Does anyone have complications due to high blood pressure.

[JuneN]

I am taking medication for high blood pressure, and suspect the steroids for PMR are making my blood pressure worse. Does anyone have the same issues ?

[SheffieldJane]

Yes I now take Atenolol for raised blood pressure. It is a common side effect of Prednisalone/Prednisone.

[scats in reply to SheffieldJane]

Me too no problem before.

[Hidden]

Previously just on Amlodipine(Calcium Channel Blocker). Since Pred. Bisoprolol (Beta Blocker) added.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is a listed possible side effect of pred. I'm on medication - but also because I have atrial fibrillation which is considered to have been caused by the autoimmune part of PMR.

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

What else!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi JuneN

Mine increased slightly during Pred high doses ( already on BP meds pre GCA) - but nothing significant. Just monitored it, and as reduced Pred it came back down. Since being off Pred am now only on Ramipril instead of cocktail prior.

In fact since knee op on 16th July it has now dropped too low, so no meds and trying to get it back to normal! Seems you can’t win!

[Linny3]

Hi

My pressure was under total control for years using an over the counter (dr. suggested) remedy. Now all of a sudden it keeps spiking. Plus they have lowered the numbers because of the link they found between HP and senility and Alzheimer's disease.

Will it all NEVER end!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Linny3]

Strange - often having too low BP in advanced age can cause confusion. I believe the link on BP levels and senility is raised BP in your 50s - having slightly raised BP later may be beneficial..,

[Jemsea]

I am on medication for high blood pressure and Beta blockers for AF. Pred. or PMR raised my blood pressure even further. Don't wish to take any more chemical medication, so I drink a couple of cups of hibiscus & rosehip tea every day, as a result my blood pressure has evened out again. If it goes too low, I then have a cup of licorice & peppermint tea (delicious) it will then increase a little. Of course it is wise to monitor it.

[Telian in reply to Jemsea]

Think I recall someone (PMRpro?) saying shouldn't have liquorice while taking steroids, sure she'll put me right....

[Jemsea in reply to Telian]

Licorice is an anti-inflammatory, that is why I suck on licorice root now and again (love it) did it as a child, but is does tend to raise the blood pressure. My blood pressure varies from low to high, although I am on a 2mg dose of perindopril. Have been taking this for years, but I do monitor my blood pressure. Hibiscus & Rosehip tea is excellent for lowering the blood pressure naturally, and is also anti-inflammatory - I often alternate the two, but keep an eye on my BP. Sounds daft I know.

[Telian in reply to Jemsea]

I too love it but keep off it for now, have enough to contend with. I can't just have a little - want to eat it all then I get bad stomach so another reason to steer clear

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

Probably because it increases the side effects - including raising BP.

[piglette in reply to Telian]

PMRPro is correct, licorice is actually mentioned on the NHS website as not to be taken with steroids. You are also not supposed to take nightshades either although I must admit I do feel slightly guilty.

[Telian in reply to piglette]

Don't feel guilty, you've found out now and can do something about it, we've all made mistakes at some point, when to take, not to take it with this, I'm sure like me you'll double check from now on.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

No nightshades with what? Liquorice or pred?

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

With pred. I am not sure licorice and nightshades would taste that good!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Why not with pred? I eat an awful lot of nightshades...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

But do you eat nightshades with licorice??

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Nah...

[Telian]

Yes they can - I suffered with high BP prior to diagnosis and when put on Pred it went from stable to borderline. For me it was the AA that sent mine through the roof, took me off AA and it went back to within normal range. My Beta Blockers were changed as they were exacerbating my psoriasis! Coincidence or what? Now on Spironalactone. It is a minefield! You need to monitor yours though. ATB.