HBP diagnosed Jan2023. On 5mg Amlodipine. Good response within few months; controlled BP @120/75-130/85 (as at May2024)

[Dps007]

Prescribed Amlodipine 5mg daily early Jan 2023. By mid Feb the meds did their job with mild side-effects (numbness in hands/feet with swollen ankles from sitting at a desk for extended periods). These moderated 10 days.

11 months on (Dec 2023) I am happy with my results. I get swollen ankles if I sit at a desk for long periods. Exercise resolves that within a day. I avoid sitting at a desk.

I had a hip replacement in July and had to stop the 5mg due to low BP after the op / effect of anesthetic. Went back on 5mg after 7 days off as I have hypertension without meds. I was very happy as BP returned to my normal within the next week (below 140/90; it is mostly 135/85 which I accept is fine).

I monitor my BP every 6 months for 7 days (ignore the first 3 days and take the ave of the last 4 days). This works for me.

I have stayed on 5mg dose and that seems to work. No further issues thankfully and no need to engage GPs. Over time GP said I would likely increase the 5mg dose in 70's/80s as this is typical. All good for now (May24).

[PecanSandie]

Glad to hear your BP is back to your normal. I take 5mg of Amlodipine also. I am curious though. You said your BP was too low after the hip replacement. Why did you go back on Amlodipine at all?

[Dps007 in reply to PecanSandie]

Thx. Hosp take you off before the op (same day) due to the effects of anesthetics. After op they measure BP every 6 hours. I stayed for 3 days and my BP was low all that time and felt woozy. So they kept me off the amlodipine. Once home light headedness continued. Dr advised me to stay off while BP was low until it was back to 140/90. But with home monitoring it came up 7 days after the op. As I have hypertension now (permanent) without the meds it would go over 140/90... Once back its ave of 120-130 / 75-85 so its managed and I am ok with limited side effects (sit too long and swollen ankles but fine long as I move...). Best wishes