Advice re BP meds

[rosyG]

Hi,

I'm going to put this on here and on the BP forum- I have very occasional AF as long as my potassium is good.Have tried 2 meds for BP in the last 6 weeks and potassium levels fell, even on a potassium sparing one ( Ramipril) and a diruetic with a potassium sparing addition med. Ended up= with 4 episodes of atrial Flutter- 3 bad enough for A and E, where Potassium seen to have had fallen. Fortunately no AF I have stopped all meds as looked carefully at the side effects of the main ones used and they all had risks of palpitations/ arrhythmias,/ AF.

Now walking loads ( difficult with my knees!!) and keeping put of danger zone most off the time.

Wondered if anyone else has had similar problem and whether you found any solutions. No flutter since stopping meds and none before taking them,

All info gratefully received. Ive been referred to EP cos of flutter and local opinion was have the flutter ablated I will see what the future brings but if I'm right its the meds that are the problem!

[Coco51]

It's an interesting thought. Diuretics are known to deplete things like magnesium and potassium, as does stress...But on the other hand I have taken BP meds for 28 years (Lisinopril and Indapamide - i.e. ACE inhibitor and diuretic). I wasn't aware of any AF at all for the first 10 years, then occasional episodes, only a few a year, for 10 years. Then problematic AF started 3 years ago. So I don't really feel I can blame the BP meds in my case. But you may be different.

I guess its about balancing risks. I have kept on taking them because high BP is supposed to be a risk factor for AF. And I worry about taking anti coagulants with raised blood pressure because of bleed risk. (My father died of a brain haemorrhage and might not have had it if his BP had been regulated ...but who knows? )

The walking sounds like a good idea - poor knees! I have lost a stone and upped my veg intake and smother on the magnesium oil to try and increase potassium and magnesium. AF not too bad at the moment but I will definitely raise this with the GP when my prescription is reviewed. Take care❤

[rosyG in reply to Coco51]

thank you Indapamide worked wonderfully for my BP but I had flutter the first day of taking it It seems to suit you!

[Coco51 in reply to rosyG]

Well...maybe the build up over the years had something to do with my AF. Will definitely talk to the dictor about it. Do post again if you find a way of bringing the BP down. Meantime I'll try coconut water. This forum is so helpful!

[Hidden]

If your potassium level is low again when you are not taking any medication, this might merit further investigation for a benign renal problem, before considering ablation. You may have spotted the recent post here on the benefits of coconut water which apparently boosts potassium levels.

[rosyG in reply to Hidden]

thanks Oyster= I have found coconut water is a good way to boost potassium as it's not too high in calories.

My potassium goes back up when not on meds but I do need to eat the required 4500mg per day to keep it there. It is hard work getting the BP to behave so I'm hoping someone has found meds that don't cause these problems Until then I am not going to take any meds. I think it's foolish to consider ablation of flutter if the flutter is actually caused by the medicine !

[Timsywhimsy]

Some say low potassium can be the cause of high blood pressure.....hope you get it sorted! I know mine has gone up as I’ve slacked off from a nutritious (high potassium) diet

[Timsywhimsy]

Also, lots of people swear by aged garlic and olive leaf extract to lower blood pressure. Careful, though, because the olive leaf acts as a diuretic, which can lower potassium