suggest I do?
Ana C.
hi Doc,
am 35 year old woman who has given birth 6.5 months ago. 5 days after delivering my baby, my blood pressure shot to 172/106 and after that lingered on 150/100 readings.i had no high BP during pregnancy or before. all my doctors (obgyn and cardiologist) told me it’s just from me being anxious as first time mom, so they did not prescribe me any meds (and told me not to take any readings) until after my son was 4.5 months (note: i am not overweight, and had been limiting my salt intake for the last two years. so they thought it’s pregnancy/postpartum hormones related which raised my blood pressure). when my son was 4.5 months, i took my bp and it has dropped to around 130-140/80-90 readings. since it was borderline hypertension, my cardiologist finally put me on 5mg amlodipine which dropped my bp right away to normal level (110-120/60-80). i was on 5 mg amlo for a month, then reduced to 2.5mg amlo daily up to now (blood pressure remains the same normal level). i am not scheduled for any consultation until February next year, but i feel like am ready to wean off from this meds since i dont like the side effects (nosebleed, rhinitis, oedema, heart palpitations)and am hoping that this bp issues already settled down as it’s been more than 6 months postpartum . that being said, am currently taking my med every two days, and wondering if this is the right method of weaning off. what do you think?
thanks.
Gracia
Gracia. It’s probably best to contact the prescribing physician who knows you best for the proper manner to wean off the medication. Often a conversation with the doctor’s assistant is all you’ll need.
Dr. R
I AM A 65 YEAR OLD WOMAN AND HAVE BEEN ON NORVASC 10 MG FOR 9 YEARS NOW, I HAVE OSTIOPORISIS AND IBM DOING WELL ON THOSE CONDITIONS, BY BP IS 120/80 AND WANT TO GET OFF OF THE BP MEDS, I AM TAKING COQ10 100 MG. AND THAT IS WORKING OUT WELL, I AM REDUCING MY BP MEDS TO 5 MG A DAY I OK’D IT WITH MY PCP, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES I CAN GET OFF COMPLETELY?
CHARMAINE HUNTER
Charmaine. You’re well on your way. Work with your PCP who seems very willing to assist you.
Dr. R
Hi Elizabeth
I would suggest seeing a kidney specialist (nephrologist). They have a knowledge of meds beyond the usual ones prescribed by primary care doctors. Maybe you weren’t told this but Diovan and Valsartan are the same drug. All that your doctor did was reduce your dose by half.
Dr E
I am a 74 yr. old female who is being treated for protein in my kidney. I have been prescribed valsartan (40 mg) which caused serious muscle spasms. I was then prescribed Diovan(20 mg) and subsequently have significant muscle tingling and numbing pain in my legs. Have great difficulty sleeping. Years before, I had difficulty with a chronic cough caused by Lisinopril. My blood pressure fluctuates using a wrist device. (this a.m. 139/71) I need to stop the Diovan. Can you recommend an alternative drug that will treat my condition as well as control my blood pressure. My doctor says there are no other options for meds.
Elizabeth Barry
Hi Michele
Lisinopril is not a diuretic and seems to be working for you. You do need to talk to your doctor about what’s available for overactive bladder
Dr E
What if you cannot take a diuretic because you have overactive bladder. I am currently on 40mg of Lisenopril. I️ have been taking my blood pressure daily for over three weeks and it is consistently over 140/90, one time it was 171/104. I am a 58 year old female who exercises at least 3 days per week (elliptical). Thanks.
Michelle Green
Hi doctor, I had acute hypertension from Epinephrine anesthesia 186/123 went to ER and doctor had me taking taking Lisinopril 5mg, than 2.5mg amlodipine was added and bp was normal, but had bad reactions,so as amlodipine was dropped.
Doctor have me taking 10mg lisinopril and bp was 77/55 in AM, than reduced to 5mg and bp normal 105/70 Am,. 129/88 pm.
Dr said I can reduce to 2.5mg lisinopril , now I on 2.5mg for 1 week already and bp Is around 110/77 am, 130/88 pm.
How do I taper 2.5,mg and than stopped completely?
Thanks
lee
Hi Lee,
In order to provide help with medication changes, please call to schedule a telemedicine visit with one of our physicians or nurse practitioners. They’d be happy to help! Our scheduling staff can be reached at 773-296-6700.
Best wishes to you,
Dr M
cliffmaurer
To Mario
Your BP is getting low enough to discuss lowering or even discontinuing meds with your doctor. You can probably drop the HCTZ component of the Valsartan/HCTZ–let your doc know about the lightheadedness
To Michael
Sounds like a trimming of meds is in order. The cough is caused by the enalapril and your doc will probably want that stopped first. If your BP stays low, then ask him to slowly taper the others, probably the labetolol first. Since you’re taking your BP regularly on your own, if the numbers are as good as you say, your doc will likely agree.
To Mary
From your numbers, you’ll likely need something for blood pressure. Ask your doc about the ARB meds (they all end in ‘sartan’). There are several and they have a very low rate of side effects
Dr E
This sounds a better alternative for me as I’ve had too many side effects on two different meds. The first med i took (can’t remember the drug, I had shortness of breath and the Dr changed the med to Amiodipine 5mg ,that gave me ocular migrants for three weeks, now he has prescribed moxonidine 200micrograms. and I’v just only started 6 weeks ago on this blood pressure journey, and have never felt so unwell since.
My bp was 165/90-95 before and now 153/72 should i start this new med or ask about the fluid tablets?
Would much appreciate your opinion Dr.
Mary
Thank you
Mary
Hi Dr. E. I am 65 yrs old and will be 66 in Jan 19. Am also a stroke survivor and diabetic. I have been taking valsartan plus diuretic HCTZ 80/12.5 mg as my maintenance medicine for blood pressure. But in the past week until now, my bp readings have gone low to 100/60 or 110/60, and I feel dizzy every time I stand up. Is this still safe for me? Or will I reduce my dose of valsartan to 40 mg, while maintaining HCTZ? That is, 40/12.5 mg.? Is this a safe approach, or you have a much better suggestions, like changing meds, etc., so my dizziness will disappear. Thanks much.
Mario Capangpangan
High Dr on avareage my BP is 120/ 88 or 125/ 75 this is after me turning into a vegetarian. I’m on 3 high BP meds Labetalol 200 mg twice a day, Enalapril 20 mg once a day, Amlodipine besylate 10 mg once day. I do have side effects of shortness of breathe, severe coughing at times along with other issues. I lost about 56 lbs through eating very healthy and exercising and I ran a marathon also. I’m writing because I would love to get off completely from my meds. I’ve seen 2 Doctors and they both said the same thing about me being on meds for the rest of my life. Weight wise I’m 6’1 and 240 lbs muscular built and still dropping weight. I’m 42 years old. Are the Doctors right?
Michael J Louis
Hi Mary
Your medication dose is so small that the chances for it causing any problems are minimal. Your doctor is thinking, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” In other words apparently everything is fine with you and that small dose of med may be helping. Just stay on it and I hope you refill it for the next 30 years
Dr E
I currently take 1xtablet Bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg daily I have been on this medicine for 20yrs, every time I ask my doctor if I can come off them and see if my BP is OK he says no I should continue with the med I am now 70yrs old and have reasonably good health my parents did not suffer high BP my weight has been the same for the past 20yrs my dress size is 10/12 I take a multi vitamin magnesium and flaxseed no other Meds I just wondered why I still have to take them
Maureen chater
Came across this webpage when I Googled “blood pressure medications and stomach issues.
I am a 70+ “mature adult” with severe arthritis, fibromyalgia and fluxuating high blood pressure. Had all of these illnesses for many years. Been on many meds, especially for the BP. To get to the point, am currently taking 25mg of atenolol in a.m. and 5mg of amlodipine in p.m. I HATE both of them but tried everything else. I have had foot pain, leg pain, stomach pain and flairs of irritable bowel.. Which of the BP meds might be causing the problem? Do you need more details? I have to stop taking the atenolol in a couple of weeks and switch to another beta. (bisenolol?)
Nancy Von Helms
Hello I am a female 55 with a family history of hypertension. My BP had been good at home but high at the drs office. This was the case for several years. Once I went to the drs my bp was high. She said to take it at home and keep a record. I became very nervous at home and my bp was high. It’s like white coat followed me home. I decided to switch drs and again I had high bp at the drs so she put me on metropol 25 mg twice a day reducing it to 25 mg once a day. Still my bp sometimes spikes from use of bp machine but if I calm down bp comes down. I exercise every day, do breathing exercises, yoga, reduce salt, decrease caffeine ( am a heavy tea drinker). I think I’m ok and want to be off my meds or reduce even more.
Juliana
Hello 60yr old male ..just had stent and Doc put me on Plavix..not comfortable with it..what is a safer alternative,thanks
Jeff Conrad
Hi Ricky
It’s the Lisinopril and cough with that med is a frequent side effect. Let your doctor know and he’ll switch you to a BP med from a different family
Dr E
I recently had a hemorroghic stroke, and the doctor has me on Lisinopril 10 mg, and Carvedilol 3.125 mg for 6 months now. Lately I’ve been having a persistent cough, and some other side effects. Do you think that one or both medications is causing these effects?
Ricky
thanks doc this gives me a trail to follow to get off of valsartan and the water pill. I have lost 2o lbs since Jan., reduced stress , less salt dash diet.and atai chi dailey.walking dailey and began lifting weights again….my regular doc passed away so am learning more on my own. I live on a remote 160 acre homestead north of talkeetna Alaska. blood pressure is running well below 140/90…..I am on it
yukon tanner
Hi Nancy
Your type of high blood pressure is called “labile” because it swings around depending on your situation. You’ve actually had the ideal response to a blood pressure med, going from a potentially dangerous number to a completely normal one. In your situation, you’re really better off just staying on the med–it is likely going to add years to your life
Dr E
I am a 61 year old female. I am about 20 pounds overweight. My blood pressure was 170/90 so my doctor put me on amlodipine 5mg. I was having headaches which have stopped. I eat a healthy diet but was not limiting my salt intake. My blood pressure is now averaging 130/80. How long should I have to be on medication? It only seems to be high when I’m at work.
Nancy
Hi Elizabeth
Start by telling your doctr how horrible you feel. There are other families of BP meds that may have fewer side effects. Then ask him about tapering your meds
Dr E
I have been taking Lsartan plus a water tablets for the past 7months , I have gained one and a half stone and have a dizzy and lightened for most of the time . I feel horrible , my doctor said only my bp was important , it is usually 140/73. Can I stop taking them ?
Elizabeth Watkins
Hi Lana
It sounds like you’re having difficulty with the ACE inhibitor group of BP meds. Ask youdoctor to change you to a different group, and then, maybe you’ll be able to taper them
Dr E
Been on Pearinda for only a few months. How do I ween myself off meds completely? Tried before by taking half a pill for 4 days then quitting & honestly felt like I was going to die from pressure & pulpitations. My Dr says I must just stay on meds. I refuse. Pls advise.
Lana
I am so greatful for this info… Not to mention livid at having been put on bp meds in the first place with a white collar reading of 140/80!!! I’ve never felt so bad… In just 4 months of Pearinda I have arm & leg cramps, coughing till I gag, all day & night… Can’t sleep. It’s dreadful! I felt much healthier before.
Lana
Hi, I’m 62, had vhf 3 years ago. Now lost 70 lbs, reversed diabetes and take no meds, eat healthy, rejection fraction now up to 30. New cardiologist wants me on lisinopril for135\70?
Bill Gertis
Hi Jay
With the lifestyle changes you describe, you could ask your doctor to hold off on the beta blockers, take your blood pressure three times a week, let him know your numbers and he can decide if you really need them
Dr E
I have been taking Atenolol for years along with Losartan. Now Atenolol is on back order and I am being notified that I must get another drug in its place. My blood pressure is fine now on the drugs. I am wondering how to get off these drugs–I am exercising daily (biking, walking), do not add lots of salt to my food, do not eat a lot of sugar. I do not like the side effects of two drugs mentioned by pharmacy to replace Atenolol: metroprolol and carvodilol. Seeing my doctor on Oct 18. I do not want to take anything anymore. What are my chances?
Jay Thomas
Dr. E, Thank You. My dr did not return my calls. I omitted the procardia and added 12.5 HTC. Continued dizziness. B/P at 3:00 am was 108/76( I also suffer from untreated Insomnia). This morning 122/86. Today dr office called and said to take all but HTC and follow up with appointment at an urgent care. Also stated that my b/p stats were not to low. Dr cannot see me until 9-12. I will only take lisinopril 40mg and 12.5 HTC today and continue to monitor b/p. Thank you for your informative site.
Catherine Sawyer
Hi Catherine
100/68 is simply too low a blood pressure for a 62year old. Let your doctor know. I’d start by reducing your Procardia by half. If blood pressure remains low, then drop it altogether
Dr E
Dr. I am a 62 year old female with history elevated b/p. I was prescribed Lisinopril 40 mg, procardia 60mg, hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. Stopped diuretic and removed salt and most sugar from diet. B/P is staying around 100/68. Dizzy most of time. What meds would you recommend removing or continuing? I have read now the diuretic should be taken I have no sign of water retention without diuretic
Catherine Sawyer
I developed diabetes from taking prednisone for asthma. My doctor put me on 2.5 lisinopril as a precaution even though my blood pressure was always on the low side. I have been able to get down to 2.5 pred and the diabetes is gone. Can I stop the lisinopril cold turkey or should a taper by cutting in half or every other day.
Karen Hughes
Hi Natalie. This health tip was written in 2015 and the link has since changed (which is odd…). I’ve tried to find the original article we had linked to but was unable to locate it.
Dr. R
Hi Eddy R
Your program seems to be working nicely and I’d just stick with it. Your blood pressure ranges, both the high and the low reading, are satisfactory
Hi Rayn
See what your doctor says about taking a diuretic alone. Since you sound very well motivated, this may be enough for you
Dr E
Hi Dr. I am a 44 year old African American woman and my dr just put me on HBP meds because my bp was 169/102! I’m not happy about taking the medicine but I take it. It’s been about 3 weeks to the day that I started takinlisinopril/hctz 10-12.5 mg and this week I started having strange feelings like aching in my left hand and wrist and heart palpitations I don’t like the way it’s making me feel and I want her to take me off of it. I know I can control I just need to lose some weight and make better food choices. Which I started doing as this is not a joke to me!! Do you think I would be a candidate to request a Diuretic understanding there is a water pill in combo with the bp meds she prescribed but this is the first time my bp has ever been any where near this high it’s been tethering between 140-145/95
Rayn
My blood pressure was always around140/80 generally. One day I checked it and it was 180/100. I wore a 24 hour machine and if confirmed it was high. The doctor put me on lisinopril 20/12.5. It worked to well and the doc lowered it to 10/12.5. I have been on this medicine for 14 months and I have gained 20lbs.
I decided to try other alternatives and I am now taking 3000mg of Spirulina and 3 cups of hibiscus tea. I have broke my lisinopril 10/12.5 in half making it 5/6.25. I have been doing this for about 1 week and my blood pressure has fluctuated between 140/85 on the high side and as low as 100/60. These are afternoon readings between 6-8pm. I take my med at 7am.
It appears to be working, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Eddy R
Awesome of you mto speak in this field of government and doctor fraud. Thanks for helping confirm my research and side effects and being healthy and feeling terrible on doc prescribes pills. Thank You.
shawn
Want to sue a hospital as my preceding comment states. What is your advice
Benson wangombe
Hi Benson – Unfortunately since none of us are attorneys, we are not able to give legal advice. We wish you good health in the future, though.
-Dr M
cliffmaurer
I want to sue a hospital because of starting me with a level three drug instead of level one and causing me more problems yet they could have advised me to stop salt
Benson wangombe
Wow! What an eye opener and written by an MD! I have often thought but didn’t want to believe that docs are in bed with the pharma and insurance companies. I have been on Lisinipril for3 years and taking myself off. I have had bronchial asthma since birth and it had become less of an issue for me over the years…maybe “outgrowing” it?? IDK, but what I do know is that since I have been on this HBP med, my asthma has become more of an issue to where I am using an inhaler several times a day and even in the middle of the night, along with other symptoms that are rearing their heads. I do not think this med is a benefit to me and today I decided to adjust my eating, watching hidden salt, and increasing exercise, This Lisinipril has me spooked and I do not like how I feel on it any longer. Will keep a close eye on things
Dawn
Dr E.
I”m a 52 year old male in a similar situation as chuck. my morning readings are avg 129/85 but by the afternoon (my life can be stressful) i’m in the 150’s over 90’s and have seen the readings as high as 160/100. I just bought the resperate product and will be using that but my question is threefold. 1. since the average between morning and afternoon is still in the 141/89 range is this OK to try to treat with lifestyle mods first or since it does get to 160/100 occasionally should I start meds now? and 2. how long is it safe to do the lifestyle changes before (i’ve read 6 mos to a year but not sure what’s right) 3. what target number should I be looking toward and is that number the average between AM & PM readings or go by one or the other? thanks in advance for your help!!!……also are you willing to work with patients long distance? via skype or phone? I live in Alabama
Tad
Dr. E
My doctor prescribed Benicar 40mg HCTZ 12.5mg a few months. I’m 44yld 5’11 170lbs. Don’t smoke and no alcohol. I work out 7 days a week. On cardio days my blood pressure would drop to around 88/58 (I always check my blood pressure after my workouts). After 2 months taking the meds I started experience dizziness and have almost fainted after my workouts on cardio days (MWF). After the last incident in May 26 almost fainted at the gym, I decided to cut the dosage in half. After two weeks My BP continue to read below 90/60 after my cardio days therefore I finally decided to just stop taking them in Mid June. It seemed like I was more at risk taking the meds compared to before starting the meds. I have to always hold something when I get out of the soda to keep myself from falling from dizziness.
It’s now been a month and BP readings after my workouts 133/95 on average. I have started taking a second reading in the late afternoons and at times my BP has been spiking up 160/95.
What should I do? The side effects (including shedding of my hair) is not worth it because I have to limit my exercises because my BP drops to low. Would cutting the dosage to quarter of the original mg worth it? BTW, I don’t have diabetes and clean blood work and I’m a vegetarian.
I had to ask you because my doctor appears to lack knowledge of the medications he prescribes and truly frustrating.
Thoughts?
Jeff
Hi KR
I don’t know where you live but amlodipine is $3 a month at KMart and $8 a month at Costco–this is “cash”, no insurance
Many BP drugs are associated with hair loss. The only group that is not are the beta blockers like CoReg (carvedilol)
Dr E
after having plaque psoriasis for 35 years it turned into erythrodermic psoriasis. It affected my heart and my lungs etc. I have been taking metoprolol and lisinopri for years even before the erythroderma. I would like to try going off my meds with supervision from my doctor if possible. Have you any experience between the connection of high blood pressure meds and psoriasis. I know that this is not the main reason for my conditions but would like to do what I can myself to be more pro-active through diet control, excercise etc. Thank you
godelieve danker
Am on 30 mg lisinopril and for about 7 years hsve hair loss worse in past year and now almopdine has been prescribed, too expensive. What BP med does not cause hair loss?my bp goes ip and down and have been taking alprazalam when it gets bad. How can I quit taking bp meds?
k.r. harris
I’m being weaned from 100 mg.of Losartan in which the bp was an average of 140/95. Now, it at 150/95 @ 50 mg of Losartan and the bp bounces a little higher sometimes. The BP has gone high on 50 mgs but seems to be stabilizing. Do u think its possible to get off Losartan. Its been 1 month.
My doctor DOES NOT SEEM TO THINK THE BP BOUNCING IS A PROBLEM, but it scares me.
Anna
Thank you, thank you and thank you! I am 57 years old and have been taking blood pressure meds for about 8 years now. I began with a beta-blocker then switched to an extremely low dose of lisinopril. I do have a family history of high blood pressure but I have always tried to eat healthy and stay slim. My doctor thinks I can begin to ween myself off of medication for blood pressure but recently my cholesterol levels were 250 so of course immediately they wanted to put me on statins. I refused to do so, wanting to work hard on my diet first but they just don’t want you to do that!!! I have recently experienced drowsiness and when I take a blood pressure reading it’s low usually around 110/70. I would love to get off the meds but of course now they put the fear of high cholesterol and clogged arteries to the table…. I eat very little red meat or dairy as well..My diet consists of lots of Japanese miso, natto, cayenne, etc…
Breathing exercises have also helped with lowering my blood pressure…
Should my cholesterol readings scare me?
James Alvin
This is by far the best article I have read…I never wanted to be on a maintenance drug for the rest of my life. I never had BP until I turned 45- all the meds make my hair shed, I tried 3. I have started my proactive journey and I am on the path of saying good bye to all of these meds..this morning 138/84. I can beat this! thank you so much!@
Shawn M Grant
Hi. I am a 56 year old female, I’m on 3 different BP meds, my BP usually run high with a high heart rate. (my dr. words ur HR is on excerise mode at all times) with that said he put me on a pill for that. Which makes that the 3rd med I’m on. My BP has been really good staying around 117/78, I recently started the HCG shots and have noticed that my BP has gone back up to 140/94. Should I be alarmed about this. I had a complete work up before I started the shots EKG was good. Any advise you can offer would be greatly appreciated
Roxane
Hi Judy
Keep yourself well hydrated, and, for no more than a week, be more generous with your salt than you’d probably been advised to do. The lightheadedness should clear.
Congrats on your excellent self-care
Dr E
I have been taking lisinopril 5 ml sometimes 10ml for a year. When I first started I was 25 pounds heavier. I have now lost all that weight and exercise and started feeling really lightheaded… Because I think the medicine was too much. I got off the medicine six days ago. My blood pressure’s in the 120s /70’s
How long does it take to get lisinopril out of my system? I still feel lightheaded pretty consistently through the day.
Judy Baldwin
Hi Yvonne
Just make sure you or your physician is following your blood pressure during the weeks after you’ve discontinued your medication. Remember, not everyone can go off BP meds–some people simply just need to be on something
Dr E
Am currently coming off almond opine I.e. Stopped. Am having withdrawal symptoms tired etc but not as bad as symptoms on the drug after 2 years. According to your article I wonder if I even needed a bp pill.
Yvonne Worsdell
Hi Jon
Most likely the rise in blood pressure occurred because of alcohol and hangover. That said, I wouldn’t abruptly stop the medication but work with your doctor to reduce the dose and then perhaps discontinue it altogether. Don’t do this w/o physician supervision–it is possible that you do need BP meds after all
Dr E
Thank you, I know that this is the right approach for me. It puts my mind at ease, constantly fighting with my Doctor has become a nightmare, worst than the diagnosis.
Victoria Grant
Two weeks ago I drank little too much alcohol, nothing extreme though. I got little hangover the next day, then I started too feel little dizzy and heavy over the chest, this stayed for two more days, the third day I had my BP checked and it was 180/110, went to the hospital and got medicine that I put under my tounge. Next day the pressure was up to 140/100, that day I saw a doctor he subscribed me to Benicar HCT 20mg/12,5mg, BP is well down usually around 120/80, but my head feel dizzy, any recommendation would be well appreciated.
Jon
This information was very helpful. Thank you.
My land Dennis
I went to the er due to hb 200/134 after taken prednisone 10 mg for 2. D octor told me to stop taking this particular steriod. I was put on amlodepine for 5mg. afrer took it for 2 days I decide that I will not take any p9ll. and cut the cold turkey I am I ok to do this. I dont like the side effects.
lee N.
Thank god there’s somebody out there telling you the truth
Josephine
Hi Chuck
Read about this product. It actually works for your level of blood pressure. Available direct from company or from amazo
https://www.resperate.com/
Dr E
Hi Doc, I am a 42 year old male. Over the past two years I have made some amazing changes to my overall health! I used to be 200lbs (I am 5’10’). I excersize regularly and eating healthy, except when I endulge I sometimes go overboard. My current weight is at 180lbs, I run at least 3x a week and trying to incorporate strength training. I am working on a half-marathon, so you get a big picture of my physical activity. I have been finding my blood pressure averages around 150/90 and sometimes 160/100 when I’m stressed. If I sit and breath for my next reading I can get it to 140/90! I started my health change journey because I did not want to end up on meds. I have also had high cholesterol. For a while I was able to get my BP to 120/70! But the high readings are back! It’s become frustrating and I’m concerned that my doctor will want me to take meds! I am taking coq10 l-Argenine and hibiscus tea (it seemed to help before). So, question is what do I do? I really don’t want to go on meds, but I don’t want to be unsafe. How much time do I have to try and correct this again? I have no symptoms by the way. I do drinks 3-4 cups of coffee too. Ok. Hoping to hear from you. Thanks.
Chuck
Hi Dee
Your hydrochlorthiazide dose is really low but I don’t know where your blood pressure was when you started it. You might ask your doctor about taking half tablets (6.25 mg) and see if your blood pressure stays low.
At 6.25 mg your doctor may decide you really don;t need anything
Dr E
Hi Marilyn
The villain is most likely the diltiazem. Talk to your doctor about switching you to a med from a different family or going off it altogether
Dr E
I love this article. This all rings true for me based on my own research. I just started taking hydrochlorithiazide 12.5 daily for hypertension 100/160. I’m a 57 yo African American female. I want to eventually eliminate all medications by losing weight( btw my bmi is 24.5) and reducing salt, sugar and “bad fats”. I was told African-Americans have higher rates of hypertension. What is your take on this idea?
Dee
Thank you so much. This is the best article I have ever read. I am taking Losartan and diltalzipam and feel horrible. I know the diltizapam has made me gain at least 20 pounds. Do you have any advice about this?
Marilyn Overcash
Hi Dr E! Thank you again for writing this article! It has helped me a lot. Thanks for your suggestion to wean myself off of the HCTZ. I went down to half a pill and was experiencing irregular heart beat for 2 wks due to my body adjusting to handling extra water again but luckily 2 wks later that has subsided. My bp is still low 97/76 when I check it at home or 120/80 in dr office so I am going to go off the med altogether but am planning to wait until I get back from a trip next wk as I figure a long flight isn’t the best time to adjust to extra water again. I’m thinking I will go down to a quarter pill and then nothing since I had a reaction going from a whole to half. Crazy all the side effects are of these meds that people are taking who don’t really need them. It’s amazing that walking every day can be the type of perscription many of us need. I am already feeling much better and less dehydrated even going from a whole pill to half.
Thanks again!!!
Shanna
Hi Dave
My own blood pressure stays at 140/90 and my cardiologist just shrugs and doesn’t write an rx. You could probably reduce to 50 mg of Losartan and follow the DASH diet
Dr E
My blood pressure was 140/90 my doctor put me on 50 mg of low Sartain now my blood pressure is 120/70 but I’m also taking 4500 mg of citrulline will that help my arteries and can I possibly reduce my losartan if not do you still think the citrulline is good for my arteries
Dave Allen
Hi Shanna
Cut it in half (12.5 mg) and take that dose daily for a week, then every other day for a week. Then just use it as needed for fluid retention
Dr E
Thank You Dr E,
Can decreasing the hctz to half dose cause heart palpitations? I started taking a half dose on Monday but am noticing some mild swelling and irregular heart rate and some palpitations.
Do you think I should get this checked out?
Shanna
Thank you very much for writing this article!!!
I have a question for you- how can I safely stop taking hctz? I am on 25 mg and my bp is 110/70. Since starting on the meds I have lost weight, been exercising frequently and also take magnesium. A dr told me to stop taking the hctz but when I tried I swelled up within a day so started taking again 🙁
I would really appreciate any advice you could provide on how to safely stop the med. Will my body be able to safely process water again??
Kindest wishes!!
Shanna
Hi Kathy
No withdrawal symptoms BUT should be tapered rather than abruptly discontinued to avoid a rebound upswing of blood pressure
Dr E
Hello I have been on Labatol 200mg 3 x a day since and procardia xl since 2/4 after an emergency c section within 48 he’s I developed high blood pressure…. After getting released I have been on the pills until 4/12/17… I have been off labatol since 2/12 and procardia since 2/7/2017…. Do they cause any withdrawal symptoms? After using them?
Kathy
Hi Gina
This is from a website listing COMMON side effects of Losartan
Cozaar (losartan) is an oral angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. Side effects of Cozaar include:
diarrhea
stomach pain
muscle cramps
leg or back pain
dizziness
headache
sleep problems (insomnia)
tiredness, and
cold or flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and cough
Tell your doctor to memorize it and stop rolling his/her eyes
Dr E
Have you ever heard of Losartan causing muscle or joint pain? My hip and knee pain has been horrible since starting Losartan 100 mg. Dr. rolls her eyes when I mention this.
Thank you so much for the informative articles regarding blood pressure. Really opened my eyes !
Gina
I stopped taking Losartan after having several months of what the doctor called “flares”, where I would have all over body muscle pain and fatigue for a few days and then it would gradually get better, only to come back in a few weeks with another episode. I had one more episode like that after stopping the medicine and then they pretty much ended. It’s unfortunate, because that medicine worked really well for my BP and didn’t make me swell up like other medicines.
Krista
I prayed God help and reward you greatly. Your article has helped in great depth. Very many thanks
A Fashina
Thanks you for your help, I have been at 125/82 for years and still on blood pressure pills. I will work with my Dr now to get off of them.
Thanks for your information!
Scott
scott isom
Dr. I am a 51 yr old female and I am on 4 blood pressure medications…this is worrisome to me. Can you give me any suggestion on how to go about talking with my docter about this…
Patricia mays
Hello, is it necessary to wean off of HCTZ?
Cindy
Hi Eric
Older patients can be VERY sensitive to prescription drugs. His 150/104 is decidedly high but his medication dose was probably too high as well.
I would suggest starting at 1/4 his previous dose. If he was at 5 mg., get some 2.5 mg and use a half tab of these. Check BP at least every other day both lying down and standing. Increase by 1.25 mg a week (don’t go higher than original dose) and when numbers are good, remain there
Dr E
Dad is 92. Been on Amlodipine for last 2 years, others prior to that for 15 years.
Recently, passed out and broke nose when pressure fell low. Was outside in the cold at the time. Cardiologist took off meds. What would you recommend? Read today, one week later, 150/104?
Eric
Hi James
It sounds as if your doc is doing the right thing. At that BP, your meds should be reduced and if it stays this low. can probably be eliminated altogether. BTW, when you read about people who live to be 95 years old, that’s their blood pressure
Dr E
What if you can’t get you blood pressue up,mine is around 114/48
And the doctor just reduced my meda yesterday.
James Fraser
Hi Greg
It looks as if you’re making great progress but some component of your high BP may be genetic. The long term effect of high BP is definitely more dangerous than the long term effect of meds.
I suggest you continue DASH eating, exercise and weight loss but also see if you can do some relaxation steps like meditation or t’ai chi. As your BP continues to drop, simply ask your doctor to keep trimming away small amounts of your meds, Indeed, you may be lucky enough to get off them altogether. Best supplements for BP: magnesium (by Designs for Health), one teaspoonful daily), Cardiotone (one twice a day) Fish Oil (twice a day. Good luck!
Dr E
Dr. Edelberg,
What an amazing article. I’m a 50 year old male and have not regularly seen a doctor (I’ve since changed that stupid choice). I went to see a doctor about 2 months ago and my BP was 200/120. It was a wakeup call. I’m 5″10 and weighed 234 lbs at the time. My doctor immediately put me on 30mg Nifedipine and increased it to 60mg two weeks later. I use to be a runner and so I was mortified that I had turned into this overweight person with a high risk of dying young. I have made my life changes including exercise and following the DASH diet. I’ve lost 40 lbs and feel much better. My doc has since put me on 20mg of a water pill on top of the Nifedipine. I’ll do whatever it takes but I don’t want to be on medication if at all possible. One of the side effects is very dry mouth. I also worry about the long term effects. There’s no family history of heart attacks or strokes, but there is of high BP. I know that I don’t handle stress well and it impacts my sleep which in turn, elevates my BP. Today, my BP was 144/91. Since being on all these medications, my BP has never been lower than 130/88. I log in around 30 miles a week (walk and run…he has advised me not to do long runs yet which I miss). Also, I’m on Prozac 40mg. My goal is to be completely free of meds. I welcome your advice and willing to travel to Chicago to see you. Thanks.
Gregory Morgan
I live in the UK and have just come across your article, which I found very interesting and thoughtfully stimulating. I have been on Amlodipine 10mgs daily, Losartan 25mgs daily and Bisoprolol 1.25 mgs twice a day. The first two for hypertension the last one for Arrythmia due to a heart block. My comments relate to the first two, which I have found truly awful for side effects and I have now stopped the Amlodopine for 3 weeks with reasonable results, although my BP does rise to 170/75 when walking but reduces to 128/65 within 2 minutes. Because of the joint pains particularly my doctor and consultant suggested I stop the Amlodopine and now the Losartan to test whether these are the cause of my pain. My pain has reduced remarkably and I am hoping the rest will clear now that I have, today, stopped the Losartan. As a retired nurse I found your comments very realistic in the conclusions and would suggest that the UK is now doing exactly as you state regarding statins, BPs and now Diabetes. Like you, when I trained I was also taught the 100 plus your age to be a good guide as to what is acceptable but patients are now anxious if they get the slightest of ‘spikes’. Keep up the good work. I also must say for clarity that my primary health care doctor, called General Practitioners in the UK, has been excellent and works closely with me to facilitate my home trials. I do have problems finding meds that work for me as so far I have been physically resistant to all due to their side effects.
Frank Pilkington
Hi Thomas
I doubt if the Neo40 is responsible either for the potassium issue or the creatinine. Cardiologists routinely prescribe statins after by-pass surgery, basically so you won’t get another blockage. All your numbers actuallly look pretty good!
Dr E
Hi Emilia
I think your blood pressure is now normal because of the Coversyl and that it just might return to the slightly elevated levels when you go off it. That said, if you start experiencing side effects (most common: cough, fatigue, insomnia) then be sure to tell your doctor. Also, it’s important to know if the elevated readings were in your doctor’s office or at home.Just being in a doctor’s office can raise blood pressure and too many people are taking meds for this phenomenon called “white coat high blood pressure.”
Dr E
I began taking Neo40,(“Nitric Oxide Formula”) two quick dissolve tablets, one AM one PM daily a little over a month ago to keep my BP in the 120/80 range. I’m a 67yo male 6′, 180 pounds. I also take Rosuvastatin Calcium, 5mg daily. Recent blood work showed elevated Potassium of 5.6 mmol/L and Creatinine 1.18 mg/d. A repeat blood test showed the same results. My physician reacted like I was critically ill even though I believed the elevations to be due to the Neo40 which I stopped taking. He wasn’t aware at the time I was taking Neo40. Are elevations like this usual or dangerous? My total cholesterol is 130, LDL 60, HDL 57. My goal is to eliminate BP meds and statins completely. I did have a triple bypass 8 years ago and sporadically have an irregular heart beat.
Thomas
I am a 5ft 4in 65 year old female and weighs 150 lbs. I have had at least 4 episodes of elevated BP in the last year, the last one was just two weeks ago when my BP reached levels as high as 170/100 and fluctuated between 140/99 to 130/90 for 4 four consecutive days. as a result my doctor prescribed coversyl 4mg 1x daily. I have been taking coversyl for 10 days now and bp is now down to 120/80 to 109/71 Also,I have started the dash diet along with exercise. My question is can I get off the medication if my BP stays consistent for the next while?? Thank you!
Emilia
Do we even need to take meds why not natural there are so many remedies?
Vanna
I just found this article because it was just the other day my doctor – who I just found by looking him up in my company’s PPO (similar) — the point is.. my BP when at the doctor spikes. I told him this. At one time, I had what turned out to be a non-emergency. Went to the ER, my BP was so high — they nearly kept me for that and not the other thing which I thought was a big deal but wasn’t. Anyway, 15 minutes later, my BP was fine. I told them — I have WHITE COAT SYNDROME. My current doctor — has tested my 3 times in a row — over a period of a month – It’s consistently about 140/80. The upper number may be a bit higher one time on his check but the lower is always 80. At one time, he measured after we chatted — again — he said at that point, it was back to a “normal” level – at least according to his thoughts. NOW, it’s high again — 140/80 and he says one more time and he wants me on meds. I already am on Paxil (the generic one) 20mg for anxiety. Obviously, him wanting me on more meds has my anxiety rising. Plus my mom is on BP meds and she said it took the doc (not the same one) forever to get her numbers right. I don’t want to deal with this if 140/80 is fine for a 45 year old guy 6’1, 215 pounds — non-smoker — non-drinker — and I get out for some exercise… though my BMI is not great.
Eric
My doctor has agreed that I add vasophil and COQ10 to my high blood pressure meds. Can you please recommend a safe and reliable source for the two products?
James Balyejusa
James. We carry these products. https://store.wholehealthchicago.com/shop/vasophil/
https://store.wholehealthchicago.com/shop/coenzyme-q10-100mg/
Good luck.
Dr. R
Hello, Thank you so much for this article. It and the comments/answers below have been so helpful! I am 35 years old and never had high blood pressure until after having my baby 4 months ago. My blood pressure was fine during pregnancy and before leaving the hospital and has always been on the low side before getting pregnant. When I went in for my 6 week check up was when they discovered the hbp. I have been on medication since then and it seems to be controlled now (usually around 120/88) or lower but I am anxious to get off of the medication because it makes me feel terrible. I am currently taking nifedipine and labetalol. I have heart palpitations, head aches, chest pains, swelling of the feet, and arm discomfort (both arms)…Im always anxious that I’m having a heart attack. I would like to know…Have you seen this happen with many women (developing hbp after the fact) and is it possible to get off of this medication or am I stuck having to take it for life?I do have a family history of hbp on my fathers side. How low of a reading should one have and how long should one have certain numbers before its safe to start weaning from medication. Thank you very much for responding!
C Wilson
Hi Emma
The nifedipine was gone after 48 hours. What you are calling a blood pressure spike when agitated is really not much of a spike. It is normal for your BP to rise when you’re upset or anxious about something–it’s the fight or flight response
I think your blood pressure is pretty good. I assume you have your own BP unit. Now that you’re off meds, take your BP daily at approximately the same time. If, after a couple weeks you’re getting numbers as good as these then you probably don’t need the meds. BTW pregnancy induced BO rise can last 6 months
Dr E
Dear Dr. Edelberg,
This has been one of the best articles I have read about subtle variances in BP for individual circumstances, particularly after the rather frustrating experience I have had with (well-intentioned) doctors. I am a 38 year old female diagnosed with pregnancy induced hypertension at 40 weeks and subsequently induced. My BP continued uncontrolled for several days after my son was born and I was sent home on 30mg Nifedipine and 200mg Labetalol 3 times a day. My hypertension persisted, but I was eventually taken off Labetalol due to low BP, and kept on Nifedipine. I have been on Nifedipine for 10 months with very good BP. Recently my BP started to drop (and I experienced lightheadedness), and I was compelled to come off my tablets but my doctor was not keen for me to do this. I have now been 4 days off Nifedipine and apart from two spikes of around 133/95 when I was agitated, my BP during the day is consistently 115/75 or lower, sometimes 120/85 at most. My question is, is this perhaps a good indication that my condition is stabilising, or does it take a while for the Nifedipine to leave the body and I may expect an incremental rise in my BP over the next couple of weeks? There is a history of blood pressure in my family, although I had no BP problems until pregnancy. I am a healthy weight, I don’t smoke, and I have a good diet. The cardiologist has cleared me of any secondary causes for hypertension, but had speculated that perhaps I have now developed essential hypertension and will need medication for the rest of my life. I am little concerned about reactive BP coming off the drug, could this still happen even after several days off the drug? I am keen to make sure that I am not taking medication unnecessarily. The Drs are perplexed because usually pregnancy induced hypertension rectifies itself by about 6 weeks post birth and mine has persisted much longer than this.
Emma
Hi Patricia
This situation requires additional diagnostic tests and at this point, you’ll need conventional, not natural therapies. From your description it honestly sounds like overactive thyroid so get tested for this
Dr E
I have already had a TSH and T4 done. Was told they were within normal limits
Patricia
Same here. But I was told by a nurse to see someone who specializes in thyroids to have mine checked more thoroughly instead of a Dr who just go by initial blood work.
Cori
I had taken Hawthorne to control blood pressure . then out of the blue it went up to 150s+ over high 80s – 100. Rapid heart rate was the biggest problem. I can get the BP down but the escalated heart rate is a problem. Hawthorne isn’t working. Dr put me on Diltiazem. Does nothing g for BP. Mildly effects HR.
Patricia
As great as diuretics are in lowering bp, I wouldn’t recommend them speaking from personal experience. I was on atenol/chlor 50-25mgs for about 7 years. Through diet and exercise, I was able to come off of them about a month ago. So far, so good! However, the side effects I had from the chlorthalidone was not good. My blood sugar went high (non-diabetic, extremely cold hands and feet to the point I developed nerve damage in my feet and, I developed a cataract which I was told was also a dude effect from the diuretic. I’m only 57 years old. So, if you have another choice, try it instead of the diuretics. Better yet, diet and exercise and de-stress!!
Mary
Thank you so much for publishing this article. It was very informative & I will look into it more. I was confused why a doctor would say they’ll prescibe medication to lower blood pressure 140/90 or higher. But when we got the blood pressure down to 108-112/60’s on a daily basis due to a diet change for several weeks, they say to continue the medication for a month & not be “focused on numbers”. But they are the ones who push the numbers & base medicating us on those very numbers… Yet when numbers got so low, they said we shouldn’t focus on the numbers & should lower dose more if there is lightheadedness [but the patient was probably already over medicated & they are just waiting for symptoms to show!]. I understand they’re taking precautions in not stopping a pill cold turkey after taking it so long, but they said they’re concerned about “rebound blood pressure” which doesn’t make sense if you changed your diet for good. Sorry if I’m rambling. I’m just tired from traditional healthcare not making sense to me.
Grace
Dr E –
Thank you so much for your wisdom & FACTS. I have recently, (about 3 months), gotten off of Lisinopril but the side effect of my skin burning is continuing. Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of this? The sad thing is I never really had high blood pressure after reading this article.
Tim Vicari
Hi Dr. E,
Thanks for this info. I’m happy to say that at least several of the many doctors I’ve seen in the past couple months gave similar explanations about the meaning of the numbers, and how they were derived.
What I would love to know, is if lifestyle management (namely exercise) can help remove the need for meds if they are not a factor causing the high blood pressure in the first place? That is, I had less than ideal lifestyle (full time consulting plus toddler does that), but still had great BP!
I am currently recovering from pre-eclampsia from my second child; formerly, my BP was typically something like 117/68. During my bed rest, it was 150/100 when intensively managed, and seldom dropped… It definitely went higher. I made it a month like that before my WBC count dropped and baby was evicted (she’s fine, a healthy 33 weeker), and was up to 300 mg labetolol 3x/day plus 30 mg atelat 2x/day. 8 weeks post delivery, we’ve tried to wean me off the labetolol twice, only to go back up after a couple days off. I’m trying a third time, and have made it down to 50 mg 2x/day, but I’m worried I’ll be stuck here. With the meds, I’m in my normal range, maybe sometimes higher in the evening, but not hypertensive, but I feel tired and dizzy all the time (more so than normal newborn tiredness).
The literature states that “most” people are better within 4-6 weeks, but fails to discuss what happens to the others. I know a few who never got off meds,despite no pre-existing condition, and I don’t understand what the mechanism for change in that permanent change in the body is?
Sara
David Edelberg, MD Whoa Dear Doctor you told a lady that her Neurologist “just DOES want you to suffer a stroke” I enjoyed reading all the info and comments and your replies, but thought you should be made aware of a typing mistake. LOL
Rita
Hi Bev
I’m afraid you’re stuck with the meds. Your neurologist just does want you to suffer a stroke
Dr E
There are several foods that are good diuretics so you may not need to take a rx one either. Also there are some good herbs.on another note, I had a stroke almost two years ago. My BP and cholesterol weren’t severely high but stress was unrelenting for several years.i was put on lisinopril and Vitorin and aspirin. My dosages are gradually being reduced. I want to be totally off them but my neurologist isn’t inclined to think that way. I also use alternative supplements and grain s and nuts,etc. Do you feel I am stuck for life on bp and cholesterol meds because of the stroke? ?? Thanks
Bev
Dr’s have had me on metoprolol & hydrochlorothiazide for 14 yrs. I’ve been noticing side affects for a few years now. Like drained energy even when I get enough sleep, hard time walking because my feet bother me, lots of tingling in feet,and now I had to get a chest exray & there’s something growing in one of my lungs. I read that with the metoprolol that could happen.
anna
First off Thanks for this info
I was a 6.2 about 200lbs male that ended up with palpitations cause of HBP was having me a really bad diet of anything I could get my hands on my cholesterol was above 200 this was end of my 37 years.
as soon as I was diagnosed I was given lisinopril 20mlg , astrovastatin 10mlg, carvedilol 10mlg and levothyroxine 25mlg cause of undiagnosed thyroid
problem.
when I was put on the stress test machine and was put on the halter machine for a few days spent a few months waiting for the results got back a clear to go back to working out.
so I got on a strict diet change my eating habits completely and began walking till I got to a running level have not stopped doing this since
was taken off the atorvastatin and kept loosing weight and dieting finally I was able to get healthy weight of 155lbs with good cholesterol and got rid of carvedilol my last mission was getting rid of lisinopril.
here i am at 40 getting rid of that last pill with a BP of 136/86 on the average there are days that i will go up to 140/90 but nothing that relaxing or a little running will put under control and now I weight 180 healthy muscle doing 10k runs every day for the fun also weight lifting I trust I will get my BP a bit lower but I am in no rush just enjoying the process of getting better thanks for this article I hope my story could help any one out there build the courage to do the same we are not built for pills or couches get out of the house and fight back get your health back!!!!!
David
Hi Carolann
At that low dose of Losartan, you’ll probably not notice anything. Obviously you will need to keep an eye on your blood pressure
Dr E
You didn’t answer my question/ Which was are there any noticeable side effects when the doctor takes you off blood pressure medicine? (Losartan Potassium 25 mg)
Carolann Pezak
Hi Dr.E
Thanks for answering me. Can’t seem to find the medsDiovan
and Cozaar on my ins.list. Is there a different name for them or
a generic? Who makes them? I’m the one with dry mouth from my meds.
Betty V
Betty Valenti
Betty. Try searching for Valsartan or Losartan.
Dr. R
Hi Betty
These would be replacement and are pretty much free from side effects
Dr E
thanks Dr. E for your response on dry mouth from my high blood pressure meds. Is this in place of the meds or just to take care of
my dry mouth.
Should I be concerned about any serious side effects?
Betty Valenti
Hi Betty
Ask your doctor about the ARB medication group (Diovan, Cozaar); these are excellent and no dry mouth
Dr E
I am on cartia xt 240 mg capsules once a day. I’ve been on them about 6 years now. My pressure has been normal but the dry mouth hasn’t. Is there another med that won’t give me dry mouth?
Betty Valenti
My husband was doing fine before he started taking medication.How can we go about getting him wheaned off medication? Your article was very helpful.
angie
Hi Angie. Sometimes medications are just necessary. If that’s the case, changing meds might help. If your husband is “on the fence” regarding need, it would be worthwhile looking for a doctor in your area willing to work with him on life style changes. If you’re in the Chicago area, please contact our office at 773-296-6700. Good luck.
Dr R
Hi my BP fluctuates but seems to be higher when I go to the doctor but it reads no more 150/90 when I’m at the doctors office she put me on Amlodipine 2.5mg my BP been reading 118/79 123/85 around that area I want to get off will it affect me in any way since it’s so small of a dosage
Porsche Mchenry
Thank you for this valuable information
Debra Martin
Hi Kathryn
It will take 2-3 weeks for all side effects from Lisinopril to clear. I would suggest taking your BP twice a day, writing down all your readings and see if an upward trend develops. Maybe your lifestyle changes will have paid off so well you don’t need any BP med at all
Dr E
Dear Dr. Edelberg,
I can’t believe I found this article. I haven’t had any meds for 3 days (BP started at under 100/65 on meds, sometimes lower). I was taking Lisinipril 25 mg. My bp goes from a low of 125/75 to a high of 155/ 92, depending upon what I’m doing. But my pulse is always around 100 or higher. It used to be 72 before I got on the meds. I’m walking on the treadmill, changed diet, etc. Can you tell me when the drug will be out of my body & when my pulse rate will normalize? Should I go back on a lower dose of the med?
Katheryn
Hello Dr. Edelberg,
Are you still replying to questions on this matter?
S Patton
Certainly!
cliffmaurer
Hi, This article tells that you should take medicines according to your health conditions. Not all blood pressure medicines have side effects some of them are very effective like i always prefer to use Zestril (Generic Lisinopril) that works by relaxing blood vessels, increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, further improving the ability of the heart to pump blood.
Paco
I had awful side effects on Lisinopril and it did very little to bring my blood pressure down. Everyone is different.
Suzanne Shriner
Could you tell me the side effects your were experiencing on Lisinopril? I am having heart palpitations every day and I believe it is associated with the increased dose of my Lisinopril meds.
Teresa
Hi Suzanne,
If you are still experiencing these symptoms, please feel free to contact our office at 773-296-6700.
WholeHealth Chicago
I forgot to say in my last comment that in spite of my personal observations on diuretics, Dr. Edelbergs points in his article are right on target and I agree with his recommendations about not overtreating and life style changes. His point of view is sadly and shockingly under-represented among physicians.
Jeff Wygodny
As an anesthesiologist, I spend my life watching blood pressure readings every 5 minutes and over 20 years have a few observations and thoughts about blood pressure that are generally neglected in the literature. Anesthesiologists generally assess the adequacy of chronic blood pressure control by the intra-operative variability in blood pressure. Those with high variability are thought to be poorly controlled. In my experience, patients just on diuretics seem to have higher variabilty than other classes of drugs though admittedly it is difficult to know if there is some skewed selection in that diuretics are frequently “first line” meds and so we are seeing a class of people either recently diagnosed with hypertension and therefore not yet adequately adjusted or they are a class of people where the physician and/or patient are (IMO) in denial about the SEVERITY of the patients hypertension. I feel that many primary care physicians read that their patients are disturbed to be diagnosed with HTN and therefore give them a “weaker” class of drug initially to assuage their patients feelings. The second point I would like to make is that 140/80 in a 6’2″ male weighing 210 lbs is not the same as in a 5′ tall female weighing 100 lbs. In other words, smaller, thinner people should have and generally do have lower BP than big people. The purpose of BP is to adequately insure blood flow to all tissues. The more you need to fight gravity (in a tall person) or tissue density (in a heavy person), the higher the BP needs to be. That is why HTN is a normal reaction to obesity, for instance. As an interesting example of this point, giraffes have valves in the arteries of their necks to prevent back flow due to gravity (valves in humans are only in veins) or else their hearts would get massive hypertrophy in order to generate enough pressure to insure adequate blood flow to their brain.
Jeff Wygodny
Hi Jill
I can’t believe that an ideal BP like 124/84 would affect your rates. There aren’t any health risks and if someone suggests meds, find another doc. That is really disturbing to hear
Dr E
Thank you for your reply, Dr. E. It’s not a doctor, it’s the intermediary health plan monitoring group sponsored through Aurora BayCare Medical Center. They provide HRA– health risk assessments for my employer’s annual program.
The 2014 results tell me 124/84 is considered pre-hypertensive. I will likely have something above 120/80 for the rest of my life, regardless of all the supplementing I do.
If 2-3 years of above 120/80, and that I refuse medication to meet the magic number, I am concerned that it will impact how insurance will treat people like me. It is disturbing, frankly.
We’ll see how the future unfolds…
Jill
Forgive me if I didn’t catch the answer in the above, but what do you do when your consistent BP(checked annually for employer insurance benefits) is in the 124/84 area and you are being ‘watched’ as pre-hypertensive?
What if you can’t naturally get that hawkeyed number down and that number affects your “health scores” that will likely impact your insurance rates?
Jill
You have zero problem. None. Go on a 75% raw vegan diet. You’ll hit that #
I am very thankful there are still docs out there like this one who tell it like it is. I’m a pediatricians daughter, luckily know how to read a blood test. Often time, people just listen to their insurance butt kisser moneymaker doc, unaware of what their blood panel means. Medicine is no longer about health, it’s a business.
Smartass