when will i feel better?

[TooManyBuzzards]

My dad has been declining since heart attack in September. He has just been prescribed Ramipril. How long do you think it will be before he notices some benefits? We would be grateful to know of others’ experiences with ACE inhibitors

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Dear You,

So sorry to hear that Dad is still feeling unwell, lets hope that the Ramipril will help with that.

It really is " how long is a bit string " moment because it depends on what they want from the drug for your Dad, his weight, other medications etc etc.

I would give his Dr a ring or his Cardiology Nurse and see if they can help in anyway.

I was on it for a while { no side effects } and it was replaced with another drug further down the line for me.

I really hope that your Dad feels better soon

Take care.

[Chappychap]

"How long do you think it will be before he notices some benefits?"

Ramipril works fairly quickly, so you should notice some reduction in blood pressure within a week or two. Unlike our pulse we can't actually feel our own blood pressure very well, so it's difficult to tell if it's climbing or falling, that's why many GP's recommend a home blood pressure testing machine. Boots offer a good selection and they're not too expensive.

Many people (myself included) report a tickly cough with Ramipril. I found it gets better with time, but even after five years there's still a trace of it. In my view it's a small price to pay for the big benefits that Ramipril brings, but if your dad is really struggling with a cough then you can talk to your GP about alternatives.

Ramipril doesn't really make a patient feel better, it's more about preventing future heart attacks and strokes.

Good luck!

[RufusScamp]

Has he been referred to a rehab course? Ramipril did not affect how I felt, but the carefully monitored exercise sessions were beneficial.

[TooManyBuzzards]

thanks so much for your kind comments everyone. I think dad has ramipril to make his heart pump more strongly- that’s what the cardiac nurse said. There isn’t a rehab class locally but he’s doing the exercises in the booklet he was given. He was very fit and slim before the heart attack. Thanks again for your advice

[Digeo19]

Obviously not having any experience of it before my HA.. im not sure what I should be feeling. Not had any contact with any medical people since being discharged 3 years ago. I'm just popping my pills everyday / night.... sorry, not much help...