Newly diagnosed with hbp

[Tj1970]

Hi, I've recently been diagnosed with severe HTN, my BP was 225/105. I've been on ramipril 2.5mg for 2 weeks now and my BP has started to come down, when taken yesterday was 180/88. I've been under stress at work as I work 12 sometimes 14 hours waking night shifts, 4 nights a week and have been feeling rather low in myself. Since I've been on the ramipril I've been getting really bad indigestion and a heavy dull and tender feeling in the sternum area which is making me feel worse in myself. Has anyone else had this problem? It's not helping that I was signed off work when diagnosed and since then I've had txts and phone calls wanting to know when I'm returning to work.

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi TJ. Are you on any other meds? The Ramipril blocks the enzyme that contracts your arteries keeping them open. And that’s what lowers your blood pressure. Indigestion can be a very rare side effect of Ramipril. But less than 1% so it’s probably something else.

You don’t need me to say this but your workplace need to leave you alone so that you get better. And night shifts really aren’t that good for someone with high blood pressure. Have you got any other long term options?

Take care TJ. Hope you have a great Christmas.

[Tj1970 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Hi, yes I am. I've been back to my gp this morning for a 2 week follow up and some blood test results. Gp took bp and is still on the high side 195/96. She has now upped the ramipril to 5mg and also now been put on statins, and lansoprazole for the heartburn and acid reflux, which she didn't think was connected to the ramipril. Follow up app in another 2 weeks so I'm hoping bp will be even lower. As for work, off for another 2 weeks, and will be looking for another job, no one should have to be hassled like this over their health as its just putting more stress on me.

Wishing you a happy Xmas to 🙂

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Tj1970]

Best of luck getting a new job. It’s their loss.

[Ader42]

All meds have side effects for some people. I too am on Ramipril, prescribed when I had a heart attack and stents. Was okay generally on 2.5mg, trying to raise the dose to 5mg as the docs want it as high as I can tolerate.

I take 5mg every other night and it seems that most days after the increased dose I get pain in my sternum/chest. Had it this morning in bed, then got up and took my bp it was 92 over 59.

I’m going to persevere as I it may just be coincidence, but I am aware that there are alternatives to Ramipril if you don’t get on with it. My father in law felt awful on it and was changed to Losartan Potassium.

[Tj1970 in reply to Ader42]

Been back to gp this morning and she has said it is probably coincidence but has not prescribed me lansoprazole for it.,and also upped ramipril to 5mg daily, and also put me on statitns. bp still high, this morning 195/96.Another app in two weeks, so fingers crossed bp will be lower.

[seasider18]

Do you have a BP monitor to check it yourself at home ?

Readings at GP or hospital can go up due to stress (White Coat Hypertension)

There are Hypertension Referral Centres in the Kidney units of major hospitals for patients with consistently high BP that is much lower than yours. Your GP may not have heard of them and they have quite long waiting times as they only devote one day a week to it.

They will do very thorough tests to find a cause even a head MRI.