Blood Pressure Meds

[Tim10]

Hi all,

first post here.

I am 55 years of age and have been on blood pressure medication for approx 15 years or so.

I am presently on 10mg of Amplodipine and 10mg Ramipril daily.

I regularly exercise be it mountain walking, running and various forms of cardio exercise and for my age consider I am fairly fit and generally healthy.

I am worried about the dosage of medications knowing that in the UK 10mg is the maximum prescribed dose for each medication.

BP however is well managed todays readings around 122/73 - this a consistent reading for some time.

Questions I have:-

I enjoy physical activity however have always felt that given BP medications the edge somewhat has been taken of my endurance / and ability to improve is strength and fitness range.

- Can anyone recommend a better combination of BP meds to assist with this - are the two above medications in general conducive to physical activity and performance in this area ? Are there any better medications that could be considered ?

- I have been on 10mg of each for approaching 3 years of so now and do wonder about long term effects of the quantities - should I be worried about any long term effects of continued use at such a dosage level ?

I do attend clinic as requested and to date Bloods etc have been fine etc

Thanks for anyone taking the time to read the above/ just seeking any considered views in respect of this.

Thanks

Tim

[Happyrosie]

Well Tim this is really outside the range of ability that we non-medics can say.

What I CAN say is:

The specialist charity Blood Pressure UK has a lot of info on its website, though not specifically covering your questions, and

If you live in the UK, your pharmacist might advise you.

[lettingoffsteam]

Hi Tim, I'm on the same meds as you at different doses again for three years and I've spoken to plenty of others in the same boat who've been stable and well for decades.

I understand what you mean about how you feel the meds affect your physical fitness.I've never felt quite the same either but the results of not taking them would be a whole lot worse! If your blood tests are fine that should be reassuring.

The bottom line I guess is that the meds save us from danger but at a cost.I agree with the advice to speak to your pharmacist if you have more questions or speak to someone on the Blood Pressure Association helpline...both invaluable sources of information.

[lettingoffsteam]

I have totally changed my diet to mainly plant based and low salt with reference to the DASH diet amongst other things.I lost five and a half stone plus halved my meds.I'm stable re. weight, dose and have been for over three years now. I have also developed a regular exercise regime, again for over three years but meds still make me feel flat which is why I can relate to what Tim has to say.