Taken off blood pressure tablets following a TIA

[Suebedoo]

My older friend recently had what we think is a TIA. Her GP referred her onto the local hospital and she went along to the neurology department on Thursday for tests - CT scan, etc. On Friday she had a call to say that she was being put on clopidrogel, aspirin and her dosage of lansaprazole was increased and to stop taking her blood pressure tablets. She then had to attend the vascular clinic today where she was told that she had a narrowing of her carotid artery to her neck and to take this as a warning. She was told that she needed to get her blood pressure down to normal levels, to exercise and to change her diet. That is all well and good but how does she get her blood pressure down if she is not on blood pressure tablets and she is feeling too unfit just to suddenly start exercising. She rang the vascular clinic back to say she was confused and she was told that if the neurology department had said not to take blood pressure tablets then she shouldn't. I am concerned as it just doesn't make any logical sense to me. Has anyone else had this experience?

[Happyrosie]

no. But have a look at the website of Blood Pressure UK.

Start exercise slowly but surely. Stop any smoking. Keep salt levels low. Plenty of vegetables. Cook from scratch. Plenty of water to drink and not sweet fizzy drinks.

[Suebedoo in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks Happyrosie

[Juke77]

I watched a Michael Mosley programme a few weeks ago and he said beetroot or beetroot juice for high blood pressure. Maybe worth a look into and check if there are any interactions with all her medications. Hope this helps.

[Paula233]

Does seem strange and your friend should have this question answered. Perhaps she could ask her GP as the neurology department should have sent a letter to her GP with details of findings and changes to medication.

[Suebedoo in reply to Paula233]

My thoughts exactly. I will suggest that she does this but she lacks in confidence so may be reluctant to put herself out there. I, on the other hand, if it were me, would be driving the doctors mad with questions😆

[Paula233 in reply to Suebedoo]

I remember my cardiologist saying to me a couple of years ago " the NHS has changed. You need to take control and push as otherwise you will be lost and forgotten about". It has made me less conscious about asking questions and feeling like I'm a burden to everyone. I woukd really be pushing for an explanation as usual treatment is to be put on blood pressure medication and not taken off - but I'm not a doctor and I'd be asking the question and expect a proper explanation. Good luck

[Suebedoo in reply to Paula233]

It's dreadful - okay for the likes of us who are happy to investigate and ask questions but for people who are vulnerable or who do not have family back up, it leaves them in a very precarious position.

[fishonabike]

As @Happyrosie says, exercise can be started gradually and does not mean "go to the gym"

gradual increases in daily activties are a good start - e.g:

walking on the spot or up and down the room while waiting for the kettle to boil or chatting on the phone,

going up and down stairs again, and going up and down stairs for no reason

taking a longer route to walk to wherever you are going, walking to the next bus stop before catching it and getting off a stop early or late

these can be increased to daily walks and include a trip to local faciltities to (e.g. leisure/sports centre) to see what classes and activities are available when ready

there are usually local groups who do gentle "health walks"

the British Heart Foundation site has a Rehab at home video series which helps to introduce an exercise routine gradually

so it's more about finding an enjoyable way to be more active - your friend does not have to start running marathons..........yet!

[Suebedoo in reply to fishonabike]

She's started doing the walking around her flat already

[Suebedoo]

Thanks - I will pass this on. Her family are planning on taking her walking up and down hills and I think that is a bit too soon just yet.

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Suebedoo,

I’m so sorry to hear that your friend had a TIA. My Mom had one in December 2023. Lots of tests, doctors’ appointments and specialist appointments later, she is still taking her blood pressure pill. Not one doctor—-neurosurgeon, heart specialist, regular GP—-suggested dropping her BP medication.

My suggestion would be to obtain a second opinion, if possible, or speak with the neurologist to have him/her explain exactly why the BP medication should be stopped. Try to get that information in written form if possible.

Doctors do not always agree on treatment. My mother is 85 years old. In August 2023, she had her annual checkup and her cholesterol level was high. I asked her doctor whether she should be taking a statin drug. He told me that her “good cholesterol” was so high that it offered enough protection against the high “bad” cholesterol. I was still skeptical, but let it go. In December, she had a TIA, which might have been avoided if she had been prescribed the statin in August. She is now taking a statin and has a new doctor.

You are being a good advocate and support for your friend. Don’t give up and best wishes!❤️

[Suebedoo]

Just by way of an update, after ringing the two hospital clinics a few times where each referred to the other and eventually managing to get past the gp receptionist she has been told that she should continue to take her blood pressure tablets.