Unexpected rise in BP

[jerry12953]

I have mild / moderate angina and have been prescribed amlodipine to get my blood pressure down. After about three weeks of the medication my BP was coming down quite steadily but then I got a cold virus and it's right up there again. Is that to be expected?

[namaha]

Amlodipine is a class of drug called Calcium channel Blocker which actually dilates (widens) your blood vessel and reduces BP.

It is an essential drug and also has an anti-inflammatory effect in your blood vessels by suststaining Nitric oxide production...

No wonder, It is also independently used for treating Angina / chest pain/ CAD/ Migraines... and so on...

It has a good safety profile at low to moderate dose... But has some side effects at high dose... However high dose of amplodipine is given along with a Diuretic to minimise side effects of Edema..

When you are caught by cold virus, your BP should not go up unless there is some drug interaction e.g for example if you are taking Aspirin during a cold attack , then it has drug interaction with aspirin and your BP could go up....

Similarly , if you are taking Calcium supplement , the effectiveness of Amlodipine cones down and your BP could go up.. .

If you are taking some other drugs , you can check drug interaction...

If your BP remains high, I would suggest that you should consult your physician for evaluating your case.. . May be he could review your dose or combine with an ARB such as Telmisartan or a Diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide.. .or a Beta blocker such as metoprolol or bisoprolol...

[namaha in reply to namaha]

Dear Jerry12953

Further to my message , wanted to add that a new study indicates that a virus called CMV ( Cytomegalovirus ) can also increase BP.... Please read an article below.. ..

news.harvard.edu/gazette/st...

Also almost all medicines meant for cold could raise BP...

Please get guided by your physician....

[jerry12953 in reply to namaha]

Thanks, namaha.

I'll keep on checking my BP and I have an appointment with my GP on Wednesday. i'll tell him then.

i wonder if that virus could be responsible for the increase in my BP and my cold!

jerry

[namaha in reply to jerry12953]

Yes, it is likely...Cytomegalovirus - CMV is known to raise your BP .. Please keep monitoring your BP... and if required please seek medical assistance without waiting upto Wednesday...

[jerry12953 in reply to namaha]

We're not talking critical here, I'm glad to say!

[namaha in reply to jerry12953]

👍