New to hypertension

[Goldenfleece2022]

Hello everyone. I am new to the forum and new to issues with high blood pressure. I had a bleed behind the eye 4 weeks ago and shortly after further investigation it was found that I had really high blood pressure. I’m 50 and no obvious issues with my health previously so it was a surprise. I’ve been prescribed Amlodipine and been taking it for just under 4 weeks. My BP has reduced but the dose was increased from 5mg to 10 mg yesterday as it is still a little high.

I was at the GP for a follow up check yesterday and they sent me to hospital for investigation due to mild chest pain. The checks were all fine and I thought it might be due to anxiety as I’ve had issues with this in the past. I was relieved and thought I would be better today as a result but the discomfort has increased. I’m wondering if it’s the medication itself, anxiety or possibly even my sleeping position? I would be grateful for any views or advice from others who might have experienced the same.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[Madlegs1]

Welcome to the group.

What were your BP readings from when you were first diagnosed, through the 5mg Amlodipine to now after being on the 10mg for a month ( that's roughly how long it takes to affect the pressure)?

There is a discussion underway on this site about age appropriate BP readings.

You may find that thread useful.

healthunlocked.com/blood-pr...new-to-blood-pressure-medication.

Good luck.

[Goldenfleece2022 in reply to Madlegs1]

Thanks for the response Madlegs1. My readings were around 170/110 at the beginning (I’m 50) and are now around 140+ / 90+ (although I had readings as low as 124/74). The dose was only increased to 10 mg yesterday so not had enough time to take effect yet. It’s more the issue with chest pain. I’ve had a barrage of tests and everything looks normal other than my BP yet the pain continues. I was just wondering if it could be related to the medication?

[Madlegs1 in reply to Goldenfleece2022]

I'm only new here as well.

There is one poster BPdoctor who seems to know a lot. I expect this mention will prod him out from his hiding place!😝

Hopefully he will have better advice.

At least your numbers are going in the right direction. It can be very traumatic when we first get the diagnosis.

Good luck.

[Happyrosie in reply to Madlegs1]

I’d be cautious about “BP Doctor” . He says he is 86 I think and seems to be trying to give advice AS A DOCTOR Which is not appropriate for this forum. That’s my view anyway,

[Goldenfleece2022 in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you Madlegs1 and I hope things are going in the right direction for you too 🙏🤞

[Happyrosie]

I think it’s impossible for us to say. Family history, medical history, height and weight … You will have had an ECG. If chest pain increases on exertion then it could be angina. Or not.!

Whatever, the diagnosis of high BP always comes as a surprise and shock.

The best long term treatment for high blood pressure as I’m sure you know is diet and exercise. By diet I mean healthy eating. Lots of fruit and veg. The NHS Eatwell Plan is a good start. By exercise I mean increasing the time you spend exercising, like walking or whatever, and maybe going a bit faster! Personally I go to utube and find “Joe Wicks Seniors” for quick ten or fifteen minute easy exercise.

[Goldenfleece2022 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you Happyrosie. I really appreciate the advice 🙏👍

[lettingoffsteam]

I started taking bp meds over three years ago and amlodipine was in the mix.I also started getting chest discomfort, a burning sensation and got checked out more than once at A&E but it was fine.After a time the effects wore off and things settled down.That said, it's always worth checking out a chest pain.

[Goldenfleece2022]

Thanks for your reply lettingoffsteam 😃 I am feeling largely better. A little discomfort but nowhere near the same, and now the swollen ankles I was told to expect.Thanks again 🙏

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Goldenfleece2022]

Oh no, the dreaded ankles! Mine went down after I was able to half my dose of amlodipine from 10 to 5mg.I made some lifestyle changes and lost weight.It takes time but you'll get there.Hang on in there.

[Goldenfleece2022]

Thanks very much BPDoctor. My BP seems to be back on track now and they want to keep an eye on things to make sure it doesn’t go too low. No more chest pain either so it may just have been anxiety. I’ll definitely ask about DASH when I’m at my review in 2 weeks time 👍