Does anyone know why, when one is diagnosed with hypertension, they start you off on a very low dose,

not expecting it to do too much? I've been started on Ramipril 1.5 with HBP [at last count] of 200/101, been told that it won't have much effect and to come again in a month. Why do they do this?

[Hidden]

I had operation on sat mine shot through the roof scared me to death. When they put that cuff on my arm or I know the GP is going to check it same happens. I too was started on low dose tablet now I'm on high dose because each time I had it checked it shot up. The GP let's me do my own and take my readings in to him. I asked him once why you start on a low dose he told me your body has to get used to them and they have to get your correct dose by your readings. Hope this helps and good luck. X

[Aliwally]

Hi Gardengnome,

I think the medical term is titration, starting you off on a low dose and then adding more if necessary. In this way, maybe you won't get any side effects and a low dose will do the job. Probably better than starting on a dose which is too high for you and maybe getting side effects.

Really hope this low dose works for you.

[Hidden in reply to Aliwally]

I'd like to think it might Aliwally,but the doc said she wasn't putting her money on it! Ye of little faith!! She had wanted to start me off on a calcium channel blocker because of my age [over 70] but I did say that I've always started the day with grapefruit and that is a complete no-no with a ccb apparently.

[patch14]

After my husband suffered horrendous side effects from his medication for high BP for several years before getting help, despite my insistence, the GP was furious that he hadn't been to see him earlier. Like a lot of men my husband assumed that the DR knew best and that he had to put up with the leg cramps, the nausea, the headaches, the anaemia and the vomiting! After several tests and various procedures to solve the problems he is now on a much lower dose, has no side effects apart from the occasional cramp which he takes quinine for and has now got back to his old self!

Being put on a low dose and reporting regularly to the GP will guide him to get the right medication for your BP. There are so many that the GP can select there will be one for you and you are obviously in good hands! Best of health to you.

[Robert787]

They do this 'cos the makers of the pill say that is the best way to start off. Please read ALL the paper that comes with your tablets & pills.

All the best

Robert