Blood pressure question

[Holiday12345]

I have high blood pressure and problems with bp tablets currently only managing half a 10mg lercanidipine tablet split in two spread out over the morning. Top number ok sitting about 130 but the bottom number stubbornly sitting above 90 (95-110) mostly in the high 90s. Speaking with doc again tomorrow but wondering if anything can help bring bottom number down. Docs just keep saying it’s fine but I’ve had two TIAs high cholesterol headaches pulsatile tinnitus (heartbeat pounding in right neck) feel rather unwell (menopausal too) but docs just seem to look at me and cos I’m slim don’t drink or smoke think I’m fine. Not been able to exercise recently due to being unwell so everything gotten worse. Have started beetroot juice. Any suggestions most welcome. Thanks

[Griff-64]

I'm no expert but I suffer from high BP. according to the chart on the NHS website, a diastolic reading over 90 needs attention. The systolic at 130 is ok.The headache, heartbeat pounding are typical side effects of lercanidipine, as with other meds, it's pot luck and I would be asking the Dr for something else to try until you find the right one.

I'm going through the same process myself, mine was typically 155/110

first thing so the Dr gave me 5mg amlodipine, which I take in the evening and continue with 10mg ramipril in the morning. It's better but not quite there yet.

As for the tinnitus.... Very annoying! I've been told I have to live with it 🤔

Ask your Dr to take more interest! Good luck.

[Chappychap]

I managed to bring my blood pressure down into the safe zone. I found three initiatives were effective, with each seeming to contribute roughly the same,

1. Medication

2. Exercise/weight loss

3. Low salt diet

We're all different, but maybe my experience will be useful to you.

Good luck!

[Hidden]

Time to be more assertive with your GP about your situation? But if you don't get satisfaction from your GP ask for a second opinion.

[Holiday12345]

Taking bp today a few times so I can let my doctor know tomorrow and earlier first reading was 135/125 got it down by third reading to 127/93 and just now it was 145/133 and eventually got it to 133/100. I ve only had an odd high reading like that once before in the past year I’ve been taking readings thought it was a fault that time but wondering maybe it not. Is it ok as long as reading immediately drops ?

[Afibflipper in reply to Holiday12345]

Are you taking the BP the second you sit down from rushing round?Sit upright but relaxed, feet on floor and wait say 5 mins with cuff on and settle then do BP

It’s good to do 3 few mins apart (am & pm or if high and erratic no harm in 4 hourly till see dr)

Is it a new machine ( if older might be worth booking a pharmacy check up, take your machine so can check their readings vs yours

Try to use same arm as can differ and also if pharmacist agrees it’s too high they’ll tell you to tell Gp or may even send a note to your GP

[Holiday12345 in reply to Afibflipper]

I’ve been sitting before I do the readings… they just seem bonkers atm compared to normal. Doesn’t help I’m feeling very anxious about it now. Have spoken to doc and got another tab to take a diuretic one bendroflumethazide ( and I’ve taken half an tab to start) as need to get it down plus I’ve got the headache…

[Afibflipper in reply to Holiday12345]

I feel for you. You’re right about the anxiety but easier to tell someone to calm down than do it 😆 I listen to Reiki music - if you have online music try Reiki Gold Llewelyn or another one called Sleep Fruits and slow down your breathing in through nose out through mouth

Lots of relaxation on YouTube or an app that’s brilliant is Headspace

Stay positive 👍

[Chronicpains]

I take 2 Losartan 25 mg - one in the morning and one in the evening and this seems to help. I reacted badly to Lercanidipine so Dr took me off this. Like you, my diastolic readings are always higher but thankfully BP has now stabilised somewhat, averaging between 125/81 and 120/79 (with the occasional slightly higher readings). I’ve also started drinking 2 cups of Twinings Heartea that has Hisbiscus in it and I believe this has helped.

[Carercmb]

Ask your GP to change your medication as there are others you could try or refer you to a cardiologist for their opinion. Exercise and diet helps as somebody else mentioned.

[MountainGoat52]

I agree with other comments made... I'd get that medication changed. With those BP readings it is obviously not working. I well remember my GP's reaction when I presented with a blood pressure of 220/110 before I was put on medication. After trying various different medications, I found Losartan suited me and I've been on it 12 years now.

Do beware of a GP increasing the dose and adding other medication in order to attempt to correct rising blood pressure. I ended up on the maximum dose of Losartan plus Doxazosin and a short time later had a heart attack. Had I been sent for an angiogram then the cause would have become clear. GPs seem to treat symptoms, not causes.

[Bingo88]

I was always led to believe the guidelines for blood pressure is 120 to 140. Over 60 to 80. The 2 tablets your on have a reputation for causing other problems and there are alternatives that you can get from your doctor. Brian

[Orangeteacup]

Definitely seek second opinion regarding medication.It’s also good to know I’m not the only one suffering from dreadful tinnitus.

All the best with the GP.

[Chokdee]

BP meds are notorious for increasing tinnitus. I quit taking them because of it. Try to reduce your BP thru’ natural methods. Ive reduced salt intake, eat more potassium rich foods, reduced caffeine and sugar intake, drink hibiscus water/tea every day, do intermittent fasting and dont sweat the small stuff anymore. Sleep quality is also massively important.

My sys and dia have both dropped by 10-15 points each

[Afibflipper]

I was recently told to keep my systolic under 120 if possible but to us one of my bp meds if it went up to 130When I told my cardiologist the other day he said we don’t just look at the top figure we look at both. I’m not qualified to tell you but 110 is not where it should be

Until you see some else asap try low salt, unsalted tomato juice (seeing you drink beetroot you probably saw the same article I read the other day)

Please see a different dr or ask for referral as you already had Tia they shouldn’t just sit on you, good luck