Not sure about taking bp meds.

[mommysboy]

I really think I should be on anti-anxiety treatment, but here's the story.

 

I am 58, male, a keen exerciser, 181 cm tall, and 73kg.  

 

For a long time now my bp has been testing at about 160/85 in the hospital setting, in a few clinics and with various machines.  I think my own bp monitor back home is wrong since it is at the other end of the scale- typically 115/75. My heart rate varies from 52-65 at rest even in the hospital setting.

 

A couple of days ago I was at the hospital clinic because of an eye complaint (resolved).  I had a routine bp check which was predictably high, and decided to see another doctor about this.  He advised trying medication- Amlopodine 5mg once daily after breakfast, and I have to go back in 2 weeks for a blood test, and consultation.

 

I have reservations. Since my heart beat when waking up can be as low 45, I am concerned whether I really should be taking something that could lower it further, and as little as 15 months ago in an inpatient setting my bp could be as low as 100/70.  

 

So, I wondered if there are warning signs I should look out for. I've taken 2 tablets so far without problems, so hopefully all is ok.

 

 

 

 

[wgdanson]

I've been on Amlodepine 10mg for two years, take it at bedtime. 71 yrs old, 75 kg, not much exercise! My average BP is down to 133/78, put it in an app on my phone every night and morning.

I think you will need longer than 2 weeks on 5mg for it to make much difference.

[Puchaiyank]

Buy yourself a Blood Pressure cuff...take your own BP...keep records until you feel more confident in your meds...then take periodically to he reassured...

 

 

[mommysboy]

6 minutes ago, Puchaiyank said:

Buy yourself a Blood Pressure cuff...take your own BP...keep records until you feel more confident in your meds...then take periodically to he reassured...

 

 

I've got one, but think it is wrong.  I guess I could get another one.

[Puchaiyank]

6 minutes ago, mommysboy said:

I've got one, but think it is wrong.  I guess I could get another one.

Check BP several times a day...going to the doctor causes many anxiety and higher BP...change batteries in BP machine if they are old...

[Lacessit]

The OP should check himself against 3-4 BP machines, then his own. Take an average of the readings on the machines that are not his.

IMHO there are two issues with the BP readings. The first is what is called "white coat anxiety" when one is in an unfamiliar environment and feeling stressed. The second is instrument calibration. Many instruments here go uncalibrated for years, when they are supposed to be calibrated at least once/year. The only truly accurate measure of BP is a mercury-based sphygmanometer in the hands of an experienced practitioner.

 

Research the medication for side effects. I doubt if a 5 mg dose will have much effect.

[FracturedRabbit]

Machines are easy to come by in Boots and Watsons. Surely best to check if you really have a problem before committing yourself to taking pills? 

[cooked]

1 hour ago, mommysboy said:

I've got one, but think it is wrong.  I guess I could get another one.

Same thing happened to me. Checking at home I was getting 'normal' BP levels, at the hospital and at the dentists was getting really high results. 

Last time I went , again, I get 158 something and I immediately checked, my machine showed 156, so OK. The doctor was unimpressed when I showed him my BP weekly records for the last 12 weeks, all at normal levels. White coat syndrome, which is a mystery to me as I am not a nervous guy.  (I had been following his advice and taking BP meds), and he immediately put me on statins and wanted me to continue with the BP meds.

I spent two days on the Internet and decided not to take any meds but to go keto. Now, 6 months later my BP is at 104/69 ish and my blood sugar down from 126 to 83 last time I looked. I'm 71, drink little, exercise.

Keto is worth googling.

 

[BritManToo]

41 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

The OP should check himself against 3-4 BP machines, then his own. Take an average of the readings on the machines that are not his.

IMHO there are two issues with the BP readings. The first is what is called "white coat anxiety" when one is in an unfamiliar environment and feeling stressed. The second is instrument calibration. Many instruments here go uncalibrated for years, when they are supposed to be calibrated at least once/year. The only truly accurate measure of BP is a mercury-based sphygmanometer in the hands of an experienced practitioner.

 

Research the medication for side effects. I doubt if a 5 mg dose will have much effect.

Earlier this week .......

2mg of Doxazocin (1 tab taken before bed) knocked 20 off my upper BP number after 3 pills.

From 120/80 to 100/75 ..... after 3 nights. (readings using the same BP monitor, 370bht from Lazada)

Edited April 25, 2019 by BritManToo

[Lacessit]

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Earlier this week .......

2mg of Doxazocin (1 tab taken before bed) knocked 20 off my upper BP number after 3 pills.

From 120/80 to 100/75 ..... after 3 nights. (readings using the same BP monitor, 370bht from Lazada)

I can accept the low dosage has a considerable effect. What i don't understand is with normal blood pressure  (120/80) why you would be taking it.

[1FinickyOne]

1 hour ago, mommysboy said:

I've got one, but think it is wrong.  I guess I could get another one.

Bring your machine with you to the docs office and check them side by side... 

[BritManToo]

3 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I can accept the low dosage has a considerable effect. What i don't understand is with normal blood pressure  (120/80) why you would be taking it.

It's being used to try and reduce prostate problems, for me the lowered BP is an unwanted side effect.

Edited April 25, 2019 by BritManToo

[wgdanson]

1 hour ago, mommysboy said:

I've got one, but think it is wrong.  I guess I could get another one.

Omron, Tesco Bht 1800.

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, mommysboy said:

I've got one, but think it is wrong.  I guess I could get another one.

 

Bring your BP machine in to any pharmacy and have them take your BP then compare it to what your machine shows. Any proper pharmacy can do this. This will help determine if it is accurate. You should also review the instructions regarding calibration.

 

I would hesitate to start taking antihypertensives  for a BP that is only elevated in a hospital setting, and mainly elevated in the systolic (upper number - this is what happens when one is stressed).

 

If your machine is not accurate get a new one and keep a record of your BP at home for a week or so.

 

It is not unusual for people to have what is called "white coat syndrome",  an elevation of (mainly systolic) BP when at the doctors or a hospital which is not reflective of true BP at rest.

 

I also wonder if you are taking a beta blocker? As that would explain the low heart rate.?

[mommysboy]

17 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

Bring your BP machine in to any pharmacy and have them take your BP then compare it to what your machine shows. Any proper pharmacy can do this. This will help determine if it is accurate. You should also review the instructions regarding calibration.

 

I would hesitate to start taking antihypertensives  for a BP that is only elevated in a hospital setting, and mainly elevated in the systolic (upper number - this is what happens when one is stressed).

 

If your machine is not accurate get a new one and keep a record of your BP at home for a week or so.

 

It is not unusual for people to have what is called "white coat syndrome",  an elevation of (mainly systolic) BP when at the doctors or a hospital which is not reflective of true BP at rest.

 

I also wonder if you are taking a beta blocker? As that would explain the low heart rate.?

'I also wonder if you are taking a beta blocker? As that would explain the low heart rate.?'

 

No other meds.  The lower heart rate actually coincides with the higher blood pressure readings.  If I'm out and about on a hot day I guess it's 67.  Straight after running it could be higher and remain that way for a while.  It only goes really low when I'm training hard, and following a really great night's sleep.

 

Come to think of it I did check it a month after I bought it, by testing it next to the one the pharmacy was using as a display model- it was a very similar reading.

 

I will be very careful with this medication- paying particular attention to any light headedness.

 

Thanks everyone for all the great advice.

 

It's anxiety I'm sure, but it is a feature of my life so technically I do suffer from a form of hypertension, although I am not so great at recognizing it, since I'm not manic, quite the opposite these days.  But life will not get any easier, and I perceive it is just the way life is these days.

Edited April 25, 2019 by mommysboy

[Pravda]

Try this next time please.

 

When the nurse takes your blood pressure write the numbers and then ask a doctor you're seeing to take it again with the manual blood pressure monitor.

 

My blood pressure is always 20-30 higher when the nurse takes it. You sit down waiting then you get up in this good awful hot country (the aircon in hospital doesn't matter) and right away they take your pressure.

 

Don't trust then and don't take meds unless absolutely needed. I'm pretty sure the measurements you take at home are accurate as you are in your own environment.

[Lacessit]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

It's being used to try and reduce prostate problems, for me the lowered BP is an unwanted side effect.

Have you tried saw palmetto? Not cheap; however, relaxes the prostate and is herbal rather than pharmaceutical.

[BritManToo]

11 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Have you tried saw palmetto? Not cheap; however, relaxes the prostate and is herbal rather than pharmaceutical.

Just had some arrive in the post (Iherb) yesterday (650bht for 250 tabs)

 

But for now,

The doxazocin is really cheap 60bht for 2 months of tablets from my local hospital and has interesting and enjoyable recreational side effects.

 

 

Edited April 25, 2019 by BritManToo

[Lacessit]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Just had some arrive in the post (Iherb) yesterday (650bht for 250 tabs)

 

But for now,

The doxazocin is really cheap 60bht for 2 months of tablets from my local hospital and has interesting and enjoyable recreational side effects.

 

 

You can't just leave us hanging with that statement, please expand on the "interesting and enjoyable"

[Nyezhov]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

It's being used to try and reduce prostate problems, for me the lowered BP is an unwanted side effect.

My walnut problems seem have worsened after I started taking bP meds. But now I get Cialis to shrink it.

 

 

[BritManToo]

12 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

You can't just leave us hanging with that statement, please expand on the "interesting and enjoyable"

About an hour after taking the evening pill I get a double Viagra effect (the gf is not happy).

Then next day at around lunchtime I feel about the same as taking 4-5 alcoholic drinks until early evening.

 

This is just about the best recreational drug I've ever tried, hardly costs anything, and it's on doctors orders.

And I have no urge to drink alcohol anymore, as I already have the feeling without the booze.

Edited April 25, 2019 by BritManToo

[Lacessit]

3 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

My walnut problems seem have worsened after I started taking bP meds. But now I get Cialis to shrink it.

 

 

As you have already informed this forum of your nanometer sized appendage, it must be fun having a permanent hard on that needs a search party.

[Nyezhov]

1 minute ago, Lacessit said:

As you have already informed this forum of your nanometer sized appendage, it must be fun having a permanent hard on that needs a search party.

That one is a candidiate for Post of the Year. ????  ????

 

To bad your reading comprehension is on the level of a Somali Goatherder or you would have recognized that my allegations of penis minimus were ironic and designed to appease folks like Aussies who are not known for prowess (did you hear the one about the Diggers at Gallipoli that wouldnt bathe in the sea at the same time as the Senegalaise due to shame). Reading further would have lead you to the truth that my nickname is Tripod.

 

And no, I dont want to send you more pics via PM. You have a mirror.

[1FinickyOne]

1 hour ago, mommysboy said:

It's anxiety I'm sure

When I have a long drive or something stressful looming, I take Hyperiforte [Blackmores] which is St John's Wort and it really helps... I rarely need it, but the effect is noticeable and quick...

[Lacessit]

8 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

That one is a candidiate for Post of the Year. ????  ????

 

To bad your reading comprehension is on the level of a Somali Goatherder or you would have recognized that my allegations of penis minimus were ironic and designed to appease folks like Aussies who are not known for prowess (did you hear the one about the Diggers at Gallipoli that wouldnt bathe in the sea at the same time as the Senegalaise due to shame). Reading further would have lead you to the truth that my nickname is Tripod.

 

And no, I dont want to send you more pics via PM. You have a mirror.

A Somali goatherder? You know how to wound.

Here I was thinking all your candidates for Munchausen Awards were an outcome of total veracity in your posts, and all this time you have been fibbing to us?

You can level whatever insults you want at the prowess of Aussies. My GF's principal recreation, apart from Thai soaps, is stimulating me to my full glory, then worshipping what she has created. As this is a family forum, I regret further detail of her methods of worship cannot be illustrated in graphic detail. You will have to use your imagination, which I am confident is up to the task.

You may call yourself Tripod. However, I note from previous posts you have admitted to some pharmaceutical assistance. Or was that a fib as well?

[Nyezhov]

26 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

You know how to wound.

I am the Razor that Cuts deep!

 

26 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

You will have to use your imagination, which I am confident is up to the task.

Why do I conjure up Lou Costello in Pardon My Sarong?

 

27 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

You may call yourself Tripod. However, I note from previous posts you have admitted to some pharmaceutical assistance. Or was that a fib as well?

Yep. Any substance known to man that will accentuate legnth and girth is OK by me. Only the second classers worry about us Gods cheating, like the whiners bitching about Mark McGwire or Jose Canseco using steroids. The various supermodels that decorate my home on a rotating basis dont care how the Humoungous Missle of Lust and Desire got that way, they only care that it exists.......

[Lacessit]

2 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

I am the Razor that Cuts deep!

 

Why do I conjure up Lou Costello in Pardon My Sarong?

 

Yep. Any substance known to man that will accentuate legnth and girth is OK by me. Only the second classers worry about us Gods cheating, like the whiners bitching about Mark McGwire or Jose Canseco using steroids. The various supermodels that decorate my home on a rotating basis dont care how the Humoungous Missle of Lust and Desire got that way, they only care that it exists.......

Permit me to doubt Ockham/Occam is involved. I included the alternative spelling to assist your search engine.

I forget the name of the film. It's the one where Kurt Russell looks Sylvester Stallone over in a prison shower and comments " Pee-wee".

Sigh. From mammaries to members, Americans are obsessed by size. I make no claims in that regard, except my coefficient of expansion invariably impresses my GF. Without chemical assistance, yours is probably similar to fused silica.

Somewhat ironic a medication that lowers BP also increases member flow. Counter-intuitive.

[mommysboy]

My first reading of the day before food/work etc has steadily dropped from 117/75 on the first morning when I took my first pill to 100/64 this morning. I still don't know if the bp monitor I am using is accurate, but I am taking the advice to stop the anti- hypertensives for the moment.  I'll check the equipment again or perhaps by another monitor.  

 

 

 

 

[Lacessit]

27 minutes ago, mommysboy said:

My first reading of the day before food/work etc has steadily dropped from 117/75 on the first morning when I took my first pill to 100/64 this morning. I still don't know if the bp monitor I am using is accurate, but I am taking the advice to stop the anti- hypertensives for the moment.  I'll check the equipment again or perhaps by another monitor.  

 

 

 

 

As they say, up to you. I get results of 100/60 quite frequently on my medications. AFAIK the only effect one has to be careful of is standing quickly from a lying or sitting position, because it may cause fainting.

[dundas]

My blood pressure normally hovers around 110-120/70-80 – unless I have it taken in a Thai hospital when almost inevitably the higher reading will be 140 or more. When I go back to Australia I have it checked again and just as inevitably it's back to normal. No idea whether it's due to the way the BP is measured in Thailand or it's because of my relative lack of exercise when I'm away from home.