About 8 months ago my GP decided my BP was a tad on the high side so sent me with a BP chart to do a series of BP readings (I still have a copy) Since then I have been on 4 different brands of BP pills all fine until they increase the dose then side effects, swollen ankles, a persistent couch and more. The underlying fact is my BP charts haven't really changed since before taking these wretched pills. Both of my siblings were on them years before me and both stable on a small dose. My BP has always fluctuated between a touch on the high side to normal.
I wondered if anyone else has had this experience? I'm starting to think I'm better off without them and trying natural blood pressure reduction.
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mikecom1
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Hi Mike, it’s such a palaver trying to get BP meds right. I can’t take any that leave me with an irritating cough so was initially put on Amlodipine and Atenolol. I suffered swollen ankles for years so decided a change was necessary. I now take 75mg of Losartan and find I’m doing better. Blood pressure is pretty stable.
Thanks for everyone's input. It's been a great help. The experiences of BP meds has been similar to my experience. I have taken other people's experiences on board. M
I’m struggling with puffy ankles from the Lercanidipine CCB I’m taking, in addition to Ramipril, although I seem not to have the cough. Or do I? It’s difficult to tell which of my ailments is the source of the cough. And despite 2 meds my BP is still erratically too high at times 🙄. I’ve got a phone appointment to discuss with my GP soon, so I’m hoping she has a suggestion to replace the CCB as I’m fed up with it!
I don’t have personal experience of this problem but one of my friends has been struggling for months with blood pressure medications to try and achieve a balance between bp control and keeping side-effects to a minimum. She has recently started taking a glass of beetroot juice daily and also taking some time out everyday from her busy family life to meditate. Since doing so she says her bp seems to have stabilised somewhat but whether it’s the medication finally doing that or the additional measures she’s taking I don’t know. As far as it goes though, I see no harm in pursuing diet and lifestyle changes. You are obviously monitoring your bp so will be able to see what effect any changes you make are having.
Been on blood pressure pills for over 10 years now bit it does take a while to find the one that suits you. Eventually they put me on Losartan and no side effects. My blood pressure made me have dizziness and headaches and now don't have either. Dose of 25mg but I think if yours is slightly high they just need to find what suits you best. Don't forget it's up to you which works for you best. My sister is on rampiril but they gave me hallucinations. Good luck 👍
Hi Mike, my blood pressure has been see-sawing for years. Usually it's a tad on the high side, but my GP doesn't seem too bothered about that. He sent me for tests though when I started getting atrial fibrillation when my husband had a minor op. That's cleared up now. I am on lowish doses of Bisoprolol and Candesartan, which don't seem to affect me. I would be very interested if you find a natural way of controlling it. All the best, Chris
Oh, yes! The only blood pressure reduction tablet my body could cope with (apart from a beta blocker which I was no longer allowed) is the water tablet indapamide. So I lost about half a stone in weight (even though my weight was already in a healthy BMI range), and brought my BP back into a medically safer range.
The problem is, doctors used to say it was OK to have the higher reading at 100 plus your age (so mine would now be 168). Now, doctors want to get us all down to a higher reading of 120, or at least below 140. I'm sure the pharmaceutical companies have got some great medical research to show why we need to take more of their pills.
I don`t think swollen ankles are a side effect of BP meds. More likely poor circulation. My ankles tend to swell and more so if I wear socks. Horrendous grooves just above ankle in an evening. Result, as far as possible I don`t wear socks, I try to take more exercise and I do take BP meds, as well as thinners, statins, water etc.etc. take care, Chris.
Amlodopine is known to cause ankles to swell, all my sisters and friends had the same reaction, my doctor suggested using medical stockings lol, something I wasnt willing to do x
That’s the first tablet I had and my feet were swollen. I went back and they changed them. Mine only swell when it’s warmer now. I’ve got no problems in the winter.
If your bp is a tad high I wouldn't want to be taking meds. Blood pressure is very difficult to keep on an even keel, things like alcohol, salt ,bad diet, lack of exercise can all add to this being high. I would try to get this down without the meds if you can x
Hi thanks for your comments. My BMI is 20, I drink only 125 ml of wine a day and I consider I have a healthy diet, lots of fruit, veg, salads. Vertuly no bread or potatoes decaff coffee and home made meals. BP average is 146/80. It did come down without meds to 123/73 but gone up to the above. I know the doctor will want me on meds but just interested in others experiences. My consultant is happy as long as it doesn't go on average above 140/80. A delema.Thanks for your comments.
My average was around 154/90 and nothing seemed to bring it down, but no it is around 130/64 and the nurse has said it if continues I may be able to come of the meds x
Thank you all for your replies it's nice to know I am not alone. I'm going to talk to my GP next week or rather do a web form requesting to talk to him, and find a way forward. I'm thinking of just trying the natural pathway although I am awaiting an operation and cant risk my BP interfering with that.
My Dr doesn’t take mine any more. They trust me to take my own. I’ve got White Coat Syndrome. Whenever I go to the Drs or hospital my blood pressure goes really high. It’s ok when I’m relaxing at home. I’m on blood pressure tablets and have been for years. It makes no difference when I get in stressful situations.
I had swollen feet with the first tablets they gave me. They were changed and I’m now fine until the Summer. My feet can swell badly then. Maybe your tablets need to be changed again. I would speak to your Dr about the cough and your swollen feet. They shouldn’t give you a cough. That might be something completely different.
Losarten are known to cause a cough, I had one for a year through these. Alot of bp meds have side effects, one of the ressons it took so long to find one that was suitable x
I was Ramipril for years and eventually came off them after drinking green tea and eating celery every day and losing a stone in weight. I have white coat syndrome so take my own bp and it's been stable for 6 years. It all depends on what is driving your bp up. Good luck with it
EDIT: My 70+ year old wife (stage 4 COPD) got off all her BP meds, statins, Type 2 diabetes meds (including insulin shots), and omeprazole by losing weight on a low-carb diet. Not all at once, each one over time, maybe a year or so. A miracle of God.
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