Using Enalapril Maleate after 70 if y... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,710 members34,242 posts

Using Enalapril Maleate after 70 if you have dizziness

4 Replies

I have been taking Enalapril Maleate for over 30 years. I am now 79 and my blood pressure is moderately high but highly variable and I suffer from occasional dizziness. I see that this is a side-effect of EM. I wonder whether I should ask for a change of medicine, maybe to a receptor blocker? The ones mentioned on the NHS website are candesartan, irbesartan, valsartan.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? Would be very interested to hear from you.

Read more about...
4 Replies

Many thanks for this very helpful comment, TRST

Why now , you ask. I have considered other possible other causes for the dizziness, but none has proved right. I wonder whether one's age when using this medicine affects its efficacy or side effects. I note that the section on 'Warnings and precautions' in the Enalapril leaflet advises people to talk to their doctor if they are over 70 years of age. This may refer not only to one's age when starting to take the medicine, but also to its continued usage after 70.

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

At your age sudden falls/fainting can become an issue. often caused by rapid drops in pulse rate and/or blood pressure (possibly syncope). You need to have a chat with your GP regarding your condition to review your meds and ask to see a cardiologist.

They will probably carry out an ECG and want you to wear a recorder to see what is going on. They may alter the time that you take your meds so that you take it before going to bed or they may consider you for a pacemaker to kick and stop the sudden drops.

Now that the pressure is coming off, the hospitals are getting back to a more normal level of activity and appointments are becoming available, but there is usually a waiting list so the quicker you join it the better.

If you are really worried consider getting a hammer, give your piggy bank a quick crunch, extract a couple of hundred pounds and get a private appointment to find out what is going on, it may be money well spent.

in reply toIanc2

Very helpful - and also very learned. Thank you so much for your advice.

in reply to

By the way - do you know if there is any high blood pressure medication that doesn't carry a risk of dizziness as a possible side effect? Please don't bother to reply if that is the kind of question I should be addressing to my Dr.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Dizziness after open heart surgery

I am 12 weeks on from my AVR and I keep having dizziness and feeling light headed.i wondered if...
Lyndon68 profile image

If you have problems sleeping, some info😴

I wanted to share something with this lovely community for those of us with sleep problems.I've...
Noodlesalad profile image

Can You Have Both Procedures ?

I am a 94 yr old woman quite fit for my age apart from a few hiccups, I have an exercise bike...
TidyIvy profile image

Changes you have made.

Well today is exactly one year that I had my heart attack, then a triple bypass the following week....
Zzr93 profile image

Have you got an IED?

I have been recommended to get an IED but I'm reluctant to do so because of the risks and...
Joyride profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.