Matching Blood Pressure Med's to individuals commodities? or maybe, most likely, not?

[Raylpa]

Hi all, I have taken Blood Pressure Medication (Irbesartan) for around 15 years and I imagine the same as many 'here' I was originally prescribed the medication upon the outset of high blood pressure and at the time 'we' had no other related commodities, IE no other cardio related ills. 15 years on I have documented CVD, having had a LAD stent in 2014 and then more recently told I have heart valve disease and genetically high lipoprotein (a). Having researched blood pressure medications on sites such as that for British National Pharmaceutical guidance it is now apparent to me that different BP Meds offer their own specific additional benefits other than lowering BP. My current med Irbesartan's 'additional' benefit relates to diabetes, which I don't have. In the same category of drugs (ARB's) is TELMISARTAN which is indicated as having benefit for individuals with evidenced CVD, that's certainly me. I have had a brief chat with my GP on the merits of changing my BP Meds. I respect and like my GP but on this occasion it was clear they thought I had read too much and was getting too involved in my heart health management. (If I hadn't been pro-active before I wouldn't have had the stent or got my other diagnosis) I am aware GP's are not cardiologists and fear the NHS doesn't have the resources to 'automatically' review my BP meds 'just because' I now have multiple other cardio risk factors. Any one out there had their BP meds changed in similar circumstances? Any relevant information or comments greatly appreciated. Best of possible health to all.

[Alison_L]

Hi Raylpa. In the 2 years since my heart attack, my cardiologist has changed 3 of my meds at my request, all for something similar but with different possible side effects (ie Ticagrelor for Clopidogrel, Carvedilol for Bisoprolol, and Candesartan for Ramipril), and my GP reduced my statin from 80mg to 40mg because I was clearly upset at having such a high dose when my cholesterol was not high.

As your GP doesn't seem interested, I wonder if your local chemist would be happy to review your drugs, and if they think you might benefit from a change, then you can go back to your GP and say "the chemist wondered if I would be better on XXX, so could I try it, please?"

Good luck xx

[Raylpa in reply to Alison_L]

Hi Alison, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me. I have been there with the Atorvastatin too, 80 reduced 40 and with a whole food diet and exercise routine have now got great lipids, other than a genetic high Lp (a) that is lipoprotein (a) which cannot be impacted by lifestyle or drugs. Do hope you continue on a journey back to full health.

Kind Regards