Ramipril for BP

54 year old male, 17 days into my Ramipril journey for High Blood pressure. I started with average BP reading of 185/115 (and had higher) and was prescribed 5mg Ramipril. So far no real side effects showing. BP seems to settle around 145/95 and do get times when it comes down to 120/82. I have lost 8 pounds in weight BMI down from 30.7 to 29.4 (Still overweight but out of obese). I am now walking briskly for 40 minutes to an hour at least every day. Anyone else found BP sticks at that level or will it come down further once the medication has been in my blood stream longer term. I would love to get down to a consistent 130/85 or less. I hope as I lose more weight and continue to eat healthily it will. I feel a little frustrated that it has not fallen further in nearly 3 weeks but at the same time more hopeful that I am making the right moves to improve my life. Take care everyone.

[Nettekin]

Hi bp120. When I started on ramipril my dose was gradually treated upwards to the current 10mg level. I had regular blood tests to check kidney function before each incremental increase. Maybe your dose will also be increased until an optimum level is reached to achieve your ideal bp. Perhaps a question for your next appointment? Best wishes.

[Nettekin in reply to Nettekin]

Treated = titrated (wretched spell check!)

[Hidden in reply to Nettekin]

Thank you for your reply. I will certainly ask when I see the nurse in two weeks time. Hopefully there will be some stable readings over the next couple of weeks. My latest tonight seems to be around 135/90 which is much better than my starting position. Best wishes and thanks again. A.

[PeterpPiper]

Smell the flowers and forget the BP whilst on your walk that’s my advice

[DB880]

Have been on Ramiprill for 6 years now, 5mg once a day.Have bad White coat so no point having bp taken at docs!

I take it at home maybe once a week and it’s usually between 130-140 over 75-85 which I would like to get a bit lower but all doc says is “it’s fine”

One thing I’ve learnt about high bp is the more you worry about it the worse it gets!

[Hidden]

Hi, have been on Ramipril for about five years. My BP was not as high as yours but with a healthier diet and exercise it has reduced considerably. I take regular home readings and my BP is now averaging 120 / 60 for the past month. (I am 69) Also take Amlodipine and Atorvastatin. Keep up the healthy lifestyle and stay safe.

[tunybgur]

Been on Ramipril 7.5mg for 8 years, I'm 73.

Stopped taking it for several months and then restarted and saw little or no change in my BP, average 125/65, I wonder if I can stop Rami but it doesn't affect my QoL (apart from cough) so I keep taking it.

The biggest drop in my BP came when I was put on Bisoprolol, 1,25mg, when my pulse dropped from 55 to 45 and BP from 125 to 105!....but I felt fine so here we are...

BP has crept up over the years but still on both drug plus several others....so far so good...

Good luck

[Bingo88]

Just remember all medications don't suit everyone. I was on Ramapril for about 15 years and was then told they didn't help your kidney function. Even though they knew i had kidney disease. Also caused erectile disfunction. If your a younger guy as well. Something to consider. Always read the side effects on the leaflet. Brian

[Essexgirl63]

Well done on your efforts so far and let them continue! BP is a funny thing tho. I’ve never been overweight (I eat healthily) , drank or smoked but have always exercised and regularly walk 5-10 miles a day. I’m on Losartan 50mg and 2.5 Bendroflumiziade and my BP is well controlled with these at under 120 and 80, but I would love to come off these meds for good but doctor says I will be on these for the rest of my life. I hate the way that high high BP IS presented as a lifestyle choice when it’s not always the case.

Good luck and I wish u well.

[Boxroad]

Hi it looks like the Ramipril is doing it job I am a 58year old 18 stone male and been on 10mg of ramipril for about 20 years or more, last year I was in Basildon Essex cardiac centre for a coronary angiogram even tho my blood pressure was good. It is most important to limit the fats in your diet as it clogs the arteries, blood pressure does not show the clogging of arteries. Keep up with walking and losing the weight your heading in the right direction👍🏻👍🏻

[DB880]

I’ve always read that ideal bp is around 120/70 but as long as mine is under 140/90 my doctor says it’s ok.I don’t have high cholesterol, I’m not overweight don’t drink a lot and do a fare bit of exercise but can’t seem to get it any lower!

[Frosty149]

The numbers are not a perfect indicator of your overall health- only a guide, maintaining your healthy regime is far more important.Don’t be surprised if your Ramipril is upped to a dose of 5mg twice daily, it seems to be the ‘sweet spot’ dosage!

Remember also you only read about side effects from sufferers - those that have none don’t write in and I’m sure they are far and away the majority!

Keep up the good efforts.

[Hidden in reply to Frosty149]

Thank you for your reply. All of the replies have been most helpful to alleviate my anxiety. I shall carry on with my new regime and put the BP monitor aside for a few days. Best wishes to you. A