Newly diagnosed stage 2 hypertension. When should meds start to work?

[DarkWater]

Hi. I bought myself a BP monitor and was horrified with the readings, they eventually went off the scale. Went to A & E and the gatekeeper reluctantly let me book in. My reading was 177/99. Got a phone call arranged from GP who prescribed ampolodine which I was reluctant to take because I have lymphoedema (swollen ankles). Eventually got lisinopril 2.5, and ecg showed fast heart rate .625 bisoprolol. Two week review and ecg improved but BP still high. Bisoprolol increased to 1.25 and further review in two weeks. Hiw long should it take for the meds to show results in your experience? I also have irregular pulse.

[Hidden]

Hello

Well I did like the bit where you say the gatekeeper reluctantly let me in , that is how it is now , you got it spot on !

I think it all depends how long it can take but from my experience after a couple of weeks you should start to see a difference even if not perfect

I am sure others maybe better to tell you and will how long it usually takes when they see your post x

[DarkWater in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I'm getting rather despondent as I thought I was doing so well. I don't check my BP at home as even looking at the machine makes my heart pound and it's hidden away in a box, I keep expecting it to reappear like in a Stephen King film.

[Hidden in reply to DarkWater]

Hello

Well don't be they will sort it out they always do

O dear I hope it does not make an appearance like in a Stephen King film or that would make you Blood pressure go up ! x

[RufusScamp]

Sounds as if they are expecting some improvement over the two weeks. That is still a low dose of the Bisoprolol. Are you getting some exercise and eating well? For me, cutting salt right down improved my BP. It doesn't for everyone though.

[DarkWater in reply to RufusScamp]

I'm slim, eat well and walk miles with the dog. I don't smoke and have cut back on alcohol and caffeine, and have stopped watching the news (ie government propaganda) and kept off social media and Twatter. I think it's hereditary and anxiety, and it's been creeping up for years. Last BP check was 2014.

Next follow up is 4/10. I hope there's some improvement.

[RufusScamp in reply to DarkWater]

Fingers crossed for you. Sounds as if you are giving yourself the best chance.

[Chappychap]

We're all different but it only took a few days for the meds to bring my blood pressure down.

If you're not happy with the progress from the medication there's more you can do on top of the meds. I found three factors all had a roughly equal impact on my blood pressure reduction.

1. Medication

2. Reducing salt in my diet

3. Weight loss and exercise

[Traci69]

I have malignant resistant hypertension started of like you I am now on 22 tablets a day an my bp is still 178/105 hereditary they putting it down ! I have done the norm lost weight stopped smoking etc my body seems to run on high I do suffer from side affects now I tend not to take my own readings as it scares shit out of me ! Lead a very quiet life as am scared ill go pop one day not much help but maybe yrs is an hereditary condition 🤔

[Traci69 in reply to Traci69]

Yes mine hereditary had angiogram the high BP damaged my arteries so now have class 3 heart failure not happy they upped my nitrates

[Honeydewlemon]

Looks as though you take a low dosage, I take 7,5mg but find it makes me dizzy. Started to take it in the evening instead of morning which is better. Like you, consultant said to take my blood pressure daily which now is too low, can't win, I would rather not bother but apparently think ai may need to. I take diuretics which keep the swelling in my legs at bay