Hi
I was diagnosed with high BP last year at the age of 53. There is a strong family history of heart disease. Took me 6 months to see a GP but was put on Ramapril initially but developed a bad cough so was put on Candersartan 8mg with a statin. I have been asthmatic since the age of 39 but haven't had an attack in a long time. I have had breathing problems under exertion for a few months now, despite the fact that I can run with no issues. Also was getting terrible cramps in my calves and ankles. GP took me off the statin and upped my dose of Candersartan to 16mg. I am due to see her again in a couple of weeks and feel that the breathing problems are associated with the medication. What would be the alternatives as the 16mg has lowered my BP to normal?
Strangely enough when I was first diagnosed i used my private health insurance to get a heart checkup where they discovered an enlarged left heart valve. The consultant wanted me to take a beta blocker as well as Candersartan. GP believes beta blocker are old fashioned and are not the recommended course on the NHS.
Any advice would be appreciated.