Hypertension, age , gender and weight loss

[Batandball41]

I have recently (3 weeks ago) prescribed Amlodipine for hypertension and basically it’s worked.I am overweight and for many reasons I want to lose the weight I’ve lost some but more to go ( perhaps 12kgs / 28 lbs) Anyway I spoke with my GP today and he was happy that my blood pressure was back in a good place, today 115/75 and we spoke of the future, weight loss and medication.I asked about how I would know that weight loss would be at the stage when medication was no longer necessary. He thought that it might not happen and that as a male aged 64 I was predisposed for this condition and whilst weight loss was good all round it might mean that medication was still required.I’m a little shocked about this as everything I’ve read leads me to the cause and effect or at least relationship between weight and BP.So I’m still going to lose the weight , it’s good for me all round but I’m a little shocked about what was said and need to research this further.Any help/ advice or experiences with regards to his most appreciated

[Chappychap]

I had high blood pressure. It's a serious risk factor for heart attacks and strokes so it's something we all need to keep on top of. The good news is that almost all of us can do things to materially reduce our blood pressure.

I found three things really worked to get my blood pressure down and to keep it down.

First was exercise and weight loss. I can't separate the two as they happened together, although it's interesting that for a good few hours following a gym workout my blood pressure will be at the lowest level that I normally record. I also lost two stones and went from overweight to a healthy BMI.

Second was reducing salt in my diet. The more salt we eat the more water we retain, and the more water we retain the higher our blood pressure. This is a simple one and really works.

Third was medication.

All of these things delivered a roughly equal reduction in blood pressure. But as we get older it becomes harder and harder to maintain healthy scores for blood pressure (and indeed for several other key metrics). I want all three of those winning factors working for me so I keep taking the prescribed medication, even though my blood pressures is currently well in the healthy zone. All I'd say is that whatever your personal preference work closely with your GP before changing your medication.

Good luck!

[Batandball41 in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you .

I was already part way through improving my lifestyle so I’ll be carrying on with that .

No I won’t stop or decrease the medication, I guess I’m just trying to understand things so that I can be prepared for anything .

[Batandball41]

Thank you .

I think basically this is the first time I’ve been on any medication and it’s shocked me.

But nothing really changes, I need to lose some weight and step up regular walking which is my favourite pastime anyway.

Thanks again anc good luck

[MountainGoat52]

I was found to have high blood pressure when I was in my 50s. Initially I was failed by my GP who insisted diuretics were the way to deal with the problem. Unfortunately I found that I am allergic to all the usually prescribed forms of this medication. My GP was not prepared to offer an alternative approach and it was only when I changed GP practice that I was prescribed what I regard as "proper" blood pressure medication.

I was advised that I should be prepared to take blood pressure medication for the rest of my life. There was not much scope for changes in diet or exercise as I was already doing what I could to eat healthily and keep fit. I didn't smoke and drank very little alcohol.

As it turned out, I had a deteriorating situation in respect of my cardio-vascular system and my blood pressure started to rise. My medication was increased to compensate for this and eventually I was on the maximum dose and a second medication was prescribed on top. It all came to a head when I had a blood clot which caused a heart attack at the age of 65. With hindsight I should have had a scan to determine the cause of my problem rather than my GP prescribing more and more medication.

So, while you have concerns about having to take medication for the rest of your life, please be aware that it can go beyond medication. Now I take my 6 medications with my breakfast and then get on with my day. I am fitter, healthier and happier than I was in my 50s. I now climb Munros.... 😀

[Pearce1940oscar]

I was given it but was taken off after 3 days as my feet swelled up so much that I couldn’t put even my house slippers on