All the Blood pressure medications

[Lorry]

11 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

It's always been between 150 to 165  the last few years without no side effects

Too high. 

You won't feel much, or maybe nothing,  but you are destroying your arteries. 

Imagine a water hose designed for a pressure of 110 or 120, overloaded by 50% every day, every week, every month,  24/7, for years and years. 

It might  not last forever - the result being a stroke or a heart attack. 

 

If it doesn't go down a lot more on valsartan talk to a doctor. 

 

BTW you really should sit down for 5 minutes without moving a lot before measuring BP. Do something boring during these 5 minutes,  like reading the Bangkok News on AN.

[swissie]

On 8/10/2024 at 5:41 PM, Sheryl said:

Exactly.

 

Obesity, high sodium consumption, lack of exercise are all risk factors/ exacerbating factors for hypertension but not sole causes.

 

Some people no matter how thin and fit have hypertension. Such people should certainly avoid the above risks as they will make matters worse, but will also need medication.

 

My mother has always been thin and active, consumes little sodium, but has had hypertension since around age 45 -50. Thanks to medications she is now 94 & still going strong. Her mother, on the other hand (also slim and active) died of a hemorrhagic stroke brought on by hypertension at age 50.  

 

It is fine to urge people to control their weight, eat healthy and exercise but untrue to say or imply that this will always prevent need for BP meds. Sometimes will, sometimes won't. 

 

Medical Progress has been breathtaking, Especially since we start to understand DNA/RNA. A new window has opened.

As opposed to before, these days Doctors want to know if there were any main "medical problems" in your family history. Indicating that the medical community realises, that your "genes" play a far greater role than anticipated before.

The pharmaceutical industry does not like such "progress".

- My brother died at the age of 84. His weight 140 kilos. Inspite of medication, his BP was "alarming" for the last 10 years.
- I myself smoke 2 1/2 packs of cigarettes  per day. For the last 52 years.

I venture to say, that the day is not too far off, when the "medical community" will disclose that your health and longivity does not depend on how many walks you took and how many healthy vegetables you ate in your lifetime, but rather: "It's mainly in your Genes".

Give me 10 more years and the "medical community" will confirm: "It's mainly in your Genes".

 

[georgegeorgia]

3 hours ago, swissie said:

Give me 10 more years and the "medical community" will confirm: "It's mainly in your Genes".

I agree ,but I guess you can minimise going to God earlier by your lifestyle choices 

 

But your right ...I have read of some women who have their breasts removed before they get Cancer as it runs in their family 

[georgegeorgia]

16 hours ago, Lorry said:

Too high. 

You won't feel much, or maybe nothing,  but you are destroying your arteries. 

Imagine a water hose designed for a pressure of 110 or 120, overloaded by 50% every day, every week, every month,  24/7, for years and years. 

It might  not last forever - the result being a stroke or a heart attack. 

 

If it doesn't go down a lot more on valsartan talk to a doctor. 

 

BTW you really should sit down for 5 minutes without moving a lot before measuring BP. Do something boring during these 5 minutes,  like reading the Bangkok News on AN.

Thankyou 

That's why I have now started the BP medicine called VALSARTIN 20mg a day  

 

But....4 days into it ....my BP is still around 150,but no side effects from this medication unlike the Amlodipine 

 

But AMLODIPINE did work fast 

VALSARTIN is taking longer but I'm experiencing no fatigue or any other side effects 

 

[Lorry]

7 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Thankyou 

That's why I have now started the BP medicine called VALSARTIN 20mg a day  

 

But....4 days into it ....my BP is still around 150,but no side effects from this medication unlike the Amlodipine 

 

But AMLODIPINE did work fast 

VALSARTIN is taking longer but I'm experiencing no fatigue or any other side effects 

 

Yes.

Amlodipine works fast, correct. 

But it often has side effects quite early in the treatment, eg leg edema, very common. 

Valsartan works not so fast. 

See how it goes. 

[KannikaP]

On 8/9/2024 at 9:49 AM, Sheryl said:

 

Many people (including me) take losartsn with no problem, no fatigue.

 

But if it has that effect for you then certainly take something else.

 

Enalapril is still widely used. No reason to switch from it if it is working and no side effects.  It is also readily available at pharmacies at very, very low cost.

 

I think you need to be more assertive with these various doctors and not agree to change medication unless there is a reason. 

 

 

I have taken Amlodepine and Doxadozin  for several years with no side effects other than tiredness. How would I wean off it in order to try one of the others, or do I simply stop the Amlod and start the other. How long should I try it for?

I take my own BP every morning, after deep breathing. First reading is usually 135-140/75, next time, 2 or 3 minutes later, 120-125/70 ish.

[DavisH]

16 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Thankyou 

That's why I have now started the BP medicine called VALSARTIN 20mg a day  

 

But....4 days into it ....my BP is still around 150,but no side effects from this medication unlike the Amlodipine 

 

But AMLODIPINE did work fast 

VALSARTIN is taking longer but I'm experiencing no fatigue or any other side effects 

 

I remember the first time I started on BP meds it took around a week or more to settle to a regular level. There were variations day to day, but generally always below 130/80 or thereabouts. My mother has had high BP since she was 50, and mine developed over time (especially during lockdown). It was always borderline accorsing to my doctor - around 135/85. You really should stay below 140/90 according to European standards. 

 

[DavisH]

7 hours ago, KannikaP said:

I have taken Amlodepine and Doxadozin  for several years with no side effects other than tiredness. How would I wean off it in order to try one of the others, or do I simply stop the Amlod and start the other. How long should I try it for?

I take my own BP every morning, after deep breathing. First reading is usually 135-140/75, next time, 2 or 3 minutes later, 120-125/70 ish.

Deep breathing will reduce it but the effect is very temporary. I changed from one BP med (a calcium channel blocker) to an arb with no issues. The CCB would have me up going to the bathroom 4.5 times each night. It has the effect of relaxing certain bladder muscles. That is not a common side effect but I couldn't tolerate it. 

 

[KannikaP]

11 hours ago, DavisH said:

Deep breathing will reduce it but the effect is very temporary. I changed from one BP med (a calcium channel blocker) to an arb with no issues. The CCB would have me up going to the bathroom 4.5 times each night. It has the effect of relaxing certain bladder muscles. That is not a common side effect but I couldn't tolerate it. 

 

Did you change from the C C Blocker to the ARB immediatly, stop one and start the other the next day please?

[PFMills]

On 8/7/2024 at 8:32 AM, ignis said:

Had a mini heart attack 2016,  also a mild stroke 24 years ago

 

staying well hydrated?  drink at least 3 lt water per day

 

At the time was using Red Cross Hospital  2016 - 2921 Covid time, change to local Village Hospital.. [saving over 3 hours Public transport travel per visit]\

QUESTION:

Red Cross Hospital put me on Bisoprolol 5 mg per day

Local Hospital said 'No Have' and put me on Dozozin 2 mg? is same ?   As in your reply says "Doxazosin for prostate"

 

Should I try to find a Pharmacy that sells  Bisoprolol 5 mg  ??

 

I have a lot of Bisoprolol 2.5mg I live in Pakkret and you can have them if you want. I feel better on Concor …that’s the genuine one. Even my doctor agrees that is not an uncommon opinion.

 

I’ve tried going back twice now …that’s why I have so many … but no I feel better on Concor although it is a lot more expensive. My wife was also given the same but prefers Concor, so we have a few!!

[georgegeorgia]

Doctors advice for high BP 

 

Lose a few kilos ,

stay OFF salt , does that even work ?

Exercise cardio walk 

No smoking ,no alcohol 

 

In other words they don't know what lowers blood pressure 

[BobBKK]

I'm on Diovan 160mg, which I cut in half - 80mg daily. Without it, I'm 140/95. With it, I'm 126/88. It takes around 10 points of each measure.

[georgegeorgia]

2 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

I'm on Diovan 160mg, which I cut in half - 80mg daily. Without it, I'm 140/95. With it, I'm 126/88. It takes around 10 points of each measure.

That's a lot 

Any side effects ?

Tiredness ? Acid reflux ?.swollen ankles?

140/95?

That's not too bad ,do you even need Blood Medication????

 

I do have to question that when I see guys taking BP medicine with a mid range BP at say 135/145,is it even needed ,?

[BobBKK]

On 8/12/2024 at 3:38 AM, georgegeorgia said:

Thankyou 

That's why I have now started the BP medicine called VALSARTIN 20mg a day  

 

But....4 days into it ....my BP is still around 150,but no side effects from this medication unlike the Amlodipine 

 

But AMLODIPINE did work fast 

VALSARTIN is taking longer but I'm experiencing no fatigue or any other side effects 

 

20mg is a very low dose?  I'm on 80mg

PS I thought 40mg was the lowest dose? 

[BobBKK]

5 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

That's a lot 

Any side effects ?

Tiredness ? Acid reflux ?.swollen ankles?

140/95?

That's not too bad ,do you even need Blood Medication????

 

I do have to question that when I see guys taking BP medicine with a mid range BP at say 135/145,is it even needed ,?

 I must admit that I have thought I might give it a break or drop it down to 40mg. I started 20 years ago in the UK - yes to all those side effects but mildly. My father had several strokes so I'm extra cautious. 

[georgegeorgia]

3 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

20mg is a very low dose?  I'm on 80mg

PS I thought 40mg was the lowest dose? 

This GP has me on these 20 mg capsules of DILART ,Valsartin 

It's probably causing my acid reflux I have now 

[georgegeorgia]

2 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

 I must admit that I have thought I might give it a break or drop it down to 40mg. I started 20 years ago in the UK - yes to all those side effects but mildly. My father had several strokes so I'm extra cautious. 

You could probably try dropping it down to 40mg 

See how your BP is in a week

 

[BobBKK]

4 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

You could probably try dropping it down to 40mg 

See how your BP is in a week

 

 Yes I'll try that - thank you.

[georgegeorgia]

2 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

 Yes I'll try that - thank you.

Is there any good doctors in Bangkok or wherever you are?

 

[BobBKK]

2 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

Is there any good doctors in Bangkok or wherever you are?

 

 I'll just self medicated and try as you suggest

[retarius]

The medical profession has, despite its incredible hubris, turned out to be wrong about a lot of advice they dole out.  One example is the latest big news is that taking statins to lower LDL don't turn out to have the massive benefits the station manufactures claimed. Turns out that LDL has important roles in the body and that lower isn't always better. 

Heart disease is a major killer of western men but I always wait a few years before incorporating medical advice into my life. Statins are a good example. I am a diabetic and so had a low target. My physician, a specialist in diabetes at a major hospital, put me on Lipitor 80mg plus some anti-triglyceride medication (high trigs are a feature of diabetes. Anyway, I wound up with an LDL of 29 mg/DL,  she told me to cut Lipitor 80mg down to 10mg and I decided she didn't know WTF she was talking about. Some years later I feel vindicated. 

[jayboy]

8 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

140/95?

That's not too bad ,do you even need Blood Medication????

 

I've had a few discussions with doctors in the UK on the subject of BP numbers during annual physicals, one with a rather grand Harley Street specialist.

 

I think I can say they were unanimous that we should aim for 120/80 or lower, and interestingly - because contrary to received wisdom - there should be no particular reason this target should be changed for older people.

 

So  on the above basis, 140/95 isn't really good enough. I accept my information is second hand and  am perfectly happy to be corrected.

 

 

[ignis]

21 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Doctors advice for high BP 

 

Lose a few kilos ,

stay OFF salt , does that even work ?

Exercise cardio walk 

No smoking ,no alcohol 

 

In other words they don't know what lowers blood pressure 

stay OFF salt , does that even work ?

 

Not had added salt since 2015, often do not cook with any salt + No Diet drinks, red meat maybe 1 x week > but that was because I was Stage 5  CKD in 2015,  [unless I got it down would be on dialysis 3 x week for rest of life ] appears to work for Kidney problems because I have been down to Stage 3 CKD since 2017

 

no alcohol  > not any since 1991

[georgegeorgia]

4 minutes ago, ignis said:

stay OFF salt , does that even work ?

 

Not had added salt since 2015, often do not cook with any salt + No Diet drinks, red meat maybe 1 x week > but that was because I was Stage 5  CKD in 2015,  [unless I got it down would be on dialysis 3 x week for rest of life ] appears to work for Kidney problems because I have been down to Stage 3 CKD since 2017

 

no alcohol  > not any since 1991

 CKD is kidney disease ?

What blood pressure medication do you take 

[ignis]

As Sheryl suggested  upped my dosage from 25 mg to 50mg  = very tired all the time

 

Now BP is 167/68     1st one to high ? second one to low ?

[ignis]

4 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

 CKD is kidney disease ?

What blood pressure medication do you take 

CKD is kidney disease ?  YES

BP med's at moment   LO sar tan

[Gottfrid]

On 8/3/2024 at 3:51 PM, georgegeorgia said:

Why ? Because it gives me energy and power for the gym,it makes me feel muscle strong 

Yeah, and that is all more important than your general health. Why not lower your weights while training and get a natural result that promotes great health.

Sorry that I can not help with more advice. The reason for that is I found no shop or online store that sells higher IQ to recommend.

[Presnock]

On 8/10/2024 at 2:27 PM, ignis said:

Hospitals - Nurses - Drs appear all the same, you must have xyz BP reading..

 

The Hospital I use > arrive take a number sit and wait have waited for over 1 hour to get the paperwork > then all of 12 steps to the main waiting room at the door a nurse grabs you and MUST take BP + weight even if you have been there a day or so before..

If BP is over 168 then along come a bed and porter and you must lay there for 1 hour, if it has not gone down then another nurse comes with tablets you must take [more pills [refused to take as no idea what they were] this is before having blood work done and seeing a Dr.....  I cheated many times and took a BP pill before going to Hospital....  Silly.. > Dr told me to stop taking BP meds and go back the following week to see, I did not cheat so BP was over 200 = bed = 1 hr = still the same = wheeled into A&E at least spoke to a proper Dr and explained why

 

How can anyone get the correct Mrd's if the only way to see the Dr is to cheat  there BP machine ??

What I think is ridiculous in the BP checks whenever I go to the doctor's office, dentist's office or whatever, Harvard Heart specialist recommend 5 minutes of inactivity, meaning no changing rooms, seats, talking with nurses, doctors, etc, before actually doing the check.  Almost every time I go, they keep moving me just before doing the check then sayiing oh it is a tad high we better wait, should have waited before.  Then finally I notice now, they have a portable bp 

maching on wheels, they come around to the waiting area and one doesn't have to get up, they hook you up and tnen come back in 5-10 minutes and wow, they always say now looking good.  I have for over 30 years monitored my own BP and have never had a problem, using different monitors.  I even have a couple of coffees prior to many of those checks and the level remain well in the good category. 

  I do hope all realize how diet and exercise do affect BP and also those nasty genes from your ancestors too.  Good luck to all and good health too.

[georgegeorgia]

7 hours ago, ignis said:

As Sheryl suggested  upped my dosage from 25 mg to 50mg  = very tired all the time

 

Now BP is 167/68     1st one to high ? second one to low ?

I think you need to change blood pressure medication 

That is too high , 

You may have to see a specialist doctor,you can't go on like that 

What other factors are contributing?

Weight? No exercise?

[DavisH]

On 8/13/2024 at 8:06 AM, KannikaP said:

Did you change from the C C Blocker to the ARB immediatly, stop one and start the other the next day please?

Yea, I asked the doctor I waned to changed and he was fine with it. I just changed over. On that very first night I slept soundly and didn't wake up till the morning. I use olmetech (the arb). 20 mg at night time along with a statin. I don't have any  obvious side effects but it's important to get regular blood tests to check on kidney and liver function. I'm a bit fatigued on occasion but maybe I'm just a lazy sod. lol.