Does anyone have experience with diuretics to treat high blood pressure? afib and hypertension ? I am on hydroclorithyazide. (Hctz) and wo

[Salvatore68]

Does anyone have experience with diuretics to treat high blood pressure? afib and hypertension ? I am on hydroclorithyazide. (Hctz) and wo

[rosyG]

I took spironactone fir a while and it worked well. Dirurectics are safer than some other medication for high bp but you need to check ( blood tests) for potassium loss etc

[Salvatore68 in reply to rosyG]

How often need to do blood test?

[rosyG in reply to Salvatore68]

I think I had to have one a week after starting and then a couple of months later but your Gp will know

[cuore]

When I was doing my research as to which was a good drug combo to treat high blood pressure when one had AF, I came upon ARB + a calcium channel blocker. (Disclaimer: I am not an MD)

When I developed AF ( at a period in time when I had been taking hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure for 10 years ), my MD immediately took me off of it. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause an electrolyte imbalance which is a contributor to AF.

There is another factor to consider with prolonged use:

healthycanadians.gc.ca/reca...

I did develop basil cell carcinoma at the tip of my nose. The section had to be cut out during Moh's surgery, then the side of my nose had to be sliced and flapped over the hole. Now I have a scar starting between the eyes and down the left side of my nose. I will never take that. drug again because I strongly feel it contributed to both developing my AF and basil cell carcinoma.

[Cookie24 in reply to cuore]

My EP prescribed calcium channel blocker (cardizem or diltiazem) and an ARB (Lorsartan).

[cuore in reply to Cookie24]

That's interesting that your EP was also willing to tackle the blood pressure. I had read that an ARB was best for blood pressure and if another drug had to be added then a calcium channel blocker was the best, not a diuretic. At the time of my prescription Lorsartan was under review so I choose Olmesartan. Ditiazem is a nondihydropyridine CCB which also works on the heart rate. I already take a rhythm control pill Propafenone which also has some beta blocker properties, so the CCB chosen was Amlodipine which is a dihydropyridine CCB. Do you also take an anti-arrhythmic drug for your AF, if you have AF?

[Cookie24 in reply to cuore]

Yes, I am taking Propafenone but I am gradually reducing the dosage and try to stop. I was taking 425 mg bid and now taking 325 mg bid. My EP is ok with my decision. I will soon contact him for a 225 mg bid. I had an ablation for afib and one for atypical aflutter. My primary care doctor prescribed Lorsartan but the EP increased the dose from 50 mg to 100 mg. When I originally was prescribed meds for hypertension, it was amlodipine which I think worked much better. I am thinking about discussing Amlodipine with my doctor.

[cuore in reply to Cookie24]

I can only get Propafenone in 150mg. What is the smallest dosage yours comes in?

I have found that EPs are not interested in treating blood pressure, so I find it strange that your EP doubled your dose of Losartan. I am most interested in your stopping Propafenone and how beyond your 225mg because I tried to stop and the AF came back. Then I was in persistent AF for 34 days before I could get a cardioversion.

For seven days I have been fine, but for the last three days I have been getting episodes of AF . This morning I was in AF (60 b.p.m.) and now I register Bradycardia at 47 b.p.m. My heart is all over the place. I have had three ablations. This disease is such a nightmare unless one decides to just go permanent. It is a nightmare when one reaches the persistent stage before the first ablation and stays six months persistent which is what happened to me.

[Cookie24 in reply to cuore]

The dosage I indicated are for extended release Propafenone. The doses available are 225 mg, 325 mg, and 425 mg. I am in the U.S. I raised the blood pressure issue with my EP. We have a great relationship.

[Hidden]

I take four diuretic tablets a day to keep fluid away from my heart. One Spiranalactone and two Bumetanide in the morning and another Bumetanide at lunchtime.

BP and AF now under control but still quite breathless on occasion.

[Bayonnejoe]

After 20 years on HCTZ that effectively controlled my HBP, I switched to Losartan. HCTZ caused my Uric Acid levels to go extremely high. HCTZ apparently competes with the chemistry by which UA is eliminated from the body. Losartan doesn't, and I've achieved even better BP control with Losartan.

[croesio]

I have had af for 15 years and have been on diuretics all that time. I have no problems with it. Also on anticoagulants now Plus pop with flecainide.